Nauticalx

Did some searching, cannot seem to get this straight.

Have a 2013 Rx450h with one key. I know I need a dealer or locksmith with proper equipment to code the key. However, is a used key off eBay sufficient, or does a new (virgin) key need to be purchased? My understanding is that the vehicle is itself is programmed to accept the key, so how or why would a used key require any different of a procedure than a new key?

TIA

mandyfig

I have been successful in getting a 2nd key FOB from a Locksmith in PA. Courtesy of a fellow member's recommendation.

He re-programs existing KEY FOBs, "virginizing" them so he can program it to your car.

I did my daughter's RX350's 2nd Key FOB this way. Cost was about $120, which includes cutting a new key. If no key, I think it is about $90. Compare that to ~$400 at least.

If you are interested I can send you the outfit's name and you can deal with them directly. I also got my 2nd Key FOB for my IS350 this way. Having a 2nd Key FOB will bail you out one day.

Once you get a Key FOB, you will need to get this programmed for your car. You will need Techstream.

Nothing that easy, but well worth it.

mandyfig

Here you go:

http://ezautoremote.com/

tn7con

1. Buy a brand new (virgin) Lexus OEM keyfob ~ $109 from ebay
2. To get the laser key cut, send a few good pictures of your existing key to this ebay listing ($14.86)
3. Buy Mini VCI cable w/ Toyota TechStream software on ebay ($15) and program/add the new keyfob to your car yourself

Total cost should be ~ $140 ... or spend $200-300 at your local Lexus dealer...

PS. My local Bellevue, WA Lexus dealer charged me $195 + tax for a new keyfob, programming, including key cut, very reasonable ... so not all Lexus dealers are ripping you off ($300-400) as some reported here ...

Nauticalx

Thanks folks for the responses! Excellent. So I suppose the answer to my question is that the vehicle and the key get some sort of programming. I spoke with exautoremote.com and they said 17.99 for virginizing the key and $35 to cut the key. Then I can program it locally.

I didnt know techstream was so cheap, thank you so much for that. I will probably go the route of programming the unit myself as I also need to program the rear hatch to open when i physically press the button. I have no idea why in the world they factory default this to simply unlock when you touch it. Makes no sense whatsoever to me.

Nauticalx

Could you link me to a listing where I can buy the cable and techstream for $15 ? All i see is the cable but it says compatible with techstream, not including it. Thanks

tn7con

Here's one for $14.99 (32-bit windows)... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-Di...sAAOSwuO5Zim~b

But I recommend this one $15.99, works with 32-bit & 64-bit windows: ... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-Di...0AAOSwOA1Z8KhW

Nauticalx

awesome, thanks! I assume anyone with half a brain and computer skills can follow the instructions and program a virgin remote? or is there a set of instructions I should probably be following?

tn7con

Look at this video for reference ...

Or this one (for newer Camry/Avalon, same process for 3rd gen RX350)

RVH

2010 RX 350, 145,000 miles and runs the same today as the day I bought it, 9.1.2010. But, I've lost the second key fob. I see them advertised for about $100 but they need programming. Has anyone gone through this procedure and did you get it programmed by a locksmith or by the dealer and how much did it cost?

Thanks,
Bob

Breakers

I was quoted about 300 for a replacement key from a place that does it for all cars.

150 to program the fob, 100 for fob and 45 to cut the key.

Dealer prices are about 6-700 for the same work.

tn7con

I had a spare key fob done by my local Seattle Lexus dealer. They charged $175 for the key fob included programming, $10 to cut the new key, with tax total about $205 ...

RX in NC

Any good mobile automotive locksmith can come to your home or workplace and cut/program a new key fob there. Prices vary depending upon exactly what style key you need, so Google the phrase "mobile automotive locksmiths" in your area, check the reviews, make some calls, and shop around. Had to do this for my 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R which came with only one key fob when I purchased the vehicle in November 2015. Cost me about $165 for a new key fob and the associated programming. The Subaru dealership quoted twice that price and I would have had to bring the vehicle to them. The new key fob continues to function perfectly.

mandyfig

The mobile Locksmith seems to be a reasonable one stop and shop option. Suggest that you spend time calling these services and ask for estimates. These guys are busy. If the rates given here are real, not really that bad, especially if you just sit and wait and not drive to them.

dblam65

Just bought a 2011 RX350 yesterday. It has only one remote control key. What is the best way and cost saving way to get a second remote control key? Does it has to be programmed by Lexus dealer?
How much do I expect to spend?

Thanks.