2004 LS430 Key - cheapest way to get a spare key?

[Yoda400]

Hi Chaps

Just bought a 2003/2004 facelift LS430, it only came with one key (one of those keyless entry/start ones). What would be the cheapest way to get a spare? Can I get one from a scrapper and reprogram the fob part?

Thanks in advance 

[cruisermark]

My local dealer will supply and re-program and additional key for circa £185

You may be able to negotiate a little on this as the programming does no take long -

This was a couple of years ago - Im not sure if an alternative solution is available now as I have not looked recently

 

[The-Acre]

2 hours ago, cruisermark said:

My local dealer will supply and re-program and additional key for circa £185

You may be able to negotiate a little on this as the programming does no take long -

This was a couple of years ago - Im not sure if an alternative solution is available now as I have not looked recently

 

To be honest I don't think that's too bad, I was quoted much more than that for an LS400 key nearly 4 years ago. I don't know of any other way, which doesn't mean there isn't one of course.

[Hadrian]

Unusual to buy a car which only comes with one key, unless it was a private purchase  ?

 

[jonthetourist]

Is your key a master? (3 buttons, one for the boot). If so, an auto locksmith can clone it for you. If nt, you are in for a world of pain, even with main dealer.

[Yoda400]

Hi chaps, thanks for all the comments. The key I am using is a master key going by what you have said jonthetourist. It's got three buttons with clear front bits over the buttons, I have actually found a second key too but it has black bits over the buttons and there are only two buttons on it.

Jon, did you successfully get your master key cloned then? Was it pricey?

Thanks for the info!

 

 

[cruisermark]

Hi well if you have a master key then you’re fine - you could potentially explore the possibility of buying a second hand key and getting a Lexus dealer to program it for you - but that’s at the dealers discretion as they don’t like getting involved with second hand parts.

I have also seen videos on YouTube of Toyota Camry owners programming a smart key using techstream - takes literally seconds - need to do more research me thinks . . . . 

[C Andrew Green]

13 hours ago, Yoda400 said:

Hi chaps, thanks for all the comments. The key I am using is a master key going by what you have said jonthetourist. It's got three buttons with clear front bits over the buttons, I have actually found a second key too but it has black bits over the buttons and there are only two buttons on it.

Jon, did you successfully get your master key cloned then? Was it pricey?

Thanks for the info!

 

 

Is your key like the one pictured? If so provided you have at least one working key and you get the used key erased/virginised TechStream can be used to program the vehicle to recognise it.

When I bought my IS (privately) it only came with one key (risky if it dies or breaks) so I asked around a couple of auto locksmiths and Lexus dealers and none of them were interested in having anything to do with a key they hadn't supplied!

I was lucky enough to find one like this for £45 on FleaBay paid another £10 to have it erased, 10 minutes with TechStream and the very specific instructions (no mobile phones nearby, new key outside vehicle, touch existing key on start button, existing key on back seat then a limited time to put the new key against the start button) took me a couple of goes but I have two functional keys now.

Andrew

[cruisermark]

BTW dont be tempted by keys from the USA - they work on a different frequency and wont work

[Yoda400]

52 minutes ago, C Andrew Green said:

Is your key like the one pictured? If so provided you have at least one working key and you get the used key erased/virginised TechStream can be used to program the vehicle to recognise it.

When I bought my IS (privately) it only came with one key (risky if it dies or breaks) so I asked around a couple of auto locksmiths and Lexus dealers and none of them were interested in having anything to do with a key they hadn't supplied!

I was lucky enough to find one like this for £45 on FleaBay paid another £10 to have it erased, 10 minutes with TechStream and the very specific instructions (no mobile phones nearby, new key outside vehicle, touch existing key on start button, existing key on back seat then a limited time to put the new key against the start button) took me a couple of goes but I have two functional keys now.

Andrew

 

Interesting, thanks for the info. No my key is different. Did you take it somewhere to have it erased? Yes i've heard Techstream can be used to re-programme a key, without all the ignition on/off/open door press brake pedal nonsense! I'll have to try and get a secondhand key from somewhere then!

[C Andrew Green]

16 minutes ago, cruisermark said:

BTW dont be tempted by keys from the USA - they work on a different frequency and wont work

@cruisermark Makes a good point, this guy in his eBay listing for Lexus key erasing services mentions it too....

[C Andrew Green]

20 minutes ago, Yoda400 said:

Interesting, thanks for the info. No my key is different. Did you take it somewhere to have it erased? Yes i've heard Techstream can be used to re-programme a key, without all the ignition on/off/open door press brake pedal nonsense! I'll have to try and get a secondhand key from somewhere then!

@Yoda400 no, I paid the eBay seller I bought mine from another £10 and he got his 'mate' to do it. I initially asked if it had been erased and he wasn't aware of the erasing requirement. I put a link in my previous post to an erasing service. Also make absolutely sure that the part number on the new key precisely matches your existing one.

I guess you'll be prowling eBay now then?

Andrew

[jonthetourist]

16 hours ago, Yoda400 said:

Hi chaps, thanks for all the comments. The key I am using is a master key going by what you have said jonthetourist. It's got three buttons with clear front bits over the buttons, I have actually found a second key too but it has black bits over the buttons and there are only two buttons on it.

Jon, did you successfully get your master key cloned then? Was it pricey?

Thanks for the info!

 

 

That's good news. Once you have a master anyone competent with Techstream can clone it, if you supply a matching key. eBay is your friend there. I got mine done at a service and I don't think it was even a priced item on the list, but I always go to the same guy, who knows what he is doing. (Osaka, Newport)