FLYCT

My new to me 2008 SC430 only came with one master key with remote and one valet key.

I purchased one additional master remote key, precut for $188. and two master keys without remotes precut for $47 each from Sewel Lexus web site using the club Lexus discount. They needed a copy of my registration showing vin number and that I was the owner.

I tried dozens of times to program the keys via the instructions on the web and was not successful. Today I brought the car to the local Lexus dealer for oil change ($45) and program the 3 new keys ($60 = 1/2 hour labor).

Dealer would not program eBay keys but would program keys purchased from any other Lexus dealer.

JR

FlopTop04

I was in the same situation when I got my 2004 SC430 a few months ago. Previous owner only had one
master and one valet key. The master's shell was cracked and glued back together.

Calling around, I found that the local Lexus and Toyota dealers do not cut their own keys, but instead
order them from "the warehouse" using the key code for the cut. Also checked with many local locksmiths
and none of them had the capability of cutting a laser-cut or worm-cut key. Closest one was in the Bronx
and he wouldn't cut someone else's blade on his machine. For about the same price as the dealer he would
supply, cut and program the new master key ( $225 ).

I bought a used SC430 master key off EBay for $43. I couldn't use the already cut blade but I wanted the
control assy inside. I bought two pre-cut Flip blade three button shells from another seller for $47.
Being the third owner, I was never given the "key code" and my Lexus dealer didn't seem to interested
in obtaining it for me, they would just get the keys for me. The cut on the Fip keys was made using
pictures of my current working key and the factory code was supplied along with the keys. The keys fit
perfectly! Also got two CR1632 batteries.

The first Flip key was easy. Just removed the guts, replaced the battery and installed it in the Flip Key.
The second key was a bit harder. Did the same thing with removing the guts, new battery and install in
the Flip Key shell. Programming it was time consuming. I did it in reverse order, remote keyless entry
first. Wanted to be sure the keyless portion on the used part worked before adding another transponder
chip to the cars ignition immobilizer. The instructions I found on this site were accurate for my 2004
SC430 and worked well. Your dealers price of $60 to program the keys was very reasonable.

This site is amazing and has a wealth of info. Aside from saving cash and a couple of trips to the dealer
with the keys, I was able to get the drivers side memory seat working in a few minutes ( after the dealer
told me it needed a new door switch assy for $400 ), found and cleaned the smog filter, smoothed out the
throttle with a MASS air flow sensor cleaning, upgrade from Gen 2/3 navigation to Gen 4 and many other tips
that will come in handy in the future.

FLYCT

One other thing I didn't mention.

I bought a precut OEM Lexus key remote shell online from Sewell Lexus Parts for $70. I popped in the remote control guts from my old master key and worked like a charm. No programming needed.

JR

mrblister

Correct battery for the fob remote electronics is CR 1616.

The CR1632 batterys are to thick you wont be able to close the back of the electronics case

ljk233

I lost my master key. I purchased another online and I am wondering if my dealer will program it for me. They already cut the actual key, just needs programming. Anyone that can provide some ideas of how to get this done without mortgaging my home, i would be greatly appreciative. I have a sc400/1998

FLYCT

You posted in the SC430 Forum.

Since you have a 1998 SC400 you will get better info if you start a new thread in the SC400 Forum, as there are differences between the models.

JR

tfeni52355

My wife broke off the key from the key fob on her SC430 key. I had already Superglued my key since it had cracked.

I used the Spare Car Keys site and ordered two replacement keys from them. Cost was $109.00 total, delivered. My electronics were working fine. I put new batteries in and now have two new keys for lots less than the Lexus dealer.

http://sparecarkeys.com/product_info...products_id=93

I had to provide my Key Code from my Emergency Key to have the keys cut.

They work great.

PS. They will cut the key from the VIN# if you want but it will cost more and you probably will need to show proof of ownership.