Is flat key/emergency key a Master Key? ES300 2002

[opto]

Hi all,
I just bought a used ES300 - 2002. Both the remote keys didn't come with it.
I have a valet key and the flat key.

Apparently, if flat key is a master key then I can buy an OEM key, have it
cut and then program the new key to work with my car. Programming sequence
involves use of one of the master keys.

Dealer cost for new key is $250. From third party, I can get it for about
$90.

Any ideas will be helpful.

Many thanks in advance.

AJ

[Ray O]

Post by opto
Hi all,
I just bought a used ES300 - 2002. Both the remote keys didn't come with
it. I have a valet key and the flat key.
Apparently, if flat key is a master key then I can buy an OEM key, have it
cut and then program the new key to work with my car. Programming sequence
involves use of one of the master keys.
Dealer cost for new key is $250. From third party, I can get it for about
$90.
Any ideas will be helpful.
Many thanks in advance.
AJ

If you are talking about the flat emergency key that comes in a holder, I
believe that it is a master key. If you look at the edges of the flat key,
it should have a raised rib that the valet key does not have.

[Ice]

This key is meant to be kept in a wallet or purse as an emergency spare. The
holder it comes in has transponder chip needed to unlock your system. You
put the key in and slide the card towards the key until the alarm
indicicator light goes out. The car will then start.

Post by opto
Hi all,
I just bought a used ES300 - 2002. Both the remote keys didn't come with it.
I have a valet key and the flat key.
Apparently, if flat key is a master key then I can buy an OEM key, have it
cut and then program the new key to work with my car. Programming sequence
involves use of one of the master keys.
Dealer cost for new key is $250. From third party, I can get it for about
$90.
Any ideas will be helpful.
Many thanks in advance.
AJ

[opto]

Much appreciate the information.

I need to program a new key for which I need a "master" key. The manual
clearly specifies that the two keys (remote) I don't have are master keys.
The grey key is NOT "master" key. The flat/emergency key - manual doesn't
specify if it is a "master" key or not.

Anybody know the answer to that? (I called the dealership and got
conflicting answers).

Thanks.

AJ

Post by Ice
This key is meant to be kept in a wallet or purse as an emergency spare. The
holder it comes in has transponder chip needed to unlock your system.
You
put the key in and slide the card towards the key until the alarm
indicicator light goes out. The car will then start.

Post by opto
Hi all,
I just bought a used ES300 - 2002. Both the remote keys didn't come with

it.

Post by opto
I have a valet key and the flat key.
Apparently, if flat key is a master key then I can buy an OEM key, have it
cut and then program the new key to work with my car. Programming sequence
involves use of one of the master keys.
Dealer cost for new key is $250. From third party, I can get it for about
$90.
Any ideas will be helpful.
Many thanks in advance.
AJ

[Ray O]

Post by opto
Much appreciate the information.
I need to program a new key for which I need a "master" key. The manual
clearly specifies that the two keys (remote) I don't have are master keys.
The grey key is NOT "master" key. The flat/emergency key - manual doesn't
specify if it is a "master" key or not.
Anybody know the answer to that? (I called the dealership and got
conflicting answers).
Thanks.
AJ

Yes, the flat key is a master key. To check for yourself, see if it opens
the trunk, glovebox, and trunk release lock in the dashboard. If it does,
it is a master key. If it does not, it is a valet key.

[Ice]

Acording to the manual that the flat key will open every lock . However you
must have the key case with the enclosed chip as well to make your duplicate
so it can be read when starting the engine .

Post by opto
Hi all,
I just bought a used ES300 - 2002. Both the remote keys didn't come with it.
I have a valet key and the flat key.
Apparently, if flat key is a master key then I can buy an OEM key, have it
cut and then program the new key to work with my car. Programming sequence
involves use of one of the master keys.
Dealer cost for new key is $250. From third party, I can get it for about
$90.
Any ideas will be helpful.
Many thanks in advance.
AJ

[opto]

This just in from the seller of the car who was able to talk to Master
Mechanic at a local dealership.

Flat key opens all locks.
Flat key can start the car ONLY if the plastic part is near the key as the
last poster said.

Flat key is NOT Master key however.

Which means that I don't have a master key.

Good news is that year 2002 and later cars don't require a $1200 ECM reset
job from the dealership to create a new Master key. It only costs $115 now.
Key itself costs $250.

So, in short, if I had a master key and wanted another Master key with
remote, it would cost me $250. Without a master key, it costs additional
$115.

AJ

Post by Ice
Acording to the manual that the flat key will open every lock . However you
must have the key case with the enclosed chip as well to make your duplicate
so it can be read when starting the engine .

Post by opto
Hi all,
I just bought a used ES300 - 2002. Both the remote keys didn't come with

it.

