zzjones

Hi All... as a newbie to a 2003 SC430, I too did not receive all the keys. After buying a wallet key, I then had the challenge to program it. I read all I could find on the forums and found some good ideas... tried and tried, but couldn't succeed. Then I noticed a lock smith had posted instructions on a website and they were short and easy to follow. The instructions were similar to what others had posted, but I still couldn't get them to work. So I attempted different variations; still no success. Well, finally it worked. Here's the formula I used... I learned the most important incredient is doing the steps efficiently and rapidly in order. Yep, as others had warned, timing can be crucial. LEXUS SC430 2002-10* Programming the transponder in a replacement master/valet/wallet key. • First use a programmed master/valet key to start the car; then turn it off. • At the same time, locate the immobilizer light and notice that it normally is flashing slowly before a key is inserted into the ignition and, if the key inserted is programmed to the car, when the key is inserted, the flashing stops. That is, if the flashing/blinking stops, the key involved is properly programmed. Usually a car comes with two master (aka “black”) keys and one valet (aka “gray”) key—plus an emergency “wallet key” that resembles a key blank (no remote buttons) and is carried in a credit card sized, plastic holder that one can store in a wallet/purse (handy if a car key cannot be found or the car key cannot be reached because it is locked in the trunk or someplace else inside the locked car). • Next, close all doors & remove the master/valet key from the ignition switch. • Then within “35 seconds” (as rapidly as you can) complete the following five steps: 1. Insert a programmed master/valet key into the ignition switch. 2. Switch ignition ON and OFF 5 times (rapidly); 3. OPEN & CLOSE the driver’s door 6 times (open just an inch to complete rapidly) 4. Quickly remove the programmed master/valet key from ignition switch; 5. Quickly insert the replacement master/valet key to be programmed into ignition switch WALLET KEY—if the key to be programmed is the emergency “wallet key”, then insert the actual wallet key blank into the ignition and also place the plastic wallet key holder very close to the ignition switch. Place or hold the holder with the arrow end as close to the ignition switch as feasible. One way is to simply hang the holder with the arrow end up over the wallet key blank that is inserted in the ignition. But just holding it as described works too. The arrow on one end of the holder indicates the end of the holder that contains the transponder to be programmed—hence, it must be close to the ignition switch so that the ignition switch computer can communicate with the transponder and program it. • WAIT for approximately a minute—time it or count “one Mississippi” etc. Can also just count the immobilizer flashes that are about a second apart. If the programming is successful, somewhere within this waiting period, the immobilizer warning lamp will stop flashing! If it keeps flashing after waiting a little longer, the programming has failed, this time. So repeat all the above steps, starting with turning the engine on and off. If you end up repeating this procedure faithfully 4-5+ times without succeeding, the chances by that time are that you will have all the steps memorized and you can very quickly complete all the steps up the WAIT point. Aim to complete the steps in less than 20 seconds—just do them as fast as you can. Many comments on the internet explain that “timing” is definitely an issue. Anyway, after repeating the above procedure many, many times (sometimes with the inserted key turned to the “ON” position, sometimes to the “ACC” position, sometimes not turned at all), I finally succeeded. I do not think the various key turned “on” or left “off” variations makes a difference. Success was when the immobilizer warning light stopped flashing and by turning the newly programmed key to START, the engine fired up. For me, having the steps memorized (after many unsuccessful tries) was the crucial thing that allowed me to complete the steps rapidly, not pausing to read, not loosing track of the count, etc. With all the steps memorized, I do not think it took me 10 seconds to get to the WAIT part. Good Luck. *NOTE: a maximum of 5 black keys and 3 gray keys can be programmed. However, if the vehicle is a 2005 model, the immobilizer system can only be programmed using special diagnostic equipment

Don't recall where/how I found it, but found an Installation Guide on line in pdf format. The guide has about 15 pages, with one page for a particular Lexus model vehicle (along with separate diagrams). The diagrams for each vehicle help one to locate the "ECU" unit where the DVD disk is housed. The ECU is in different places in different models, some under a front seat, some in the luggage compartment, looks like some are in glove box or behind in the dash. Anyway, to install an update DVD, the guide says locate the "ECU" which is the unit housing the disk (in luggage compartment in an SC430), remove the cover, slide push button to left... and this should open the dust cover and eject the DVD disk. I think you need to have the ignition "on" for this to work. Maybe there is a mechanical way to eject the disk too?? Next, remove the disk (send in for a rebate if eligible... those far out of date are likely not eligible, but I do see them on eBay and you may be able to sell them there anyway). Lastly, simply insert the new DVD disk and with the ignition "on" the NAV system will reboot and configure and update itself automatically. From all I have learned, however, the critical factor is to update with a disk that matches your NAV system "generation". I think the early SC430's of 2002-03 are GEN 2/3 and the update "versions" yearly manufactured go by a number corresponding to the year of the update (for example, the latest update in 2011 is that published in October 2010 and its version number is "10.1"). Sewell Parts assures me this Gen 2/3 ver. 10.1 will accuratedly work and update my SC2003 NAV system. As an aside, based upon the "generation" and "version" numbers and there is also a "U" number too, such as U02 or U33, etc., it appears that other Japanese vehicle makes and models use the exact same NAV disks. I am told the actual map data is likely supplied by ESRI (a company in Redlands, CA, USA), but I suspect the actual manufacture of the disks is in Japan along with the NAV system computer itself, however this is a guess on my part. I have downloaded and saved this installation guide and can forward it to anyone who asks... but the brief info above is essaentially all it says. If you are involved in searching for the "ECU" in other Lexus vehicles, then some of the diagrams are helpful, but likely simply asking a local Lexus (or other make??) service technician can tell you this information too. In the SC430, in the luggage compartment, on the right side, is a plastic cover with a tell-tale label: just pop the cover and the ECU is easy to get to.

Thanks Mark, I just phoned Sewell and the parts man Dan sounded knowledgeable... immediatedly explained a 2003 SC430 requires a Gen 2/3 disk, but he also added that a version 10.1 is available (dated Oct 2010) and it will work. His price is $200, but he also quickly added that if bought on-line, on the website, it will be cheaper. I am now trying to find out if it is available on the website. So far, all I see on the website is Gen 5 disks... a lot cheaper @ $92. By the way, my dealer quoted me $300. I am curious if I can find a complete Gen 5 Nav system in the junk yard... dealer also told me a new Gen 2/3 Nav system is $5K, but a new Gen 5 Nav system is $12K (but they will throw in the latest DVD too and they will also install it).

Hi All, I have this same issue, coincidentally with an SC430 2003 that I just bought. The NAVIGATION system did not come with a disk, but the dealer found one and installed it. It is ver. 02.1 with maps of North America. However some streets that exist now do not show on the maps. So I want an upgrade, hopfully to the latest of whatever version will work. I see many disk (aka DVD) upgrade versions for sale... the newest ones labeled Generation 5 with an added designation Nav U30 or U32 or U33 that supposedly came installed in the 2007-2008 new SC430's. I have heard a rumor that maybe the newer upgrade disks will not work in the navigation unit of a 2003 SC430, but I have not been able to confirm this nor find a way around it. Any disk newer than the version I have now would likely be an improvement, but I would like to find one at least as new as 2005... that would be version Nav U20 or U21, I think. I also have yet to figure out how to eject or load any disk, altho I am told the dealer can do this and usually does it no charge (especially if one pays retail for the disk... $200?). Anyway, if anyone can help me understand how to upgrade the maps in my situation, please post or email me directly. Thanks, Cal Jones zzzzjones@hotmail.com