The Problems We Have With Keys!

[Saraj]

Hello,

Right I got just one key for the is200, its a three button key, which i'm assuming is the master? Am i correct in this?

I've read around that buying a blank key off eBay and getting it cut?

do these key come with the componenets inside? or do i have to buy this separatly and where from?

Any advise welcome, defo need to sort out another key

Thanks

Saj

[sparkystav]

Most of the blank keys you buy off eBay are just shells so you'll need to buy a precut key with the buttons and then put the buttons in the new shell and reprogram it for your car.

Reprogramming isnt hard, theres instructions on the site.

Stav

[Saraj]

Most of the blank keys you buy off Ebay are just shells so you'll need to buy a precut key with the buttons and then put the buttons in the new shell and reprogram it for your car.

Reprogramming isnt hard, theres instructions on the site.

Stav

Thanks for that, I am assuming a pre-cut key with buttons would be available from Lexus or anywhere else? and at what cost?

Yeah been looking at the shells on eBay, so might buy one of those.

Thanks

[kam05]

As Stav says, you need to do the following to make a spare key:

1. Buy a pre-cut key (with fob/transponder) from eBay. Remove the fob/transponder from the pre-cut key and bin the pre-cut key.

2. Buy a blank key from eBay and install the fob/transponsder into the blank key.

3. Get the blank key cut (Find a local specialist as Timpsons can't cut Lexus keys, this is what I was told).

4. To program the newly cut key use the instructions on the forum, user 84Stoney has created a guide on how to program a new key.

Try and avoid going to Lexus for a new key, as they are very expensive (I was quoted £300 for a spare key, parts and labour- this was a few years ago)

[Saraj]

As Stav says, you need to do the following to make a spare key:

1. Buy a pre-cut key (with fob/transponder) from ebay. Remove the fob/transponder from the pre-cut key and bin the pre-cut key.

2. Buy a blank key from ebay and install the fob/transponsder into the blank key.

3. Get the blank key cut (Find a local specialist as Timpsons can't cut Lexus keys, this is what I was told).

4. To program the newly cut key use the instructions on the forum, user 84Stoney has created a guide on how to program a new key.

Try and avoid going to Lexus for a new key, as they are very expensive (I was quoted £300 for a spare key, parts and labour- this was a few years ago)

thanks for that ! much appreicated, onto eBay now !

[Steviewevie]

Right I got just one key for the is200, its a three button key, which i'm assuming is the master? Am i correct in this?

On my 1999 IS200, when I insert a non-master key into the ignition, the security light comes on briefly. When I insert a master key, the security light does not come on.

[Saraj]

Right I got just one key for the is200, its a three button key, which i'm assuming is the master? Am i correct in this?

On my 1999 IS200, when I insert a non-master key into the ignition, the security light comes on briefly. When I insert a master key, the security light does not come on.

will check that today, nice one

[Steviewevie]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that your key is indeed a master. If it's not, you're pretty much screwed !

[Saraj]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that your key is indeed a master. If it's not, you're pretty much screwed !

lol was thinking the exact same thing

[sparkystav]

i dont think its a huge problem with master keys etc.

I've now programmed two three button keys and a two button key into my car.

Also the two button key, actually has three buttons, just the one for the boot release is covered, but if you press the cover still works!

[Saraj]

i dont think its a huge problem with master keys etc.

I've now programmed two three button keys and a two button key into my car.

Also the two button key, actually has three buttons, just the one for the boot release is covered, but if you press the cover still works!

a hidden feature on the key lol

[84Stoney]

As Stav says, you need to do the following to make a spare key:

1. Buy a pre-cut key (with fob/transponder) from ebay. Remove the fob/transponder from the pre-cut key and bin the pre-cut key.

2. Buy a blank key from ebay and install the fob/transponsder into the blank key.

3. Get the blank key cut (Find a local specialist as Timpsons can't cut Lexus keys, this is what I was told).

4. To program the newly cut key use the instructions on the forum, user 84Stoney has created a guide on how to program a new key.

Try and avoid going to Lexus for a new key, as they are very expensive (I was quoted £300 for a spare key, parts and labour- this was a few years ago)

That's the way to do it.

Programming instructions are pinned in the IS200 section of the forum. Any issues, PM me.

I have a pre-cut key spare (internal electronics is the only bit ya need), think is a two button, but I have used it as a master! PM me if interested, I'll have to find it!

I think I also have a flip-out style blank case, though with holes for three button internals. If anyone is interested, I'll check them out and post a thread.

On my 1999 IS200, when I insert a non-master key into the ignition, the security light comes on briefly. When I insert a master key, the security light does not come on.

I beleive this is the conclusive test for all IS200 (others Lexus too, I think.)

[Saraj]

As Stav says, you need to do the following to make a spare key:

1. Buy a pre-cut key (with fob/transponder) from ebay. Remove the fob/transponder from the pre-cut key and bin the pre-cut key.

