LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

locked my only key inside trunk!

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Old 05-22-11, 01:24 PM
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GX470GT
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Default locked my only key inside trunk! PROBLEM FIXED PLEASE READ.

locked my only key inside trunk when taking out the spare tire. all doors windows are locked and i don't ave another key for this car. what is the best way to open the car. i will be doing the job myself. calling AAA is out of the question!

i was thinking the typical hanger technique....

its a 1999 model.

Thanks

I FIXED MY PROBLEM. I HAD TO REMOVE THE REAR LICENSE PLATE AND DRILL A 3/4" HOLE IN THE MIDDLE. THAT WILL GET YOU ACCESS TO THE LOCK CABLE WHICH UNLOCKED THE TRUNK. CHEAPEST FASTEST WAY. I WILL PUT A RUBBER GROMMET AND EVERYTHING WILL BE AS BEFORE MAYBE EVEN BETTER BECAUSE NOW THE LICENSE PLATE WON'T EVER VIBRATE DUE TO THE RUBBER GROMMET!



i just wanted to say that i locked the key in the trunk while taking out the spare tire at home in my own garage. I also dont wan't to take any credit for drilling a hole in the the trunk because i found all information on how to do it from another member on another site forum.

Last edited by GX470GT; 05-25-11 at 01:52 PM.
Old 05-22-11, 01:32 PM
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Kansas
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Why is calling for help out of the question? Is the car hot?

The inside lock levers and buttons are not "coat hanger friendly" like the ones on cars of old.

Significant damage can be caused by breaking into a car -- damage that costs far more to fix than what it costs to hire a person who knows what he is doing.
Old 05-22-11, 01:37 PM
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these cars are NOT easy to slim jim into due to the way the linkage is designed. you're more likely to much up the glass(scratches), interior door panel, window/alarm equipment in the door (door ecu is sensitive) or any of the wiring.

call a pro, pay him monies, and buy another key for next time. (blade only)
Old 05-22-11, 04:31 PM
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RA40
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Screwing up the door panel innards or forcing the lock is going to cost far more $ to fix. Call a pro in.

Like one of the past key threads, have spares and even if not on your person, somebody you trust should have one for just these moments.
Old 05-22-11, 05:00 PM
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hellaclean
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You can call a tow company and they will do it for $40-60. Not much to save your car from getting damaged.
Old 05-22-11, 05:04 PM
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vollandt
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with the vin and proof that you own the car, the dealer can give you the key code. From there a good auto lock smith can cut you a key with a blank and that code (most dealers don't have the equipment to cut a key on site). I've dealt with these guys before and http://www.sparecarkeys.com/. If you can get the code, you might try getting them to overnight you a cut key.
Old 05-22-11, 05:09 PM
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billydpowe
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good grief, just call a locksmith.
Old 05-22-11, 05:26 PM
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Just like everyone is saying, "pay someone to get it opened". If you do pay someone, you might as well just get AAA for a year, it cost about the same.
Old 05-22-11, 07:16 PM
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except that usually AAA takes a week to take effect...
Old 05-23-11, 04:43 AM
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Originally Posted by PureDrifter
except that usually AAA takes a week to take effect...
I can disagree with you on that with confidence. When you call to get a policy they give you a temperary number to use if/when you need it before your card comes in the mail. My daughter and I have both done it recently. Instant access. $60 a year for 100 mile tow, and everything else they offer. Well worth it, especially for teenagers, or people who lock their keys in the car.
Old 05-23-11, 10:25 AM
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when was this? in cali they both make you wait 7 days (you still get a temp. no. but if you need a tow before the 7day period is up you're on your own) AND don't allow you to sign up for a plus or premium membership right away, you're restricted to signing up for BASIC (~7mi tow) only and can't sign up for plus/premium unless you're on basic for 1 year and DONT use any tows.

AAA sucks now unless you're already a plus/premium member.

the waiting period i experienced about 3 years ago, and the basic only was foisted upon the world less than a year ago.
Old 05-23-11, 11:56 AM
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Moral of this...get it before you really need the service.
Old 05-23-11, 02:07 PM
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Cali must be different for AAA. (like with everything else) You're like foreigners out there. I got my AAA about a year and a half ago. I got a membership over the phone, 10 minutes later I called and had my car towed 72 miles. That was the only time I used it but well worth it. ($79) The tow would have been $281. My daughter got hers 5 months ago. (on phone for $84) She waited 30 minutes to call in for her tow and her car was towed 102 miles, the driver made her pay $6 for the extra 2 miles. She already used her 3 allowed tows.
Old 05-23-11, 07:13 PM
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i fixed my problem. I had to remove the rear license plate and drill a 3/4" hole in the middle. That will get you access to the lock cable which unlocked the trunk. Cheapest fastest way. I will put a rubber grommet and everything will be as before maybe even better because now the license plate won't ever vibrate due to the rubber grommet!
Old 05-23-11, 08:26 PM
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deanbrown
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can't wait for the hood release to seize up on my 96, that front license plate has been jiggling around all beat up for years.


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