f1dude

Hi, came across an odd problem. The remote will lock the doors but not remotely unlock. Neither remote keys will unlock it - but both (original two keys, batteries are fine) work remotely to lock it. Ideas? Much appreciated.

whit3b0y

How hot is it outside, are all the window rolled up? With my car I've noticed that in the summer if i leave the windows up and sunroof closed, the door locks fail to unlock with the fob. If I stick the key in the lock and turn it then the door will unlock. Have they worked in the past, if so when was the last time?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if both keys are doing it then it could be a sign of a failing door lock actuator. My LS for example will refuse to remotely unlock the driver's door on really hot days when the door is in direct sunlight. Try keeping the car in the shade/garage and trying it, if it works you know where to look.

I did have an issue recently with our '00 LS where the unlock (and eventually, the lock) button stopped working on the remote, but it was a switch issue on the remote on not the car, as a new key fob sorted it out fine.

f1dude

thanks for the quick replies.

it was working yesterday all day. when it "finally" didn't work, it was already at night, probably 50-60 outside. this would most likely be only the front door lock actuator? (all the doors lock, none of the doors unlock with the remote)

also, any brand/place you'd recommend me buying from?

xtremex626

iTrader: (3)

i have two key fobs when i bought the car but only one works for unlock/lock. the other one has the same problem.. locks but doesn't unlock (doesn't even blink red on the key fob). i've put new batteries in them too. i know a few others who have the same problem too.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

means you need a new fob

f1dude

oh yeah, and i forgot - the trunk doesn't work with the remote either. still lock actuator as diagnosis?

ea9011

reviving this old thread...same problem...

using key fob remote, i can LOCK the doors. however, pressing unlock or trunk (light will come on on the key fob) will not unlock the doors or open the trunk remotely.

from interior, doors lock/unlock fine with the buttons on the door. from the outside, the doors lock/unlock fine when using the key itself.

i've tried, swapping new batteries (both key fobs), reprogramming the key fobs.

any ideas? it's driving me insane!!! thanks!

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

on one of my 99's the doors are responsive lock/unlock, but the trunk button has to be held in 3 to 5 seconds before I hear a "whistle" sound and it opens...
that mean anything to anyone?? trouble coming??
just curious..

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

by whistle did you mean beep sound? if so that is normal and so is holding down the trunk open button for a few seconds.

i believe there are presets you can program to either make an audible sound when pressing lock on the fob, or to turn if off completely, among other features.

dengman

Sounds normal to me. Hold the unlock the windows roll down

Raysoe

i see that the last tread is a bit old already but I just came across this problem on my 98 LS400... using key fob, locking the doors is fine, but just cant unlock the doors or open trunk. battery is fine. someone had mentioned that there is a sequence of closing/opening the doors with key in the ignition but I don't get the right sequence. anyone knows? it is not life or death but driving me nuts!

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

raysoe, my 99 started doing that, and it was the contacts in the remote, I had to buy a 3 button key with 3 buttons (not a shell) and have the dealer flash it and now it all works..

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...0-fob-key.html

Yamae

How long did you push the button when you tried to open the trunk?
Did you push long enough? You need to wait at least 3 seconds or more keep pushing the trunk button.

Regarding locking/unlocking doors, there are different factors. As Billy wrote, the commander's problem is often the case but the door controller sometimes fails. Those door motors need to switch the current direction depending on the locking/unlocking. When the switching circuit in the controller is failed, you can't lock or unlock. Only one way is possible or sometimes both fails. In this case, you need to replace the controller or fix it if you are capable.

You also need to know that there are separate motor drivers. 1 for the remote and another for the buttons at doors. So sometimes button at a door work but the remote doesn't work.