Losing or damaging a key fob can be a real headache, and the cost of replacement and programming at a dealership can be surprisingly expensive. If you own a 2004 Lexus, you might be facing this exact problem. Perhaps your original master key fob broke, and you’ve obtained a new, uncut key. Like many Lexus owners, you might be wondering if you can avoid the hefty programming fees charged by locksmiths or dealerships. The good news is, for a 2004 Lexus IS300, and potentially other similar models from that era, you can program a new key fob and remote yourself, right in your driveway.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to program your 2004 Lexus Key Fob and remote. These instructions were originally shared online and have been tested and confirmed to work by Lexus IS300 owners. By following these steps carefully, you can potentially save yourself a significant amount of money and get your new 2004 Lexus key fob working quickly and efficiently.
Key Programming for Your 2004 Lexus
This section will guide you through programming the transponder chip within your new 2004 Lexus key fob, enabling it to start your vehicle. It’s crucial to follow each step precisely and at a reasonable pace for the programming sequence to be successful. Pay close attention to the security light on your dashboard, as it serves as your guide throughout the process.
Here’s how to program your 2004 Lexus key:
- Insert Master Key: Begin by inserting an already programmed master key into the ignition. Do not turn the key to the ‘ON’ position.
- Gas Pedal Press (5 times): Press and fully release the gas pedal five times in quick succession.
- Brake Pedal Press (6 times): Immediately after step 2, press and fully release the brake pedal six times in quick succession.
- Remove Master Key: Take the programmed master key out of the ignition.
- Insert New Key: Quickly insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition.
- Gas Pedal Press (1 time): Press and fully release the gas pedal one time.
- Wait for Security Light: Now, wait for approximately one minute. During this time, the security light on your dashboard will blink continuously. Once the security light stops blinking, your new 2004 Lexus key is successfully programmed to start the car.
- Final Brake Pedal Press: To finalize the key programming procedure, press the brake pedal one time.
Understanding the Security Light:
The security light is your visual cue during the programming process.
- Initially, in Step 1, the security light should turn off when you insert the master key.
- It should remain off until Step 6.
- After Step 6, the security light will begin to blink, indicating that the system is in programming mode and is learning the new key.
- If the security light illuminates after Step 4, it indicates an error. If this happens, stop the procedure and begin again from Step 1, ensuring you perform the steps more quickly.
Troubleshooting Key Programming:
- Speed is Key: If your 2004 Lexus doesn’t enter programming mode, it’s often because the steps were performed too slowly. Try repeating the procedure with a faster pace.
- Master Key Verification: Ensure you are using a master key and not a valet key. A valet key typically cannot be used for programming new keys. If you only have a valet key, this DIY programming method will likely not work, and you may need professional assistance.
Remote Programming for Your 2004 Lexus Key Fob
Once you’ve programmed the key to start your 2004 Lexus, you’ll want to program the remote functions (lock, unlock, panic) of your new key fob. This process is also straightforward and can be done without special tools.
Follow these steps to program the remote functions of your 2004 Lexus key fob:
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Door and Lock Status: Ensure all doors are closed and locked. Then, unlock and open only the driver’s side door.
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Key Insertion (No Turn): Insert the key into the ignition and immediately remove it. Do not turn the ignition ON.
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Lock/Unlock Cycle (5 times – First Set): Using the electric lock switch on the driver’s door panel, cycle the locks five times. Perform the sequence as: Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock.
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Door Open/Close: Close and then open the driver’s side door one time.
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Lock/Unlock Cycle (5 times – Second Set): Again, using the electric lock switch, cycle the locks five times: Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock.
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Ignition Cycle: Insert the key into the ignition. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position, then immediately turn it “OFF” and remove the key from the ignition.
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Door Lock Cycle Confirmation: At this point, you should observe the door locks cycling automatically (locking and then unlocking). This automatic cycle indicates that your 2004 Lexus has successfully entered remote programming mode. If the doors do not cycle, you need to restart the procedure from Step 1.
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Remote Button Press (Lock and Unlock): On your new remote, simultaneously press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons for no more than 2 seconds.
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Remote Button Press (Lock only): Immediately after Step 8, press and release only the “Lock” button on the remote for no more than 1 second.
Confirmation of Remote Programming: If the remote programming is successful, the door locks should cycle one time. This single cycle confirms that the remote signal has been accepted and programmed. If the locks cycle twice, it indicates a programming failure, and you’ll need to retry the procedure.
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Exit Programming Mode: Close and open the driver’s side door to exit the remote programming procedure.
Tips for Successful Remote Programming:
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Signal Strength: If you experience programming failures, signal reception from the remote might be the issue. Try these tips during steps 8 and 9:
- Perform steps 8 and 9 while standing outside the vehicle, closer to the driver’s door.
- Avoid holding the remote buttons down for too long. Short, precise button presses are more effective.
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Persistence: If the car remains in programming mode (door locks cycled in step 7), you can repeat steps 8 and 9 multiple times to program additional remotes or retry if the first attempt failed. If you wait too long and the car exits programming mode, you will need to begin the entire remote programming procedure again from Step 1.
Once you have completed these steps and confirmed successful programming (door locks cycling once after remote button presses), your new 2004 Lexus key fob should be fully functional, both for starting your car and for remote operations.
Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed 2004 Lexus key fob and the money you’ve saved by doing it yourself! Let us know in the comments below if these instructions worked for you or if you encountered any issues. Your feedback helps other 2004 Lexus owners in the community!