2. Buy a blank key from ebay and install the fob/transponsder into the blank key.

3. Get the blank key cut (Find a local specialist as Timpsons can't cut Lexus keys, this is what I was told).

4. To program the newly cut key use the instructions on the forum, user 84Stoney has created a guide on how to program a new key.

Try and avoid going to Lexus for a new key, as they are very expensive (I was quoted £300 for a spare key, parts and labour- this was a few years ago)

That's the way to do it.

Programming instructions are pinned in the IS200 section of the forum. Any issues, PM me.

I have a pre-cut key spare (internal electronics is the only bit ya need), think is a two button, but I have used it as a master! PM me if interested, I'll have to find it!

I think I also have a flip-out style blank case, though with holes for three button internals. If anyone is interested, I'll check them out and post a thread.

On my 1999 IS200, when I insert a non-master key into the ignition, the security light comes on briefly. When I insert a master key, the security light does not come on.

I beleive this is the conclusive test for all IS200 (others Lexus too, I think.)

phew, yeah its a master just checked on my lunch break lol

Yeah would be very interested in the pre-cut key and the flip out ones, cause i like those styles, the flip out one would i need the same things as with the standard ones?

[84Stoney]

the flip out one would i need the same things as with the standard ones?

Yep. Internals and blade cutting required as before.

[Paradroid]

What if you only have one key and it's not the master? What can you do then?

I've only got one key with my car, I don't think the security light comes on, will have to check though. Knowing my luck it will not be the master!

[Saraj]

What if you only have one key and it's not the master? What can you do then?

I've only got one key with my car, I don't think the security light comes on, will have to check though. Knowing my luck it will not be the master!

ive read on here, that you have to replace the ECU???

[kam05]

What if you only have one key and it's not the master? What can you do then?

I've only got one key with my car, I don't think the security light comes on, will have to check though. Knowing my luck it will not be the master!

If your key has 3 buttons on it, then you have a master key. From a master key you can add new keys. If your key has 2 buttons, then this is not a master key, it is probably a valet key- you can't add new keys if you have a 2 button key, this means new ecu, locks and keys- Lexus will charge £2k to replace these items.

[Steviewevie]

If your key has 3 buttons on it, then you have a master key. From a master key you can add new keys. If your key has 2 buttons, then this is not a master key, it is probably a valet key

I'm not sure that's definitively true. You can programme two-button keys as masters.

I think that the only way to tell for sure is to check the security light when you put the key in. Either that, or try to see if you can programme other keys with it - although this latter test isn't so good because it takes a while an/or you might not be doing right, and sometimes it doesn't work first time anyway and you need to keep trying ...

[kam05]

If your key has 3 buttons on it, then you have a master key. From a master key you can add new keys. If your key has 2 buttons, then this is not a master key, it is probably a valet key

I'm not sure that's definitively true. You can programme two-button keys as masters.

Perhaps a Autolocksmith/specialist can program a 2 button key to work as a master key, but I have read that you can only add additional keys if you have a 3 button master key (applies to Toyota/Lexus cars).

[Paradroid]

I'm not sure that's definitively true. You can programme two-button keys as masters.

I thought the car came with three keys.

1. Master key - three button

2. Normal key - three button

3. Valet key - two button

meaning that it is possible to have a three button key that is not the master, as you say. You could have key 2 in my example.

[Steviewevie]

Perhaps a Autolocksmith/specialist can program a 2 button key to work as a master key, but I have read that you can only add additional keys if you have a 3 button master key (applies to Toyota/Lexus cars).

No, sorry, what I meant was that if you have a master (whether that's a 2-button or 3-button master) then you can programme other keys. You're right that if you don't have a master then you can't programme other keys.

What I was trying to say is that just because your key has 2 or 3 buttons that doesn't necessarily mean you can tell what sort of key it is.

[Paradroid]

I'm not sure that's definitively true. You can programme two-button keys as masters.

I thought the car came with three keys.

1. Master key - three button

2. Normal key - three button

3. Valet key - two button

meaning that it is possible to have a three button key that is not the master, as you say. You could have key 2 in my example.

Thinking about it, I'm wrong here aren't I? Both the three button keys supplied with the car are master keys aren't they?

[TonyGoose]

This got me curious so just been and checked all 3 of my keys (2 x 3 button & 1 x 2 button).

Had them all since car was new.

And all 3 act the same - security light goes off when key inserted into ignition.

So seems i'm well burdened with master keys...

Yippee

TG

[Saraj]

whats this one all about?

key

[sparkystav]

whats this one all about?

key

THE KEY THAT IS SENT OUT MAYBE DIFFERENT FROM THE PICTURE BUT WILL STILL BE SUITABLE FOR ALL MODELS LISTED

Thats all, but great price if true!