tsetsefly

Okay, so my fob died recently. I used this awesome website to find out how to unlock and the door and start the engine of an IS250 with a dead fob. Mechanical Key turns in the lock, but the lock does not unlock (or lock). Called my wife and we unlocked the door with her fob.

Since then, I've replaced the fob battery and everything is fine, but the mechanical key still does not unlock the door. It unlocks the trunk, but absolutely nothing with the door. Hoping someone else has had or seen this issue and can advise.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Eric

chasep

I am actually pretty sure my car does the same thing - and I only have one key

The key will open the trunk, but won't unlock the doors. I always thought a lock rod might have come loose inside the drivers door disabling the lock cylinder, but I haven't taken the time to remove the door panel and check.

Hopefully someone here has a better idea...

jonathancl

I found this thread after discovering a similar issue with my 4th Gen GS.

Two years ago, the driver door actuator was replaced, and I suspect the mechanical key function was not tested afterwards.

Fix:
The mechanical key activates a shaft that fits into a philips-like socket in the door actuator to drive the lock directly.
If this shaft is not inserted properly, there will be no connection between the mechanical key socket and door lock.
By removing the key socket and replacing, I was able to restore functionality.

This video shows how to remove the key socket (it's not actually showing a drive door, but the procedure is the same):