Heh, looks like the raiased numbers on my visa card caused a bit of mis measurement. On totally flat cards, its 3 cards thick. It is basically barely thicker than the battery inside. Function wise, works the same as the regular fob minus the buttons. Anything you can do with the regular remote in your pocket, you can do with the cc fob.

Here's a couple pics to give you an idea of size.

 

Thx for confirmation and pix, I think it will work for me....
Now, gotta get it programmed and key cut. Sewell site claims you can program yourself with instructions, I have a question into them on where u get the instructions. thx again!

 

I'm thinking you might want to reconsider posting your VISA numbers on a public web site...

 

Gah, I knew I forgot something. Photo now fixed.

 

My sister has had 2 2013 RX 350s. One day she couldn't find the keys, she looked everywhere. She then went to her car, and the key fob was sitting in the middle console. The car locked itself. I asked her if it beeped when you walked away, and she said yes. So the car locked anyways. She didn't know why it was beeping her first smart key equipped car.


So yes! The 2013 RX can lock the keys inside the car!

 

Did she use buttons on a 2nd key fob to lock the car? Is the vehicle set to auto-lock itself?
Tapping the door handle will not lock the car with a key inside.

 

Interesting.... I also locked my 2nd FOB in the car, by using my main FOB button. I see Vlads point about locking via the dimple, maybe it is more fail safe...

More investigation on the cc FOB...as this thread may be accessed via the archives for some time. Sewell tech. advised me, the cc key for the cc FOB will not fit my 13 RX, wrong blank. I can only assume they changed the blank mid year, no info if this will ever be corrected, or updated from Lexus. Also, lots of information regarding programing these cc FOBs yourself, I assume that is old information, as Sewell tech claims the Lexus notes say, Dealership ONLY programing. Dealer quote for cc FOB + key + programming = $540. Costly gadget. Bummed out about the "no key" issue. As always, the more you dig, the more "gotcha's" that surface.

 

I believe those gotchas are just misinformation.
I just compared my '13RX key to '03 IS key and the template is the same. I even tried the RX key in the IS and it fits. Now, the '03 IS key is the same is '01 I had before. I'm fairly certain it is the same as 90s Lexus keys.
I'm going out on a limb here and assume the key design has not changed in the last 20 years or so.
Therefore, if the credit card key blank is made for a Lexus, the blank should be just fine.

Now, as far as programming instructions, it may be a matter of finding the right sequence of things to do online. The smart key system is not limited to the RX or even Lexus. Denso makes the same system for all Toyota vehicles across the board. The '10 Prius I owned had the same type of physical key and very similar FOB, just much lighter. I would start searching online to see what the programming of other models involves.
Worst comes to worst, if you have a good relationship with your local dealer, they may program it for free.

P.S.
I would also search if the credit card FOB device is available for a Toyota vehicle. Maybe it'll cost less.

 

Unless it was added very recently, I don't think the CC fob is available on any Toyota models. My understanding was that this was only on the Lexus models, much like the HUD.

 

Vlad...the Sewell rep learned this the hard way, as they failed at being able to cut a key. They have a VIN look-up, which gives the dealer the blank type. My VIN uses a blank, which does NOT match the bank in the cc FOB. They seem like a reliable source, and the rep was knowledgeable. So maybe its not mis information, but surely, hard to find information. My guess is, this is a recent change, and the accessories have not yet caught up.?
As for programing, u might be right, but I searched google pretty intensely and could not find any program instructions. Sewell claimed in the previous cars, owner could program the FOB, but not in the 13RX. I have no idea why.... they realize I was not from their area, so no loss of sale.
The dealer I just bought the car from, South County Lexus, $80 to program...no freebies out there... :-(
IF anyone finds info regarding program, pls do advise...

 

Bert, I removed the circuit board from the FOB, removed the battery, held the board in my hand near the door handle, and the locked car would not acknowledge the presence of the board. No puddle lights, no unlocking.

 

Ah, there you go. THANK YOU for the research. The FOB requires the battery to make the connection with the proximity sensor.

 

Here is a thread I stumbled on that may be helpful.
The keys did not change, it is the locks that have. Looks like newer locks are able to accept keys cut on one side of the blade with the other side flat, while older need both sides cut to work. I'm not sure which type of lock RX has.
On the bright side, the new CC key is thinner than CC key holder that came with my '03 IS, which is slightly thicker than the key it holds. I never used it due to its size.

Loos like Lexus Scan Tool is need to initiate the programming sequence. Things are not as simple as they used to be.

 

The timely article below talks about how smart keys/fobs aren't making us smarter about being locked out. Here's a quote from the article:

"AAA says that while smart fobs are supposed to guard against locking yourself out of the car, there's still several ways for it to happen — such as letting the battery in the fob run down, or putting the fob in a cupholder and forgetting its there . While most models have some kind of warning system should the fob become separated from the car while it's running, those systems aren't foolproof, and most allow the car to keep running in case the battery in the fob dies while the car's on the road."


http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoram...3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

 

Vlad, nice find....
That thread sure makes it clear, only a dealer can program FOB, no problem, plus it gets registered with Lexus, so fair enough. I may hold off though, as I prefer to have the key with the cc FOB, maybe they will make the proper blank soon. Its not just cutting one side or both sides, as per Sewell, its the wrong blank.

DunWkg, thx for that contribution, good test. This creates more value for RES+. Of course, I am assuming if you hold the batteryless FOB next to start button, the engine will still start though, right? At least, that is what dealer explained to me...but....