Lexus SC300 Lost Car Key Replacement
All the Information You Need to Get a New Lexus SC300 Key. Tips, Costs, Your Options, and More.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Lexus SC300 was introduced in 1990. This model has three types of keys.
Transponder chip keys: 1998 to 2006.
Non-transponder key: 1990 to 1997.
Please keep in mind that while some keys or key fobs may look the same, they have different capabilities/frequencies/keyways. Therefore, having the right key or key fob is essential.
Already have your key? Need information to guide you through programming your Lexus SC300 transponder key?
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006: (TOY50-PT)
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001: (TOY40BT4)
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997: (LXP90-P)
I lost my Lexus SC300 car keys. I don’t have a spare, so need a replacement. How and where can I get a replacement key?
Generally speaking, you have three options to get a Lexus SC300 key replacement:
- Call an automotive locksmith near you that offers a mobile service for Lexus SC300 cars. We can connect you with a locksmith near you.
- Tow the car to a Lexus dealership.
- Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary).
- Order a key online, cut it by code at a locksmith shop or home depot, and code it yourself with a coding machine such as AD100 Pro Car Key Programmer if necessary.
A word of caution: The type of key you need depends on the year and model of your Lexus SC300. Therefore, the options for getting a new key made and programmed depend on whether you need a remote key fob, a transponder chip key, or a regular metal key.
Let’s review each option.
Locksmith:
An automotive locksmith can make most car keys on-site, including keys for the newest Lexus SC300 models. Most automotive locksmiths offer a mobile service because most Lexus SC300 keys made after 1998 need to be programmed or coded to the car.
This Coding process can’t be done remotely and involves connecting the coding machine physically to the car’s OBD (like in the picture below) and therefore the car must be present.
Saying that, you will have to make sure that the locksmith carries the necessary equipment to cut and program a replacement key, including the right coding machine (e.g. MVP Pro Car Key Programmer Advanced Diagnostics or Autel MaxiIM IM608S) and the right key blank (remote key fob or chip key).
The best way to do that is to provide the locksmith with the year make and model or VIN number when you call.
Because Lexus SC300 is a very common car, chances are they will have the right key blank for your model.
Usually, a locksmith would be your fastest, most convenient and cheapest option overall to get a replacement key.
Order the key online:
Today you can get most Lexus SC300 keys online (with the exception of the most recent model) and relatively fast within 24 Hr. Getting a replacement key online has its pros and cons.
This option is mostly relevant for people who need a duplicate or spare key and can drive the car.
For people who have lost their Lexus SC300 keys and don’t have a spare, it may not be as relevant.
The reason is that when you order a key online, it is what we call a “blank key”.
A blank key is a key that needs to be cut, and, as mentioned above for most Lexus SC300 keys made after 1998, programmed or coded with a special machine.
Therefore, ordering a replacement key online is only the first step. You will still have to contact and pay either the dealer or locksmith to have the key cut and programmed.
Moreover, remember that although many car keys may look alike, they have different security features and chip values. This is especially true for remote key fobs sold online and so it’s very easy for most people to get confused and order the wrong key.
The third option- Lexus dealership:
The last option to get a Lexus SC300 key replacement without the original is to look for a Lexus dealership near you.
The plus side is that they will have the right key blank in stock and should be able to program the key for you as well, even for the latest model as they carry the newest coding machines for Lexus models.
The downside is that the dealership usually charges more for a replacement key than a locksmith would.
Another major downside of getting a replacement key at the dealership is that if you had a transponder chip key or key fob (or in other words if your car was made after 1998 as explained above) you will have to tow the car there, which will make the process even more expansive.
In conclusion,
If your Lexus SC300 had a chip key or key fob, and you need a replacement ASAP, a locksmith would be your best bet.
The only exception for that is if you just bought a brand-new car, and then a Lexus dealer would be the best way.
In case you only need a spare key, you can try and get it online, but make sure you know exactly which key blank or part number you need.
Not ready to call for service just yet? Click here for some GREAT ideas on how to find lost car keys.
Lexus SC300 key replacement near me – How to find a locksmith or dealer and what should you tell them?
First, make sure you have the exact year, make, and model, e.g., 2006 Lexus SC300.
