Lexus credit card key - SUCCESS

[mordotz]

I hope everyone is having a great week so far.

I've always been intrigued by the Lexus credit card key and the success stories around them with Tacomas, Highlanders, etc. Unfortunately since the smart key was only available with the Limited models until recently, there weren't any good threads with the 4Runner.

This is the only thread I could find, so I figured I would create a new one so my reply with info didn't get buried.
Will A Lexus Smart Key Work?

I'm happy to report that the Lexus credit card worked with my 2020 TRDP. The directions are more or less the same as the Tacoma thread below. The time consuming part was confirming compatibility.
Lexus Credit Card Key Working in Tacoma | Tacoma World

Based off of my research, there is a good chance that it would work with the 2021 as the smart key ECU has the same TMLF12-1 model number. I have not looked into any of the other years where it was only offered on the Limited.

Please do your own research based off of the information above - I am not responsible if it doesn't work for your vehicle.

Parts:
Card key part number: 89904-53512 or 89904-53511 (old part #)
Emergency key part number: 69515-30350

Three options to program and cut the key
1. (Programming only) DIY - Techstream - Buy a Mini VCI J2534 cable and install Techstream on a computer. This is the cheapest option but note the process can be difficult
2. Dealer - Most people on TacomaWorld reported success, but it would probably be worth calling. Some dealers required that the key be purchased at that location and/or refused to try.
3. Locksmith - Call first, some locksmiths cannot program/cut automotive keys.

I dusted off an old laptop to install Techstream and was successful. Emergency key blank is in transit and I've found a local locksmith that can cut the key.

It was a bit pricey but I'm glad that I only have to carry around my wallet now - totally worth it IMO.

 

[SKUDZUKI]

I have been using my Lexus key card for about two years now. I got a new
emergency blank for the card but was told by a couple of locksmiths that since it is single sided it will not work on the 4Runner which requires a double sided key.

Let us know if you have success with the single sided key blank.

 

[mordotz]

I have been using my Lexus key card for about two years now. I got a new
emergency blank for the card but was told by a couple of locksmiths that since it is single sided it will not work on the 4Runner which requires a double sided key.

Let us know if you have success with the single sided key blank.

That's interesting, my current emergency key is only grooved on one side. I'll report back once I get the key.

 

[Bumbo]

Single sided keys should be fine… most lock cylinder only have pins on one side, which would make the single sided key directional.

Keys that are cut on both sides are often times referred to as “convenience keys”, meaning it does not matter the top/bottom orientation when inserting it making it more convenience for the user. Which isn’t as important when dealing with a backup or emergency key.

My house locks are setup this way because I really like having convenience keys.

 

[Frasher4Runner]

I hope everyone is having a great week so far.

I've always been intrigued by the Lexus credit card key and the success stories around them with Tacomas, Highlanders, etc. Unfortunately since the smart key was only available with the Limited models until recently, there weren't any good threads with the 4Runner.

This is the only thread I could find, so I figured I would create a new one so my reply with info didn't get buried.
Will A Lexus Smart Key Work?

I'm happy to report that the Lexus credit card worked with my 2020 TRDP. The directions are more or less the same as the Tacoma thread below. The time consuming part was confirming compatibility.
Lexus Credit Card Key Working in Tacoma | Tacoma World

Based off of my research, there is a good chance that it would work with the 2021 as the smart key ECU has the same TMLF12-1 model number. I have not looked into any of the other years where it was only offered on the Limited.

Please do your own research based off of the information above - I am not responsible if it doesn't work for your vehicle.

Parts:
Card key part number: 89904-53512 or 89904-53511 (old part #)
Emergency key part number: 69515-30350

Three options to program and cut the key
1. (Programming only) DIY - Techstream - Buy a Mini VCI J2534 cable and install Techstream on a computer. This is the cheapest option but note the process can be difficult
2. Dealer - Most people on TacomaWorld reported success, but it would probably be worth calling. Some dealers required that the key be purchased at that location and/or refused to try.
3. Locksmith - Call first, some locksmiths cannot program/cut automotive keys.

I dusted off an old laptop to install Techstream and was successful. Emergency key blank is in transit and I've found a local locksmith that can cut the key.

It was a bit pricey but I'm glad that I only have to carry around my wallet now - totally worth it IMO.

Unless the picture is deceiving, that looks a whole lot thicker than anything that would fit in my wallet.

 

[mordotz]

Unless the picture is deceiving, that looks a whole lot thicker than anything that would fit in my wallet.

It’s the thickness of three credit cards stacked. Easily manageable in most wallets, even in my minimalist one. The bigger concern is making sure there’s no RFID protection in your wallet/slot or you’ll have to take it out every time you want to use it.

 

[mordotz]

I have been using my Lexus key card for about two years now. I got a new
emergency blank for the card but was told by a couple of locksmiths that since it is single sided it will not work on the 4Runner which requires a double sided key.

Let us know if you have success with the single sided key blank.

Took a while for the emergency key to get here due to some issues, but I successfully got the key cut at my local locksmith. [MENTION=144483]Bumbo[/MENTION] was spot on, basically since it's single sided it'll only work in one direction, but not a problem since its an emergency key.

 

[SKUDZUKI]

Good to know. I have been to two local key shops / locksmiths and they said it wouldn't work. I'll take my uncut key card emergency blank and insist that they cut it. Thanks!

 

[bijanayvazi]

Very interesting I didn't know that was possible!

 

[mordotz]

Good to know. I have been to two local key shops / locksmiths and they said it wouldn't work. I'll take my uncut key card emergency blank and insist that they cut it. Thanks!

One maybe somewhat relevant thing that I overheard one worker tell the other was that he would need to use the "Toyota shim" to cut it - I'm guessing its due to it being half the thickness since it's single sided?

One other note is that the hole at the tip of the emergency key is simply to secure the key into the stock keyfob. The Lexus key doesn't come with it since it's secured by that little nub near the top. Aka - your new emergency key won't have the hole, but will function fine.

Good luck!

 

[muell]

Does anyone have a source for a Toyota emblem that will replace the lexus one?

 

[FaithBoone]

I just stumbled upon this forum post and I know there aren't many threads about it with the 4Runner, so I wanted to start a new one to share my findings. It did take me some time to confirm compatibility, but I found that the smart key ECU model number for the 2020 TRDP is the same as that of some Lexus models