I recently purchased a used 2009 Lexus IS250 and, like many used car buyers, it came with only one key fob. Looking to secure a spare, I turned to online resources and ordered two new key fobs. One was a smart card type from Sewell Lexus, known for genuine parts for models like the 2009 Lexus IS250, and the other, a standard key fob, was from an eBay seller. Both were advertised as new, aiming to resolve my 2009 Lexus Is250 Key Fob situation.
Upon arrival, the key fob from Sewell Lexus appeared genuinely new and was properly sealed. However, the eBay purchase seemed potentially used, raising immediate concerns about programming a 2009 Lexus IS250 key fob that might not be truly new.
Eager to get both programmed and ensure any previous keys were deactivated for security, I visited Don Valley North Lexus dealership in Toronto. I requested programming for both new arrivals and asked them to erase any previously registered key fobs from the vehicle’s system.
After waiting, I received surprising news. The dealership informed me that neither of the key fobs could be programmed. They stated both appeared to be used and, based on their policy, they couldn’t program used key fobs to my 2009 Lexus IS250. They did, however, erase the old, potentially lost fobs from the car’s ECU, and to my further surprise, they didn’t charge for the attempt. This was a stark contrast to experiences I’d had with other dealerships.
The dealership representative mentioned that these specific key fobs are typically programmable to only one vehicle, a statement that contradicts information found in online forums discussing 2009 Lexus IS250 key fob programming. Adding to the complexity, local locksmiths I contacted also stated they couldn’t program used Lexus keys.
This leaves me wondering: Is it truly impossible to program a used key fob for a 2009 Lexus IS250? Are dealership services the only option for programming, even with used units? And specifically, does anyone know of a locksmith or service in the Toronto area that has experience programming used key fobs for Lexus vehicles? Any advice or recommendations regarding programming a 2009 Lexus IS250 key fob, especially used ones, would be greatly appreciated.
