How Lexus car keys and key fobs are programmed, by model year, what you can sometimes do yourself, and when a mobile automotive locksmith is the faster, safer choice. Dealerkeys programs Lexus keys on site across East Tennessee.
Lexus uses a different key system for older and newer vehicles. Find your vehicle below.
Method: On-Board Door / Ignition Master Sequence
Note: Master key required to program additional transponder keys onboard; sub-keys cannot program new master keys without resetting ECU.
Method: OBD2 / EEPROM / Smart ECU Reset
Requires advanced OBD2 programmer (Autel, Tango, ZedFull) or EEPROM bench reset of the Smart Key ECU to program new proximity fobs.
Note: Standard OBD2 add-key often blocked if all keys are lost; requires OBD2 emergency reset or ECU dump.
This guide is general information. Procedures vary by model, trim and equipment, and a wrong attempt can leave a vehicle unable to accept new keys. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we will tell you what yours needs.
Some older Lexus models (ES300, GS300, LS400, RX300, 1998–2006) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer Lexus vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.
Dealerkeys is a mobile automotive locksmith with more than 26 years of experience and over 150,000 vehicles serviced across East Tennessee. For an all-keys-lost Lexus, we pick the lock if needed, make a new key, and program it at your vehicle. We quote the price first, and we make a key only after you show ID and proof of ownership. See our dead key fob guide if the car just will not start with your fob, or mail-in module repair for BCM, ECU and TIPM trouble.
The year, make and model of the vehicle, the VIN if you can read it through the windshield, and where the vehicle is parked. Tell us how many keys you have left, if any, and what kind of key you want. Plan to be with the vehicle, with your ID and registration, title or other proof of ownership.
Some older Lexus models (ES300, GS300, LS400, RX300, 1998–2006) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer Lexus vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.
We come to you, open the vehicle if it is locked, make a new key for your Lexus and program it on site, so there is no tow to a dealer. You need to be with the vehicle, with ID and proof of ownership.
It depends on the model, the year and the type of key. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we quote the price before any work begins.
We dispatch to your vehicle in these areas and the towns around them:
