PLEASE HELP! Both keys won't work ...
02-14-08, 11:11 AM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Hummm, I just finish reading the manual for the 08 GS 2 weeks ago and I kind of remember something about a low fob battery warning on the car somewhere. Can anyone confrim that, I have to read the manual again.
02-16-08, 04:40 AM
#17
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both keys dead here too...
Exactly the same thing happened here...tried to start my car last night; could not even open the doors. My other spare key was also dead! The tiny LED on both fobs was not operating. Used the metal insert key and was able to get inside. As stated, the car WILL start if you hold the fob right up to the start button, but then the message Key Not Detected appears. Luckily, Radio Shack is open till 9 p.m. Installed two new batteries @ $6 ea. and all is well...for now!
No early warning that batts were low...surprise!
The two year rule on battery life holds true...my advice...if you haven't yet changed out your key fob batteries in 2 years, it's a good idea to keep them on hand...
No early warning that batts were low...surprise!
The two year rule on battery life holds true...my advice...if you haven't yet changed out your key fob batteries in 2 years, it's a good idea to keep them on hand...
02-16-08, 10:08 AM
#19
i am not sure. we had one "main" key that was used all the time, and the 2nd key was locked in the safe with our other keys. it is possible the "spare" died earlier. i was surprised that both were dead at the same time.
and to EyeKutr about the RX key, it too has a transponder that communicates with the car each and every time you start or unlock the car. last year the master shell w/ key blade broke in half and i had to order a new shell w/ cut blade. when it arrived i immediately put it in the ignition (to see if the cut blade fit the ignition), but the car won't start unless the transponder is next to the ignition... so in a way, even if it's not keyless go, it still "works" as hard as the keyless go fobs. technology is so neat!
and to EyeKutr about the RX key, it too has a transponder that communicates with the car each and every time you start or unlock the car. last year the master shell w/ key blade broke in half and i had to order a new shell w/ cut blade. when it arrived i immediately put it in the ignition (to see if the cut blade fit the ignition), but the car won't start unless the transponder is next to the ignition... so in a way, even if it's not keyless go, it still "works" as hard as the keyless go fobs. technology is so neat!
No it does not work the same way, the RX and GX have a keyless entry thing but the immobilizer is much more simple. That explains how the valet key which has no battery can also start the car. The rubber head has a chip that does not have a battery.
http://www.transponderkeyfob.com/
Last edited by EyeKutr; 02-16-08 at 12:31 PM.
02-27-08, 06:59 PM
#21
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My key fob battery also died overnight. No prob... I'll use the second fob. Ack! That too was dead, despite NEVER ever being used. (And it was stored far, far away from the car.) Ordered two new batteries from Radio Shack (online, not carried in stores, apparently). All is well now.
Lesson learned: I did not insert the battery into the second fob, which I rarely use. I'll wait until I need it. Now I -will- have a fall-back fob!
Lesson learned: I did not insert the battery into the second fob, which I rarely use. I'll wait until I need it. Now I -will- have a fall-back fob!
02-27-08, 07:38 PM
#22
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Even with a low battery in the key, you should be able to start this car using an alternative method. If holding up the key to the "Start" button does not work, then that's just very unfortunate. It would be very silly to be stuck on the road because your key battery is dead. Makes me wonder if I should carry an extra battery in my glove compartment.
02-27-08, 11:26 PM
#24
After 2.5 years of daily use, the battery got weak enough that the car issued a "low battery" warning in the in-speedo digital display area. Replaced it with the battery from the unused key (never was installed) and was back in biz. I thought the warning was a right nice jesture.
05-10-09, 08:43 PM
#26
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This is some great information because my car just told me that my Key Battery is low and I should change it. But it is also nice to know that I can be able to turn the car on even with the low battery.
05-11-09, 02:45 PM
#29
About a year ago I had the same situation, fob#1 dead and backup fob#2 also dead. Went to Ebay and bought replacement battery CR1632. Paid $5.50 for ten of them with free shipping. Replaced battery in both fobs and have not had any problems since. Why pay $7 to $13 dollars for a 55 cent battery. I just check Ebay and they still are selling 10 CR1632 for $5.50 with free shipping.
05-11-09, 07:42 PM
#30
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About a year ago I had the same situation, fob#1 dead and backup fob#2 also dead. Went to Ebay and bought replacement battery CR1632. Paid $5.50 for ten of them with free shipping. Replaced battery in both fobs and have not had any problems since. Why pay $7 to $13 dollars for a 55 cent battery. I just check Ebay and they still are selling 10 CR1632 for $5.50 with free shipping.
Get it from eBay is so much cheaper, I always have extra battery in my toy too just in case something like that would happen to me...
But if I remembered correctly, when I got my 15k service at my dealership (Sewell), they also replaced the battery on the FOB too...