lammy2012

i only have the valet ket for my SC3. so i just got off the phone with 2 different lexus dealers. basically they told me that i have to get a new ecu. IF the ecu was never replaced before, lexus will cover the cost of it, BUT i have to buy 2 new keys at $250 each plus 2 hours of labor. the total cost will be between $700-$800!!!! if the ecu WAS replaced before, then i'm responsible for the ecu with the keys and labor. niether ofthe parts guys couldgive me a straight answer on how much that costs. one of them told me "probably a couple thousand dollars" !!!!!! WTF?!?!?!?! FOR 2 KEYS?!?!?!?! i also asked if i could just find a totaled SC3 and pull the ecu and take the keys. he said "no, it has to be brand new."

can somebody give me a little helpful advice??

FutureSC

iTrader: (1)

I've heard that some good key makers can figure out the missing cut and put one in there for you on a new key. That's about as helpful as I can be with that though :P good luck

Luxor

iTrader: (15)

Welcome to the world of LEXUS ownership.

imDementeD

iTrader: (7)

...is this for newer sc's?? when i called about a master key they told me $72 and didnt mention anything about having a different ecu etc.... i have a 92 tho idk if that matters.

romycha1

iTrader: (3)

When I use to work at a Toyota dealership, the only time you would need a new ECU is if you lost ALL of the keys.

infiniti24

iTrader: (10)

they should be able to pull up your key by the vin number

JesLet

iTrader: (19)

What ECU is this? Engine ECU?

rpk2012

I think so, but I think its 95 and up cars (at least on the gs) that had a chipped key requiring reprogram.

lammy2012

Sorry, forgot to mention its a 98. All I have is the valet key. I'm guessing the master keys are chipped for theft prevention???

timber1426

Yeah man it does kinda suck. Talk to the dealer about covering the 2 hours too. Im a tech up here in carolina and we have on occasion covered everything but the keys. There really is no way around it. You can't just cut a key and make it work because you have to have a master to allow access to program the immoblisers in the new keys. I say rock the valet. Or get me your vin and i can look it up and tell you if your ecu has been replaced before. PM if you need more help, don't put your vin in the thread. good luck.

lammy2012

i would definately appreciate that man!! i'll pm you the vin as soon as i can. but what about getting a computer and keys from another sc?? is that possible??

romycha1

iTrader: (3)

Yes.. the VIN number will reveal the keycode so they can cut the key... But the VIN has nothing to do with how it's programmed.

timber1426

they can do that all at the dealership. I was just tryin to save you some hassle or callin and dealing with them. If you go with another ecu and keys you will also have to change out the imobiliser ecu, and the trigger around the key cylinder and all your door lock unless you want a bunch of keys hangin around. I honstly haven't ever tried it with the keys and ecu from another car just lookin at it from a technical view point. Let me know if i can help ya.

RyanV

iTrader: (9)

I don't think 1995's had transponder keys, did they?

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

That is a lot of money and work. The Saturn dealership gave me like four keys for $10. Why do Lexus dealerships feel like they have to charge so much for every little thing....