help re replacement master key and alerting owners to substandard Lexus attitude to owners of 'old' models

[open top]

Hi,

Any help from SC430 or general lexus mechanics/electrics gurus would be greatly appreciated.

Got a 2007 SC430.

Master key was stolen and destroyed. Now using subordinate key supplied when purchased from main dealer.

Was quoted OEM part repacement- lockset, ecu, keys via main dealer, but told 'due to age' these parts are no longer available. Confirmed this myself with multiple authorised dealers. For a 15 year old car purchased as Lexus used approved which was only discontinued 12 years ago!!!!!!!!!!

Very, very unhappy with Lexus the company.

Aside from the issue Lexus UK are still selling dealer approved used, warranted SC430's when they cannot/will not service these cars properly and so far appear to take the tough luck, not our prpblem attitude to owners as being substandard and not what I would expect of allegedly gold standard customer service I am stuck with a replacement master key problem. Lexus UK technical department are apparently looking into this, but based on prior attitude I am not anticipating much of use and will probably need to solve this myself without any useful input from Lexus UK technical.

As the entire locket and ECU requires replacement to get functionality of the master key it looks like my only option is to source used parts and replace existing with like for like.

I am assuming the car has several ECUs for different functions and the replacement parts quoted are the just the keys, locks and lock ECU. If anyone can enlighten me I would be grateful.

Does anybody know if pre 2007 facelift keys and lock ECU will work exactly the same as 2007 facelift and can just be swopped?

Would the same apply to used parts sourced from overseas, eg US or far east market SC430's?

As many parts are interchangeable on models would lock ECU etc be transplantable from another model of similar engineering, just a different body style eg a GS or LS from a similar era?

The part numbers quoted by lexus are M L89661-24760 N/STOCK COMPUTER / ENG and M L69005-24400 N/STOCK CYLINDER & K

These seem to be possible solutions that Lexus UK technical should be giving me except LUKT are not.

So are there any real world Lexus enthusiasts out there that can give any input that would help me?

Alternatively anyone know of any reprogramming solutions to create a new full function master key using the existing lock ECU and subordinate key? I've not found anything so far searching for 'replacement keys' on the LOC site generally.

Finally does anyone know of any currently breaking SC430 parts suppliers other than an eBay search?  

No great surprise that main dealers (even Lexus) only care about selling new or looking after current models, but a bit of a nasty surprise that they are not supplying critical parts for recent models. I can't believe that now if any other of the 70,000 odd SC430 worldwide owners let alone the countless GS and LS owners with 10year + old cars lose something as easily done as a key or some component breaks they are stuffed and the Lexus attitude is basically up yours, we couldn't care or less.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Spacewagon52]

Have you discussed this with a reputable locksmith that supplies car keys? They may have a solution.

 

Just a thought.

[Las Palmas]

Some time between 2007 and 2016 Lexus / Toyota Japan sold the franchise to local people here on the island. Before (we had a Toyota MR2 Spyder) service was flawless.

Now Lexus / Toyota will give fantastic service when buying a new or used car from them, but when you no longer are among the latest of their customers you are screwed; given wrong information and poor-quality service.

There is absolutely no reason a software wizard should not be able to reprogram the alarm system in the cars so replacement keys can be programmed to the car, and probably Lexus Japan has the solution, maybe even software to do it, but unfortunately it just may be best if speaking Japanese to get in touch with the right people.

Some here on the forum tell about the good service Lexus UK give them, so maybe there is one or more still treating their customers like valued customers.

[open top]

Tried that. Apparently the only way to replace a master key I've found so far is to replace complete locket and ECU.

Replacing lost keys sounds like it should be, but is not a simple process on a Lexus and probably most other modern cars.  Cutting and programming a new key from a master key is relatively easy, but without the master key it's a whole different ball game.

It requires parts Lexus should supply for a 12 year old model, but won't.

Hence throwing the problem open to lexus owners with mechanical or electrical expertise in my search for a solution.

[royoftherovers]

Hi R, Sorry to read of your plight.

I suggest that you send an email to Lexus Customer Services."cr@lexus.co.uk"

Try to ask for assistance and adopt a less than a "Bull in a China Shop " approach.

I understand and appreciate your frustration,but please adopt a softer approach and do let us all know how you get on .Thanks.

[Lexiguy]

Hi R

Like Roy I am sorry to hear of your problem and understand how frustrated it must make you feel. 

I am sure there must be a way around it and calm perseverance will win in the end.