In addition, write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car located on the left side of the dashboard near the mirror. The VIN helps the locksmith or dealer verify the year, make, and model of the car and determine which key you had.
Also, keep in mind that many locksmiths offer mobile service and travel up to 30 miles radius from where their store is located. Therefore, depending on your location, it might be a good idea to expand your search and call for a few additional quotes, even if on the map, these locksmiths seem to be far from you.
Remember, Their distance as you see on the map, is their business address, not their physical and current location. All you have to make sure is that they carry the right equipment to cut and program your Lexus SC300 key.
You can also try and call a few Lexus dealers near your location, but remember that you will need to tow the car there.
Finally, make sure you can show ownership of the car by having the necessary documents – title, ID, insurance card, etc.
Lexus SC300 key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Lexus SC300 key without the original? What is the average price?
In short, replacing a Lexus SC300 key can cost between $130 to $250. The cost depends on a number of factors:
The type of key you need.
The car’s year of manufacture.
Time of day & your location.
Where you get a key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.).
Availability of code to cut a new key.
Original ignition or not.
Here is an average price as of April 2024:
Transponder Key: (Relevant for TOY50-PT and TOY40BT4)
Dealer: About $160-$170 (Not including towing)
Locksmith: $235 (On site service inlcuding parts and labor)
Online: $21-$25 for parts only.
Non-transponder Key: (Relevant for LXP90-P)
Dealer: About $50 (Not including towing)
Locksmith: $60 (On site service inlcuding parts and labor)
Online: $17 for parts only.
Here is a more detailed explanation:
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are the most important factors for identifying if you need a chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key. The newer the car is, the better the security features the key has. On later models, you can therefore expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key.
Also,
the price depends on where you get a key replacement. Did your replacement key come from the dealer, or an automotive locksmith? Or did you get it online? Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.
The dealer usually charges about 10% to 15% less for the replacement key than a locksmith would charge. However, you will likely have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote. Therefore, the total price is usually higher.
Furthermore,
consider that if you have a locksmith come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may increase.
Finally,
If you have previously had your ignition cylinder replaced, which is quite common in older cars, this probably means that the code for the key may not be useful. In such cases, the key will have to be cut manually by a locksmith, or you will have to change the ignition again, and here the dealer can’t help.
For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement costs.
Can I get a Lexus SC300 key replacement by its VIN?
That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.
The VIN gives dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:
First, If your vehicle is older than 10 years, Lexus dealers will no longer have its key code record, so an automotive locksmith will be your only option to get a replacement key.
Second, For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key, the codes should be available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.
Lexus SC300 key programming – which keys can you program yourself? Which keys require a programming tool? & more
Lexus SC300 has different types of keys. Some require programming, and some don’t. All transponder chip keys and/or smart key fobs need to be programmed. This process requires a special programming machine that only an automotive locksmith or the dealer has. There is no need to program non-transponder metal keys.
To make things simple, we divided all Lexus SC300 keys into two categories:
No programming needed (Non-transponder keys).
Keys that need to be programmed (Transponder or remote keys). These keys required the expertise of an automotive locksmith or dealer.
No programming needed:
Lexus non-transponder keys are metal keys that have no chip in them. Therefore, no programming is needed.
LXP90-P.
For Lexus SC300 keys that need to be programmed, you will need an automotive locksmith or the dealer:
These keys, also known as remote smart keys, intelligent keys or key fobs, and transponder keys, have a security chip. Programming is needed. Also, a special machine is needed to program them. An automotive locksmith or dealer should do it for you. This process must be followed for most models made after 1998.
TOY50-PT, TOY40BT4.
Q: I have a Lexus SC300 key and would like to get a keyless entry system to unlock all doors as well. Can you tell me which one I should get? Will it need to be programmed and can I program it myself or not?
A: Lexus SC300 has one keyless entry system option. For newer car models, the key you have contains a built-in keyless entry system (a remote master key or key fob/smart key). Some need to be programmed by a professional locksmith or dealer and some don’t. Below you will find all the information relevant to the Lexus SC300 entry system.
Keyless entry information for the Lexus SC300:
Lexus SC300 has one keyless entry remote. Choose the year of your car:
1996 to 1997: HYQWDT-C (No Self-Programming – automotive locksmith or dealer only)