Losing or damaging your car keys can be a stressful and costly experience. For owners of a 2001 Lexus IS300, the prospect of going to a dealership or locksmith for a replacement key and programming can be particularly daunting due to potential high costs. However, you might be surprised to learn that programming a new master key and remote for your Lexus IS300 can be done yourself, saving you both time and money. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to help you program your new 2001 Lexus IS300 car key and remote, directly inspired by successful methods shared by fellow IS300 enthusiasts. Follow these instructions carefully to potentially avoid expensive professional programming fees and get back on the road quickly.
Programming Your 2001 Lexus IS300 Key
This section will guide you through the process of programming a new transponder chip key to start your 2001 Lexus IS300. Ensure you have a new, uncut master key that is compatible with your vehicle and an already programmed master key to begin the process.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Begin by inserting your existing, programmed master key into the ignition. Do not turn the key to the ‘ON’ position.
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Gas Pedal Sequence: Immediately after inserting the master key, press and fully release the gas pedal five times in rapid succession.
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Brake Pedal Sequence: Next, press and fully release the brake pedal six times in rapid succession.
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Remove Master Key: Take the currently inserted master key out of the ignition.
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Insert New Key: Now, quickly insert the new, unprogrammed key that you wish to program into the ignition.
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Final Gas Pedal Press: Press and fully release the gas pedal one single time.
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Wait and Observe Security Light: At this point, you need to wait for approximately one minute. During this time, observe the security indicator light on your dashboard. It should begin to blink rapidly. Continue waiting until the security light stops blinking. Once the blinking ceases, your new key is programmed to start your 2001 Lexus IS300 engine.
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Complete Programming: To finalize the key programming process, press the brake pedal one time. This action should conclude the programming sequence.
Important Notes for Key Programming:
- Security Light is Key: The security light is your guide throughout this process. It will turn off in Step 1 and remain off until Step 6. The blinking security light after Step 6 is the confirmation that the programming sequence is active.
- Restart if Security Light Appears Early: If the security light illuminates after Step 4, it indicates an error or timing issue. Immediately stop the procedure and begin again from Step 1.
- Speed Matters: Performing these steps too slowly may prevent your car from entering programming mode. If you encounter issues, try to execute the gas and brake pedal presses more quickly.
- Master Key Requirement: Ensure you are using a programmed master key for the initial steps, not a valet key. A valet key will not allow you to enter programming mode. If you only have a valet key, you will likely need professional programming services.
Programming Your 2001 Lexus IS300 Remote
After successfully programming your new key to start the engine, you will likely also want to program the remote functions (lock, unlock, panic) for your new key fob. Follow these steps to program the remote:
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Prepare Vehicle: Ensure all doors of your 2001 Lexus IS300 are closed and locked. Then, unlock and open only the driver’s side door.
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Key Insertion (No Ignition): Insert your new key into the ignition switch, and then immediately remove it. Do not turn the key to the ‘ON’ position at any point in this step.
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Lock/Unlock Cycle (First Set): Using the electric door lock switch located on the driver’s side door panel, cycle the locks five times. Perform a sequence of Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock.
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Door Open/Close: Close and then immediately open the driver’s side door one time.
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Lock/Unlock Cycle (Second Set): Again, using the electric door lock switch, cycle the locks five times with the same Lock, Unlock sequence as in Step 3.
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Ignition Sequence: Insert the key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position, then immediately turn it back to the “OFF” position, and remove the key from the ignition.
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Automatic Door Lock Cycle: At this point, you should observe the door locks cycling automatically (locking and then unlocking) by themselves. This automatic cycle is confirmation that your Lexus IS300 has successfully entered remote programming mode.
- Troubleshooting: No Automatic Cycle: If the door locks do not cycle automatically, the car has not entered programming mode. You will need to start the remote programming procedure again from Step 1, ensuring each step is performed accurately and promptly.
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Remote Button Press (Sync): Take your new remote key fob. Press and hold both the ‘Lock’ and ‘Unlock’ buttons on the remote simultaneously for no more than two seconds.
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Remote Lock Button Press (Confirmation): Immediately after releasing both buttons, press and release only the ‘Lock’ button on the remote for no more than one second.
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Confirmation Lock Cycle: Watch the door locks. They should cycle (lock and unlock) one time to confirm successful programming of the remote.
- Failure Indication (Two Cycles): If the door locks cycle twice, it indicates that the remote programming attempt has failed. In this case, you may need to repeat steps 8 and 9.
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Exit Programming Mode: To finalize and exit the remote programming procedure, simply close and then open the driver’s side door one time.
Tips for Successful Remote Programming:
- Signal Strength: If you experience repeated failures in remote programming, signal reception might be an issue. Try performing steps 8 and 9 while standing outside of the car, closer to the vehicle’s receiver.
- Button Timing: Avoid holding the remote buttons down for too long. Short, precise presses are generally more effective.
- Persistence: If the car remains in programming mode (indicated by the ability to repeat steps 8 and 9), you can continue attempting to program the remote. However, if you wait too long, the car may exit programming mode, and you will need to restart the entire procedure from Step 1.
Once you have completed these steps and received confirmation of both key and remote programming, test the functionality of your new 2001 Lexus IS300 key and remote. You should now be able to start your car and use the remote to lock and unlock the doors. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed key and remote!
