Lost Car Keys Replacement

All You Need to Know about Car Keys, Programming and more

Program Lexus keys & Remotes – All the information you need to know how to program new Lexus key without the original, how to make a duplicate, which keys you can program yourself, types of keys that need to be coded, costs, tips and more.

Coding Lexus key fobs is necessary to start the vehicle
Coding Lexus key fobs is necessary to start the vehicle

 

Need help coding your key? Call Us Now: 800-223-1453 

Lexus key coding on-site by an automotive locksmith
Lexus key coding on-site by an automotive locksmith

Watch a short video how a locksmith is coding a new Lexus key: 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxWl0nsPtmQ[/embedyt]

 

In this article:

An inside look of Lexus key fob and chip
An inside look of Lexus key fob and chip

Introduction to programming Lexus keys

Lexus key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?

Tips for programming your new key

Lexus key coding on-site by an automotive locksmith
Lexus key coding on-site by an automotive locksmith

How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Lexus remote key made?

Lexus programming procedure – How is it actually done?

2021 Lexus key fob - Require on site coding with a special machine
2021 Lexus key fob – Require on site coding with a special machine

Lexus key programming cost of a replacement key

I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Lexus duplicate key cost

 

Introduction to programming Lexus keys

Most Lexus models, made after 1999 require some type of programming to start the car. That includes transponder keys and remotes or key fobs.

Non-transponder keys, i.e. regular metal keys, don’t require any programming and therefore only need to be cut to start the car.

We will go over the different types of keys and show you a simple way to save a lot of money in case you lost your key or just need a duplicate made.

The process of making a new key to start the car involved, basically, two phases:

 

A. Cutting a new key :

"Blank" Uncut Lexus key - Needs to be cut and programmed (key fob)
“Blank” Uncut Lexus key – Needs to be cut and programmed (key fob)

 

That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position”. For key fobs, that means cutting the emergency key to match your door cylinders so you will be able to unlock the doors and trunk with it in case the key fob’s battery dies. You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you. Keep in mind, you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.

"Blank" uncut Lexus key - Needs to be cut and programmed (transponder chip key)
“Blank” uncut Lexus key – Needs to be cut and programmed (transponder chip key)

 

B. Program the key –

Most Lexus models made after 1999 or so are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.

An inside look of Lexus chip inside key fob - The chip must be coded to match your vehicle
An inside look of Lexus chip inside key fob – The chip must be coded to match your vehicle

 

Therefore, the key or remote key fob will have to be programmed to start the car. By saying “programmed” it means the car’s computer must be able to recognize the key as “authorized key”.

Authorized keys may be added by programming those keys with a special programming machine that the dealer or automotive locksmiths have like in the picture here:

All Lexus transponder keys and key fobs must be coded with a special machine
All Lexus transponder keys and key fobs must be coded with a special machine

Either a locksmith or a dealer can program the key for you. A locksmith can provide on-site service.

In case you choose the dealer, the car will have to be towed there if all keys are lost as the vehicle must be present to connect the machine like in this picture here:

A coding machine must be connect to the car to establish connection to code Lexus keys
A coding machine must be connect to the car to establish connection to code Lexus keys

The programming procedure can be relatively expansive, especially if you lost all your keys and cant start the car.

However, we have gathered here for you a few important tips on how to save a lot of money in case you need a new key. Keep reading for more information.

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Lexus key programming – Can I do it myself or special equipment is needed?

On-site coding service for Lexus key fobs
On-site coding service for Lexus key fobs

All Lexus transponder keys and remotes can only be programmed with special programming machine. Therefore, only a dealer or locksmith can program the keys for you.

However, there is a way to make the process much cheaper and affordable. Below, we will give you instructions on what is the best way to do that. It shouldn’t take a lot of your time and can save you a lot of money.

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A few tips before you start the process of programming a new car key for Lexus models:

Programming Lexus keys
Programming Lexus keys
  1. Once you program a new key, ALL previous keys will not start the car. In other words, if you find your old key after programming the new one, it will not work. Therefore, we highly recommend having at least two new cut keys and program both of them.
  2. Remember to have the emergency key cut for your key fob. It is extremely important in case the battery dies on your key fob. The price for cutting the emergency key by the dealer or automotive locksmith is already included in the service.

    Make sure you have your emergency key cut
    Make sure you have your emergency key cut
  3. Make sure you make a duplicate key – regardless if you are coding a key fob or transponder key, it would be more cost effective to make an extra copy once you get your key coded as the locksmith or dealer are already doing the procedure with the car. The price for the second key should be 50% off the original.
  4. In case you only need a duplicate, you can have the option to add a key instead of erasing the current keys and then coding new keys. Ask the dealer or locksmith to add a key if you prefer that option.

