Lost or broken your 2001 Lexus Is300 Key Fob? Getting a replacement doesn’t have to mean an expensive trip to the dealership. You can program a new key fob and remote yourself, saving time and money. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to program your 2001 Lexus IS300 key and remote, just like the original guide, but with enhanced clarity and detail for a smoother DIY experience.
Key Programming for Your 2001 Lexus IS300
This section will guide you through programming a new key to start your 2001 Lexus IS300. Ensure you have a new, uncut key blade and are ready to follow these steps carefully. It’s crucial to differentiate between a master key (which can program new keys) and a valet key (which cannot). This procedure requires a working master key to begin.
- Initiate Programming Mode: Insert your existing, programmed master key into the ignition. Do not turn the key to the ‘ON’ position, simply insert it.
- Gas Pedal Sequence: Locate the gas pedal and press it fully five times, then release. Do this at a moderate, consistent pace.
- Brake Pedal Sequence: Next, find the brake pedal and press and release it six times. Again, maintain a steady rhythm.
- Remove Master Key: Take the programmed master key out of the ignition.
- Insert New Key: Quickly insert the new, unprogrammed key you wish to program into the ignition. Do not turn it.
- Gas Pedal Activation: Press and release the gas pedal one time.
- Wait and Observe Security Light: Now, wait for approximately one minute. During this time, you should observe the security indicator light on your dashboard. It will begin to blink rapidly. Continue waiting until the security light stops blinking. This indicates that the key programming is complete.
- Finalize Programming: To finalize the key programming procedure, press and release the brake pedal one time.
Important Notes on Key Programming:
- Security Light is Your Guide: Pay close attention to the security light throughout this process. It’s your visual confirmation of each step. At step 1, the security light should turn off. It should remain off until step 6. After step 6, the security light should turn on and start blinking, indicating the system is in programming mode. If the security light illuminates after step 4, it signifies an error, and you should stop and restart the procedure from step 1.
- Speed and Timing: Performing these steps too slowly might prevent your Lexus IS300 from entering programming mode. If you encounter difficulties, try to perform the gas and brake pedal sequences more quickly.
- Master Key Verification: Double-check that you are using a master key and not a valet key. A valet key typically cannot program new keys. If you are certain you’re using a master key and still facing issues, try repeating the procedure, focusing on a quicker pace for the pedal presses.
Remote Programming for Your 2001 Lexus IS300 Key Fob
After successfully programming your key to start the engine, you’ll need to program the remote functions (lock, unlock, etc.) for your new 2001 Lexus IS300 key fob. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Prepare Vehicle: Ensure all doors are closed and locked. Then, unlock and open only the driver’s side door.
- Ignition Insertion (No Turn): Insert your key into the ignition switch, and then immediately remove it. Do not turn the ignition ON.
- Lock/Unlock Cycle (First Set): Use the electric lock switch located on the driver’s side door panel. Cycle the lock and unlock switch five times. The sequence should be: Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock.
- Door Closure and Opening: Close the driver’s side door, and then open it again.
- Lock/Unlock Cycle (Second Set): Again, using the electric lock switch, perform the lock and unlock cycle five times: Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock.
- Ignition Sequence: Insert the key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position, then immediately turn it “OFF” and remove the key from the ignition.
- Observe Door Lock Cycle: At this point, you should observe the door locks cycling automatically. They will lock and then unlock themselves. This indicates that your Lexus IS300 has successfully entered remote programming mode. If the door locks do not cycle, you must restart the procedure from step 1, as the car has not entered programming mode.
- Remote Button Press (Simultaneous): On your new remote, press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously for no more than two seconds.
- Remote Button Press (Lock): Immediately after step 8, release both buttons and press only the “Lock” button on the remote for no more than one second.
- Confirmation Lock Cycle: If the programming is successful, the door locks should cycle (lock and unlock) one time. This confirms that the remote signal has been accepted and programmed. If the locks cycle twice, it indicates that the programming has failed.
Troubleshooting Remote Programming:
- Signal Issues: The most common reason for remote programming failure is a poor signal from the remote to the vehicle. If you experience failure, try these tips:
- Positioning: Step outside of the car while performing steps 8 and 9. This can sometimes improve the signal reception.
- Button Timing: Avoid holding the remote buttons down for too long. Keep the presses brief and within the specified timeframes (no more than 2 seconds for step 8, and no more than 1 second for step 9).
- Retrying Programming: As long as your car is still in programming mode (indicated by the initial door lock cycle in step 7), you can continue to retry steps 8 and 9 until the remote is successfully programmed. However, if you wait too long, the car will exit programming mode, and you will need to start the entire remote programming procedure over from step 1.
- Ending Programming: Once you have successfully programmed your remote, close and then open the driver’s side door. This action will end the remote programming procedure.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2001 Lexus IS300 key and remote, restoring full functionality and saving yourself a potentially significant expense. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed key fob!