Why won't my reshelled Lexus ES300 key start the ignition?

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May 30, 2025 at 7:23 pm #2386 Reply
Kam
Question for you guys. I bought a 2001 Lexus ES 300 to flip, one of the only imperfections was that the black case around the key had been destroyed. I went to a reputable locksmith in my area to get a new case put on. They said it was a reshell and did not cost the same as a new key, it was cheaper.
Took my truck to drop it off and picked it up later that day, I then tried the key today and found that it does unlock the doors and trunk but does not work in the ignition. My old key (that they threw away) used to work in all of it.
However they are telling me that since I did not drive the Lexus in to get the key fixed that I must be lying to them and it never actually worked and they have accused me trying to get free work out of them.
So, now I am left with a key that does not start the car and they threw away the old one, what do I even do?
May 30, 2025 at 7:23 pm #2387 Reply
Derek
You need a scanner that can program the immobilizer, or you can get the key / ecu ignition off of another es300.
May 30, 2025 at 7:24 pm #2388 Reply
Vance
Your key needs the immobilizer chip that was in the broken fob, or you need to program it to the car’s computer. You might have an issue because you appear to not have a Master now. The dealership might need to wipe the ECM and completely reprogram the system. The sophistication depends on the year.
May 30, 2025 at 7:24 pm #2389 Reply
Ed Padilla
Do you have a pic of the key? It does sound like it is not cut right. Try flipping it on the other side and see if that works.
May 30, 2025 at 7:24 pm #2390 Reply
Mark
Go to the dealer to show title and ownership, and they can make you one.
May 30, 2025 at 7:24 pm #2391 Reply
Jeremy
This sounds like something that would definitely happen to me. Maybe make a post and shame them into fixing it.
May 30, 2025 at 7:25 pm #2392 Reply
Ron
I’m currently going through this rn with my 00 Lexus GS, to bypass it temporarily, leave the position key on engine off, let it sit there key in for about 8 or 9 mins. There’s a window of time that must elapsed before the ecu will accept the key detected. Turn to off then on then start after the 9 mins…
Make sure the anti theft red light is not blinking. If it is after this procedure, repeat it again and try. Don’t forget either, if you wait too long it won’t work. This procedure I found on YouTube. I hope this works.
Ultimately, to fully correct the issue, you’ll need to buy a master key or keys from a same year part out, and take the ignition lock cylinder, the ecu and key and swap into your car from another es300… yeah might be some $ but it’ll be less than going the dealer route.
Steps like these that Lexus took are why Lexus is not a highly stolen vehicle.
The only final result being you’ll have your old keys for the trunk n doors but the new keys from the part out for your ignition. Its either do this or sell your car n buy another lexus without this problem.
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Why won’t my reshelled Lexus ES300 key start the ignition?

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