RX300 New Key Programmed

[Delphius1]

When I got my RX300 I only got one key with it. So, I decided to research getting a speare key sorted for it. The internet is a lovely resource and found you can do it quite cheaply if you are canny.

So, the first step in the process was getting a used key (I preferred a genuine Lexus key with Lexus electronics rather than an aftermarket one) complete with electronics off eBay. I got one off eBay for £24.95.

Critically it has to have the same markings to have any chance of working. My key has CE0123! CLBT/C/245/2002 DENSO 1512V on the back, so I chose a key with the same markings on eBay.

Then I needed a new key blank. I went for one of the 3-button flip fob cases on eBay rather than exactly the same key. That was £3.95.

Getting the key blade cut was a tenner*. Then I fitted the electronics in the new key.

Now for the technical bit: Using techstream to program the car to accept the new key. Easily done.

And finally the "insert the key twice, open the door, close the door twice etc" bit to get the central locking part of the fob working. Done (after getting the timing right on door opening, key entry and button presses: it took 5 attempts to get it all synchronised so it worked).

So now I have a spare key for around £40. I'm a happy bunny.

* There is a bit of a saga involved in the key cutting. I had to buy a pair of spare blades for £3 after the first two people I asked messed up the key cutting. The first Timpsons I went to actually cut completely through the key blade and messed it up, the second place (a car key specialist) used a computer to cut the key but the cutting seemed to be out by a millimetre so the key didn't work. I finally went to a Timpsons where a young lad gave me all the usual caveats (may not work because it's not our key blah blah) but still had a bash when I said fine. He cut the key on a simple jig and voila! It worked the lock.

[katabrontes]

Can you give me the link you used to program the key for central locking etc?  I have tried several methods and could not get any to work.  I have got the key to start the car using a plug in module to do this but the central locking has still defeated me.

Regards

Mike

[cruisermark]

Hi Mark is the the key a smart key?

What version of techstream are you using?

[Herbie]

20 minutes ago, Delphius1 said:

There is a bit of a saga involved in the key cutting. I had to buy a pair of spare blades for £3 after the first two people I asked messed up the key cutting. The first Timpsons I went to actually cut completely through the key blade and messed it up, the second place (a car key specialist) used a computer to cut the key but the cutting seemed to be out by a millimetre so the key didn't work

Or, you could have just used this guy on eBay who will supply a key already cut from a photo of your existing key and then you just put your electronics in the case.

[Herbie]

30 minutes ago, katabrontes said:

Can you give me the link you used to program the key for central locking etc?  I have tried several methods and could not get any to work.  I have got the key to start the car using a plug in module to do this but the central locking has still defeated me.

Regards

Mike

This topic gives the instructions, but note that timing is everything 😁

 

 

[Delphius1]

1 hour ago, cruisermark said:

Hi Mark is the the key a smart key?

What version of techstream are you using?

Hi, if by smart key to mean keyless start, then no. It's just the normal 3 button ignition key. I used version 10.

[Delphius1]

1 hour ago, Herbie said:

Or, you could have just used this guy on eBay who will supply a key already cut from a photo of your existing key and then you just put your electronics in the case.

I have a bit of an issue giving someone I don't know details of how to get into my car and an address where the car is located overnight. :-)

But that's just me.

[Delphius1]

1 hour ago, katabrontes said:

Can you give me the link you used to program the key for central locking etc?  I have tried several methods and could not get any to work.  I have got the key to start the car using a plug in module to do this but the central locking has still defeated me.

Regards

Mike

I used the video below and followed what he did. The techstream bit was straightforward, but doing the door close/open and press the lock/unlock button thing on the keyfob was a bit hit and miss. I had to have a few goes before I got the timing right. The lock unlock cycle of the doors after opening closing the doors was slower than I expected and certainly slower than on the video. Also pressing the lock unlock button and then the lock button on the fob needs to happen I think within 3-5 seconds. Iit seemed I was too slow the first few times.

Once I got the timing right, it worked.

 

[Delphius1]

One thing to note is that the timings of the operation after doing the door open-close thing was different on my RX.

On the video after the door open/close stuff, the central locking locks/unlocks the doors straight away. On my Rx the timing was more like Lock..2..3..unlock.

Then I could press the lock/unlock button on the fob for a second and then within 3-5 seconds press another key on the fob.

That was the tricky thing.

At first the doors locked and then I pressed the key straight away...fail.

Then I realised, so waited for them to unlock and pressed the lock/unlock buttons on the fob for too long... fail.

So, try again. Waited for the door locks, then pressed the lock/unlock buttons for a second and then took too long before I pressed the lock button...fail.

Then finally I waited for the doors to lock..2..3..unlock... then pressed the lock/unlock buttons on the fob for a second and straight away pressed the lock button.. success!

As Herbie says above, timing is everything. :-)

 

So the programming goes something like this. (I did it at the speed you can read this text, it didn't work if I took my time like the video):

Sit in car with drivers door closed

Open drivers door.

Key in ignition, key out of ignition, key in ignition, key out of ignition

Close drivers door, open drivers door, close drivers door, open drivers door,

Key in ignition, key out of ignition,

Close drivers door, open drivers door, close drivers door, open drivers door,

Key in ignition, close drivers door, turn ignition to on (lights on dash), turn ignition off and remove key

Central locking locks doors... wait for doors to unlock,

Press lock & unlock buttons on key fob for a second, release, then press lock button

Central locking should lock/unlock.

Key is now programmed: open drivers door to cancel programming mode.

 

 

 

 

[katabrontes]

Thank you Mark for your very helpful comments and advice and especially for the precise and detailed notes on the critical timings.  I will print this out and work from it in the car.

I will have another go when we get back to UK in March