You do not say where in Yorkshire you are, I am in Holmfirth and use Lexus Leeds and I am ultra satisfied with them.

They still look after several SC430's with the same courtesy as any other customers who have new cars. The service manager is Jordan Robinson who is a great guy and I have found him to be knowledge about the SC430, honest and give good advice.

I have found that when you use main dealers for service, you then become one of 'their' customers and they will bend over backwards to accomodate you and go the extra mile to resolve issues.

Good luck my friend and I hope you get you the problem resolved.  Please let us know how you get on.

Anthony

[Bob King]

On 9/18/2022 at 5:11 PM, open top said:

Hi,

Any help from SC430 or general lexus mechanics/electrics gurus would be greatly appreciated.

Got a 2007 SC430.

Master key was stolen and destroyed. Now using subordinate key supplied when purchased from main dealer.

Was quoted OEM part repacement- lockset, ecu, keys via main dealer, but told 'due to age' these parts are no longer available. Confirmed this myself with multiple authorised dealers. For a 15 year old car purchased as Lexus used approved which was only discontinued 12 years ago!!!!!!!!!!

Very, very unhappy with Lexus the company.

Aside from the issue Lexus UK are still selling dealer approved used, warranted SC430's when they cannot/will not service these cars properly and so far appear to take the tough luck, not our prpblem attitude to owners as being substandard and not what I would expect of allegedly gold standard customer service I am stuck with a replacement master key problem. Lexus UK technical department are apparently looking into this, but based on prior attitude I am not anticipating much of use and will probably need to solve this myself without any useful input from Lexus UK technical.

As the entire locket and ECU requires replacement to get functionality of the master key it looks like my only option is to source used parts and replace existing with like for like.

I am assuming the car has several ECUs for different functions and the replacement parts quoted are the just the keys, locks and lock ECU. If anyone can enlighten me I would be grateful.

Does anybody know if pre 2007 facelift keys and lock ECU will work exactly the same as 2007 facelift and can just be swopped?

Would the same apply to used parts sourced from overseas, eg US or far east market SC430's?

As many parts are interchangeable on models would lock ECU etc be transplantable from another model of similar engineering, just a different body style eg a GS or LS from a similar era?

The part numbers quoted by lexus are M L89661-24760 N/STOCK COMPUTER / ENG and M L69005-24400 N/STOCK CYLINDER & K

These seem to be possible solutions that Lexus UK technical should be giving me except LUKT are not.

So are there any real world Lexus enthusiasts out there that can give any input that would help me?

Alternatively anyone know of any reprogramming solutions to create a new full function master key using the existing lock ECU and subordinate key? I've not found anything so far searching for 'replacement keys' on the LOC site generally.

Finally does anyone know of any currently breaking SC430 parts suppliers other than an ebay search?  

No great surprise that main dealers (even Lexus) only care about selling new or looking after current models, but a bit of a nasty surprise that they are not supplying critical parts for recent models. I can't believe that now if any other of the 70,000 odd SC430 worldwide owners let alone the countless GS and LS owners with 10year + old cars lose something as easily done as a key or some component breaks they are stuffed and the Lexus attitude is basically up yours, we couldn't care or less.

Many thanks in advance.

 

Just an observation but when the SC430 was new it came with 3 keys two black and one grey . Is the only key you have a 3 button black key ?

 

[Neil E]

 

'Master key was stolen and destroyed. Now using subordinate key supplied when purchased from main dealer.'

Was the car supplied to you by a Lexus main dealer without a master key or are you saying this is an original secondary key that was supplied with the car originally? 

'I am stuck with a replacement master key problem. Lexus UK technical department are apparently looking into this, but based on prior attitude I am not anticipating much of use and will probably need to solve this myself without any useful input from Lexus UK technical.'

In my experience Lexus and Toyota dealers do care about customers with older cars. If they are looking into it, I would give the Lexus techs a few days to respond and then explore other solutions if they say they really can't help. If Lexus can't produce a master key with all of the car's details and they didn't explain that before selling you the car then that should be reported to Lexus UK.  

And finally if that really doesn't work out, before resorting to swapping lock barrels and ECUs, speak to these guys via the Shepton Mallet contact details as they have encountered the key programming issue in their remapping process and can apparently overcome it so they may have a solution for if the original master key is not present.       

[ColinBarber]

On 9/18/2022 at 5:11 PM, open top said:

Would the same apply to used parts sourced from overseas, eg US or far east market SC430's?

No. Certainly not from the US as they use a different RF frequency for remote keys compared to the 433 MHz we use in Europe. 