Post by opto
I have a valet key and the flat key.
Apparently, if flat key is a master key then I can buy an OEM key, have it
cut and then program the new key to work with my car. Programming sequence
involves use of one of the master keys.
Dealer cost for new key is $250. From third party, I can get it for about
$90.
Any ideas will be helpful.
Many thanks in advance.
AJ

[Ray O]

Post by opto
This just in from the seller of the car who was able to talk to Master
Mechanic at a local dealership.
Flat key opens all locks.
Flat key can start the car ONLY if the plastic part is near the key as the
last poster said.
Flat key is NOT Master key however.
Which means that I don't have a master key.
Good news is that year 2002 and later cars don't require a $1200 ECM reset
job from the dealership to create a new Master key. It only costs $115
now. Key itself costs $250.
So, in short, if I had a master key and wanted another Master key with
remote, it would cost me $250. Without a master key, it costs additional
$115.
AJ

According to my owner's manual, you can make a new master key from the
original master key or the flat key with the case for the flat key. While
the flat key is not a "master" key, it still has all the function of a
master key.

[Me]

Here is an excerpt from
http://www.locksmithcharley.com/toyota-obp-e-instructions.pdf


Of primary importance is determining if you have a key that is enrolled in
the car's computer as a "master" key
or a "valet" key. The procedure for making this determination is:

1. Positively locate the "security" or "anti-theft" light. This light should
blink when there is no key in the

ignition or if an unrecognized key is placed into the ignition.

2. Insert the key you have into the ignition - DO NOT TURN ON. There are 3
possible things that may

occur:

(a) Security light continues to blink = unrecognized key.

(b) Security light goes off IMMEDIATELY = MASTER key

(c) Security light remains illuminated for 1-3 seconds before going out =
VALET key

.....................................

So first hold the key holder within one inch or less of the ignition, put
the flat key in while watching the security light, and see if the light goes
out immediately. If it does, then the flat key and holder combined will
enable you to program "real" keys. But you would want to delete all previous
keys for the car first, as stated on the same website. The computer will
only accept so many programmed keys.

There is more good info on that website regarding do it yourself key
programming.

Also, if you can, like me, live without a key with buttons, you can order a
NON-remote master key from Lexus, using your VIN,

http://lexus-parts.com/partlist.asp?SubCategoryID=22&ModelID=5

for, now get this, forty nine bucks!!!

I ordered two for my 2000 ES300 when I had to get the engine computer
re-flashed. I had to pay $61. But WAAAAAY better that $250.

Now you tell me, are bottons on a key worth $201 plus tax more than a key
WITHOUT buttons? I say NO WAY!!!

Post by Ray O

Post by opto
This just in from the seller of the car who was able to talk to Master
Mechanic at a local dealership.
Flat key opens all locks.
Flat key can start the car ONLY if the plastic part is near the key as
the last poster said.
Flat key is NOT Master key however.
Which means that I don't have a master key.
Good news is that year 2002 and later cars don't require a $1200 ECM
reset job from the dealership to create a new Master key. It only costs
$115 now. Key itself costs $250.
So, in short, if I had a master key and wanted another Master key with
remote, it would cost me $250. Without a master key, it costs additional
$115.
AJ

According to my owner's manual, you can make a new master key from the
original master key or the flat key with the case for the flat key. While
the flat key is not a "master" key, it still has all the function of a
master key.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

[Me]

Actually, here are the slightly different instructions for 2002 and later
models:
http://www.locksmithcharley.com/toyota-obp-i-instructions.pdf
........................................................................................

Post by Me
Here is an excerpt from
http://www.locksmithcharley.com/toyota-obp-e-instructions.pdf
Of primary importance is determining if you have a key that is enrolled in
the car's computer as a "master" key
1. Positively locate the "security" or "anti-theft" light. This light
should blink when there is no key in the
ignition or if an unrecognized key is placed into the ignition.
2. Insert the key you have into the ignition - DO NOT TURN ON. There are 3
possible things that may
(a) Security light continues to blink = unrecognized key.
(b) Security light goes off IMMEDIATELY = MASTER key
(c) Security light remains illuminated for 1-3 seconds before going out =
VALET key
.....................................
So first hold the key holder within one inch or less of the ignition, put
the flat key in while watching the security light, and see if the light
goes out immediately. If it does, then the flat key and holder combined
will enable you to program "real" keys. But you would want to delete all
previous keys for the car first, as stated on the same website. The
computer will only accept so many programmed keys.
There is more good info on that website regarding do it yourself key
programming.
Also, if you can, like me, live without a key with buttons, you can order
a NON-remote master key from Lexus, using your VIN,
http://lexus-parts.com/partlist.asp?SubCategoryID=22&ModelID=5
for, now get this, forty nine bucks!!!
I ordered two for my 2000 ES300 when I had to get the engine computer
re-flashed. I had to pay $61. But WAAAAAY better that $250.
Now you tell me, are bottons on a key worth $201 plus tax more than a key
WITHOUT buttons? I say NO WAY!!!

Post by Ray O

Post by opto
This just in from the seller of the car who was able to talk to Master
Mechanic at a local dealership.
Flat key opens all locks.
Flat key can start the car ONLY if the plastic part is near the key as
the last poster said.
Flat key is NOT Master key however.
Which means that I don't have a master key.
Good news is that year 2002 and later cars don't require a $1200 ECM
reset job from the dealership to create a new Master key. It only costs
$115 now. Key itself costs $250.
So, in short, if I had a master key and wanted another Master key with
remote, it would cost me $250. Without a master key, it costs additional
$115.
AJ

According to my owner's manual, you can make a new master key from the
original master key or the flat key with the case for the flat key.
While the flat key is not a "master" key, it still has all the function
of a master key.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

[opto]

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