Lost your Lexus IS300 master key or need to program a new one? Getting a new key programmed by a locksmith or dealership can be expensive. Fortunately, for 2001 Lexus IS300 models, you can program both the car key and the remote yourself at home, potentially saving you a significant amount of money. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, originally shared by a Lexus enthusiast, to help you program your 2001 Lexus IS300 key and remote quickly and efficiently.
Programming Your 2001 Lexus IS300 Key
This procedure will program the transponder chip within your new key, allowing it to start your vehicle. Make sure you have a master key already programmed to the car for this process to work. A valet key will not work.
- Insert an existing, programmed master key into the ignition. Do not turn the key to the ‘ON’ position, just insert it.
- Press and release the gas pedal five times. Do this in a reasonably quick manner.
- Press and release the brake pedal six times. Again, maintain a reasonably quick pace.
- Remove the master key from the ignition.
- Insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition.
- Press and release the gas pedal one time.
- Wait for one minute (60 seconds). During this minute, you will notice the security indicator light on your dashboard blinking. This light is crucial for confirming you are in programming mode. After approximately one minute, the security light will stop blinking. This indicates that your new key has been successfully programmed to start your 2001 Lexus IS300.
- To finalize the programming, press the brake pedal one time.
Understanding the Security Light:
The security light on your dashboard is your guide throughout this process. Here’s what to expect:
- Step 1: When you insert the programmed master key, the security light should initially turn off.
- Steps 2-5: The security light will remain off as you complete these steps.
- Step 6: After inserting the new key and pressing the gas pedal, the security light will begin to blink.
- Step 7: The blinking security light indicates the programming process is underway. Once programmed, the blinking will stop.
- If the security light comes on solid after Step 4, this indicates an error. Stop the procedure and begin again from step 1.
Troubleshooting Key Programming:
- Speed is Key: If the car does not enter programming mode, it’s often because the pedal presses were not performed quickly enough. Try the procedure again, increasing your speed slightly.
- Master Key vs. Valet Key: Ensure you are using a master key for step 1. A valet key will not initiate the programming sequence. If you are unsure which key you have, master keys typically have a rubberized or plastic head, while valet keys are often all metal.
- Restart if Necessary: If you encounter issues or the security light behaves unexpectedly, don’t hesitate to start the entire procedure over from the beginning.
Programming Your 2001 Lexus IS300 Remote
Once your key is programmed to start the car, you’ll want to program the remote functions (lock, unlock, panic). Follow these steps to program your 2001 Lexus IS300 remote:
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Ensure all doors are closed and locked. Then, unlock and open only the driver’s side door.
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Insert your newly programmed key into the ignition and immediately remove it. Do not turn the ignition ON.
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Using the electric door lock switch on the driver’s side door panel, cycle the locks five times. Perform a lock and unlock sequence five times in a row (Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock).
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Close and then open the driver’s side door.
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Again, using the electric door lock switch, cycle the locks five times. Repeat the lock and unlock sequence five times (Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock, Lock, Unlock).
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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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Watch for the door locks to cycle automatically. At this point, the door locks should cycle (lock then unlock) by themselves. This is your confirmation that the car has entered remote programming mode.
- If the door locks do not cycle automatically, the car has not entered programming mode. You must start the remote programming procedure over from step 1.
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On the remote you are programming, press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously for no more than two seconds.
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While still holding those buttons, press the “Lock” button on the remote for no more than one second.
- Confirmation: At this point, the door locks should cycle one time (lock then unlock) to indicate successful programming of that remote.
- Failure: If the door locks cycle twice (lock, unlock, lock, unlock), the programming for that remote has failed.
Troubleshooting Remote Programming:
- Signal Issues: Remote programming failures are often due to a weak signal from the remote to the car. Try these tips if you experience issues:
- Stand outside the car while performing steps 8 and 9. This can sometimes improve the signal reception.
- Shorten button press duration: Avoid holding the remote buttons down for too long. Quick presses are often more effective.
- Repeat if Needed: If the remote programming fails initially, you can repeat steps 8 and 9 multiple times while the car is still in programming mode (indicated by the door locks cycling in step 7). However, if you wait too long, the car will exit programming mode, and you will need to restart the entire remote programming procedure from step 1.
- Multiple Remotes: If you have multiple remotes to program, repeat steps 8 and 9 for each remote while the car is in programming mode (after the door locks have cycled in step 7).
- To exit the programming procedure, simply close and open the driver’s door one last time.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2001 Lexus IS300 car key and remote yourself. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed key and remote, and the satisfaction of saving money by doing it yourself!
