zalik22

Hi, I have a 2001 RX300 and the "map holders" on the seat back covers have been used over time and the elastic is loose. I was hoping to remove the cover and somehow tighten the elastic if possible. Does anybody know how to remove the cover of the seat back? Basically, it's the compartment you would use if you were sitting in the back seat and it is connected to the back of the front seats. Thanks!

Thanks everybody! I got the empty shell off Ebay, switched out the transponder and got it cut for $35. No additional programming was needed. Thanks again!

Ok, here is an update on my situation. I have a valet key that starts the ignition. I bought a blank shell off Ebay and had it cut to the same cut as the valet key. I switched the transponder from the master key so I can use the remote to unlock the doors. Now my only problem is having the key work so that the engine "recognizes" the master key. Do I have to take this to a dealer or is there a way I can do it? Thanks again.

I'm tending to doubt that. When I bought an extra master key and an extra valet key for my 2000 LS400 back in 2003, the service writer programmed both keys to work in the ignition. If the new valet key didn't have a transponder, I don't think programming it would not have been necessary or even possible. Whatever you do, you should have more than one fully working master key and you might as well have at least one extra valet key - particularly since they are inexpensive. I've got three full sets for my LS - one for my wife, one for me and one backup set in a secure place. !Removed! happens. You don't want to be in disaster mode if you ever lose your keys. Sorry, you are correct. The valet key has a transponder, I guess it's hidden in the gray plastic. Now I am doubting if I can get a new key to work with the shell and uncut key I bought on EBay. My "master" key has a remote that unlocks/locks the door, but the key isn't recognized when it's put in the ignition. Even if I get a key cut that matches the cut on the valet key and switch out the remote portion of the key, I don't think I can sync it with the ignition to actually start the car. Wow, I thought this would be a simple fix, but I guess not.

Thanks for the reply. The valet is just a gray key with no transponder. The master key (black) has a transponder which works, but the key itself is cut different and does not work in the ignition. I was hoping I could get the uncut key with empty shell, have it cut as the same as the valet key, and transfer the transponder from the old master key to the new key. Would this work? I saw some places you need a master key to program, but it seems like I don't have to program anything. Hope I am clear on this.

Hi, I purchased a 2004 IS300 from a friend that replaced the doors on the Lexus. The master key he gave me lets me use the keyless remote or master key to open the doors, but I have to use the valet key to start the ignition. The valet does not open the doors, but starts the car. Is there a way to unlock (via remote) and start the car with one key? I took it to a Lexus dealership and they said it requires reprogramming/recutting that will cost over $300. I was thinking I buy an uncut shell on EBay, transfer the transponder, and cut it to match the valet key. Would this work or are there some programming/computer issues I would have to take care of? If I have to reprogram, can I reprogram with just the valet key? Thanks in advance!