 

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How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Lexus key/remote made?

Remember to have a duplicate key fob coded and cut
Remember to have a duplicate key fob coded and cut

As explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and program it.

When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key and programming.

Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.

True, it may take a longer time to get the key from Amazon but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.

Bottom line, how and what should I do?

Uncut, not coded Lexus key fob
Uncut, not coded Lexus key fob
  1. Order your key online – Make sure you get the right key. In case you get the wrong key or remote programming will not be possible. You can look up your exact key for your Infiniti model Here. Simply choose your model and year and get it online. You can order your key here.
  2. Call the dealer or locksmith – Explain them you already have the key/remote and would like it to be cut and/or programmed. Ask them for the quote on this procedure.
  3. In addition, keep in mind, the process usually cost somewhere between $80-$150, depends on the type of key/remote you have.
  4. Finally, schedule a time with them to have it done. Remember to provide them with the exact year, make and model, VIN number and make sure you have a proof of ownership.

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Lexus programming procedure – How is it actually done?

Lexus transponder and remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push to start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.

Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these types of keys or remotes and an additional equipment or programming machine is necessary to complete this process.

An automotive locksmith or the dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer to start the programming procedure.

Below, a few examples of Lexus remote key fobs that require programming machine:

Remote key fob - Lexus
Remote key fob – Lexus

 

An inside look of a chip, which needs to be coded
An inside look of a chip, which needs to be coded

Below, an example of a programming machine, used by the dealer or an automotive locksmith to program Lexus transponder remote key fobs:

 

Car key programming machine used for Lexus key fobs
Car key programming machine used for Lexus key fobs

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Lexus key programming cost – How much does it cost to program a new Lexus transponder key or remote key fob.

As stated above, getting your Lexus key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith can save you a lot of money. If you need to order your key, you can do it HERE.

Total cost depends on the type of key you have
Total cost depends on the type of key you have

Programming a new Lexus key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:

 

1. Cutting the key or remote so it will fit your car’s ignition.

Before the key can be programmed, it needs to be cut to fit your car. The way an automotive locksmith or the dealership do that is by “pulling” the key code, using your VIN from the database. This cost them money and therefore, they charge you for it. (Unlike when you already have a cut key and just need a duplicate)

 

2. Program the key or remote – To actually start the car.

The programming procedure is simply a process to let your car know that the new key is “authorized” to start the car. That being done by connecting a programming machine to your car’s computer.

Both the dealer and an automotive locksmith will have to do the same thing, however, the prices vary:

On site coding service for Lexus key fobs
On site coding service for Lexus key fobs

Cost of programming a Lexus key by the dealer:

Estimated cost of coding a Lexus key - Dealer
Estimated cost of coding a Lexus key – Dealer

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Lexus car.

Cutting the key: Usually around $80

Programming the key: Usually around $100

In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $70-$100 (estimate)

Total estimated cost: $260

Make sure to ask for an extra set of keys as well
Make sure to ask for an extra set of keys as well

 

Cost of programming a Lexus key by an automotive locksmith:

Estimated cost of coding a Lexus key - Automotive locksmith
Estimated cost of coding a Lexus key – Automotive locksmith

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Lexus car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.

We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:

Cutting the key: Usually around $75

Programming the key: Usually around $75

In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50.

Total estimated cost: $200 (Not including additional factors such as after hours, long travel distance etc)

In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your Lexus key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend to make an extra key while replacing your key as it much cheaper than making a new one once you lost all your keys.

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I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – Lexus duplicate key cost

Always make sure you have an extra set of keys
Always make sure you have an extra set of keys

The price of making a duplicate Lexus key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:

  1. You already have a cut key – That means no need to “pull” a code from the database.
  2. Your car’s computer already “knows” that one key is authorized to start the car and therefore we can use that key to add some more. (Note that not in all models and years it’s possible)

 

Here is the average cost of getting a duplicate Lexus key by the dealership and an automotive locksmith:

Coding a duplicate Lexus key - estimated cost
Coding a duplicate Lexus key – estimated cost
Cost of duplicate a Lexus key by the dealer:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Lexus car.

Cutting the key: Usually around $20

Programming the key: Usually around $100

Total estimated cost: $120

Cost of duplicate a Lexus key by an automotive locksmith:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Lexus car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.

We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:

Cutting the key: Usually around $10

Programming the key: Usually around $75

In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend.

Total estimated cost: $85

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Useful links:

Lexus main page

Order online from Amazon