imDementeD

iTrader: (7)

^ think about that for a minute...what comes to mind when you say lexus..and what comes to mind when you say saturn...that should tell you why your four keys were "cheap"

timber1426

Hahahahaha

Dr.Fate

iTrader: (1)

I'm down to one key myself and have a 1jz swap. What can I do? I have a 95

lammy2012

i think you're ok.... from what i gather(someone please correct me if i'm wrong) 97+ have transponders in thier keys and from 96 and older did'nt use transponders.

toy4life86

iTrader: (4)

Im usually on the gs forums but I read this before too Im unsure if i can post this link, but theres companies out there that can reflash the ecu like this one:
http://www.a-1mobilelockandkey.com/l...ngservice.html

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

Ilco FTW

Jonny

SH_JZZ30

iTrader: (1)

It's 98+ that have the transponder in the key and you have to program them.

97 and older don't have this. So you can get a master key for cheap. I got one from Sewell Lexus for my 97 for about $47 shipped already cut.


So in the future, if anyone buys a 98+ Lexus, make sure it comes with at least one master key. That way you can get another and be able to program it.

Also if your buying a 98+ Lexus without a master key, you should be able to offer a much lower price because of the money needed to change everything over.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I know man. You've got a point there, but these cars are so old that you think it'd be a little bit cheaper after close to two decades of being around. What about taking the key to a Toyota dealership? I've heard of people on the forums ordering Lexus parts through their Toyota dealership?

aka paco

iTrader: (15)

true that, i was just about to say my 97 doesn't have a transponder..

toy4life86

iTrader: (4)

Well The OP says he has a 98 Does anyone know of a person that reflashed I posted that as an option I think if you can take out your ecu and send it in its a cheaper option

Klaus

iTrader: (1)

These keys are a lexus only part. No toyotas came with laser cut keys as the lexus's are. No way around it. The transponder thing sucks though, I'm really surprised that's what it takes. I can understand though why it would be very risky to allow a key to be programmed just by the VIN. I don't know if we're supposed to post ebay links but I think this will really help you out:

"You are buying a complete set of locks removed from a 1999 lexus SC300, buyer will get everything you see in the picture....which included

* BOTH door locks
* rear trunk lock
* igntion cylinder lock
* dash glove box lock
* fuel door/trunk release lock
* main computer ECU
* Master Key"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-00...Q5fAccessories


That seems like a great option for you. Obviously some DIY labor involved on your part but it seems worth it.

lammy2012

thats a much cheaper possibility.... good lookin out!!

t66sc3

iTrader: (2)

I though there was a separate body control module in the newer scs but i guess its built into the ecm. I was in the same boat as the op but i had the master key just the fob fell out of it somewhere at work when the back cracked, so i ended up buying a izuzu transponder and having it flashed to the ecu as lexus ones were over $100 and i think i paid under 10 for the same denso part with the same transponder codes

kaban1993

I have the same exact problem on my 98 sc 300. I only have the valet key. I went to the dealership because Im not able to open my trunk with the valet, so they took the vin and said that they can cut a key but it wont work because it has to be programmed. The only way you can program it is either if you have a master key or you need a new ecu. In this case i need the ecu and it costs $1200 and like you said if 2 keys are bought and labor is paid for, the ecu is free. My advice to you is call more dealers and find the cheapest one. The cheapest deal I found at a lexus dealer so far was $180 per key and $178 labor.

EUROJulian

Lots of sour comments in this thread. Toyota put immobilizers into those cars to deter theft. It works well as a system and that is main point.