Voix

Just purchased a 2008 ES 350 UL Tungsten/Black last week. Really enjoying the car so far.

I've got some questions regarding the key fob. I'm feeling paranoid that I'll be stranded in 1-2 years when the battery runs out. I understand that the car can be unlocked by using the mechanical key, but the car cannot be started with the mechanical key.

What is the procedure to start the car in the event that the key fob battery becomes depleted? How long should the battery last, and is the battery user-replaceable?

Thanks.

NJLEXES

Well, a few things.

Even if the battery in the FOB goes dead, you are definitely not stranded.

As you said, you can open the door with the mechanical key.
As far as starting the car, you have to hold the fob directly next to the "start-stop" button on the car. The car can pick up the remote at this distance even with a dead FOB battery.

One other thing related to this.. if I recall, the car information display will also tell you the "FOB battery needs replacement".

All of the above info can be found in the manual as well.

Robert_J

The key FOB for my '95 Maxima is still on its original batteries. Works fine.

-Robert

slw ls1

You can still start the car with a dead key fob bat. Like previously stated just hold it up to the start/stop button and press it and it will start. It's really easy to change the battery as well. Just pull the mechinal key and you can use it to pry open the case and pop the battery out then match it up at store.

We've had a few cars with the keyless start to where the bat on the fob dies eairly, after 2 years minimun. But generally we haven't had any problems with them, even though we've only had this system for around 3 years('06GS).

static

If you're still concerned, you can keep a spare battery in the glove box, it's a CR1632.

ES350Bob

I would not worry about being stranded. It will let you know if it is having difficulty recognizing your key fob long before you could be stranded.

Voix

Thanks for the feedback. I had only read up to page 70 in the manual before posting, but had searched the manual at mylexus for "key" and read all resulting files without seeing an answer. Just did another search for "smog" to learn which recirculate setting is more sensitive. Got no hits; I suspect the manual search isn't quite 100%. I wish the entire manual were available as a PDF download because my aging eyes prefer a computer display to ink-and-paper.

codex57

You can download the manual in pdf in chunks... well, might have to be a Lexus owner to do it. Do a search on here. A couple people posted they were in the middle of d/l it recently. Maybe PM them and see if they'll send you all the files (a lot).

ES350Bob

Sorry Voix, but seems what I posted above about ample warning of low battery is wrong.

In one case even holding both key FOBs to start button did not work, in other it did so there is a chance you could be stranded if you do not keep up with battery and there can be no warning ahead of time.

Try taking off metal key cover on door handle to familiarize yourself with doing it in case this ends up happening to you as putting it back on can be a real PIA.

""""so then we thought well maybe key fob #1 is dead. so we went in and grabbed key fob #2 and tried that, no go. the button on the keys won't work, and the "key is not detected" message is on when you try to start the car. i held the fobs up to the start button and still nothing ...""""

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=334387

Voix

Thanks for the update. I've gone ahead and ordered a spare battery to keep on-hand just in case.

http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Lith...3180066&sr=1-1

OAKPLANK

If you don't want to get stranded, keep a spare battery in the center storage tray. Should the fob go dead, use the metal key to get into the car and replace the spare battery you kept in the car....you're now on your way, anywhere and anytime.
oakplank