[Lexiguy]

This feed has got me thinking.

My car was supplied with one black 3 button key and one grey two button key.

If when new they were supplied with two black ones and a grey one, so, which is the master?

Thanks Ant

[oneflewover]

All,

Don't know if it will solve the OP but I had a more modern folding key made from one of the 3 button type keys posted above. They were very helpful and professional. Worth a call?

Leeds Lock Centre

01132259388

[royoftherovers]

6 hours ago, Lexiguy said:

This feed has got me thinking.

My car was supplied with one black 3 button key and one grey two button key.

If when new they were supplied with two black ones and a grey one, so, which is the master?

Thanks Ant

I guess the Black 3 buutton key Ant. Do tell us the answer if you receive an authorative response.

[Lexiguy]

11 hours ago, Bob King said:

Just an observation but when the SC430 was new it came with 3 keys two black and one grey . Is the only key you have a 3 button black key ?

 

 

41 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

I guess the Black 3 buutton key Ant. Do tell us the answer if you receive an authorative response.

If the above is true what defines which black key is the master key or are there two master keys? 

[royoftherovers]

5 hours ago, Lexiguy said:

 

If the above is true what defines which black key is the master key or are there two master keys? 

I`ve had my guess Ant, just tell us what you discover via an authoritative source. You could try Lexus Customer /RelationsServices at    cr@lexus.co.uk

[Bob King]

6 hours ago, Lexiguy said:

 

If the above is true what defines which black key is the master key or are there two master keys? 

Both black keys do the same job, from memory the grey doesn’t open the glove box.

My first SC430 (2003 model) only had one key, so following advise from other Lexus forums, I purchased a used 3 button key from eBay, also purchased a new blank key.

Took car and keys to automotive locksmith, he cut the key, reprogrammed the guts from the used key, carried out the procedure with a mix of door open then shut, ignition on/off, foot on brake etc….was a 8-10 part process and all done for £75.00…..note that’s  2016 prices 👍🏻
      What goes against you now is finding a used key and a auto locksmith that’s  familiar with close too 20-year-old technology ☹️

[Localhero]

Apologies I may be talking nonsense here but there appears to be several companies who can make up keys without the master or even with just your vin number just Google Lexus replacement keys! Never used any so cannot give a recommendation   Stew

[Bluemarlin]

If it's similar to other cars, I'd guess the grey one is a valet key.

[Bob King]

2 hours ago, Localhero said:

Apologies I may be talking nonsense here but there appears to be several companies who can make up keys without the master or even with just your vin number just Google Lexus replacement keys! Never used any so cannot give a recommendation   Stew

I personally wouldn’t go near a company like that, as you have to give them too much car information ….and I’m sure the programming needs to be done using a sequence I mentioned above ….so car also needed .

[Lexiguy]

Yes Bill, the grey is a valet key as it does not unlock the glove box or the lower centre armrest storage box.

Then it appears that either of the 2 black three button keys which are supplied with vehicle can assist in cloning extra keys.

Yes Stew, I have seen the adverts for those " just give us your vehicle details and we will supply fully working keys! " Surely it can't be true or that wouldn't that be criminal? I'm with Bob on that one... don't do it!!!! 😂

[Ken Timbers]

I received three keys when I bought my car. Two were of the black variety and one grey, which is a 'valet' key that won't open locked items (upper console box, glove box and boot). The two black keys seem to be identical in operation. One has a numbered tag attached—I gathered I would have to produce that number if I wanted a new key.

Edited September 21, 2022 by ColinBarber

[ColinBarber]

32 minutes ago, Ken Timbers said:

One has a numbered tag attached

which allows a new physical key to be cut - given this is sensitive information I have edited your post.

[ColinBarber]

On 9/20/2022 at 12:52 AM, Lexiguy said:

If when new they were supplied with two black ones and a grey one, so, which is the master?

3 button black keys are masters which allow other keys to be programmed. In the UK the SC430 was supplied with two masters and one slave/valet (grey) key.

[royoftherovers]

46 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

3 button black keys are masters which allow other keys to be programmed. In the UK the SC430 was supplied with two masters and one slave/valet (grey) key.

Ah ! The authoritative source, thanks Colin.

[Las Palmas]

Ask the right question, give complete info to the right person (Colin) and many problems can disappear.

[royoftherovers]

1 hour ago, Las Palmas said:

Ask the right question, give complete info to the right person (Colin) and many problems can disappear.

Not Rocket Science is it John ?