The 2001 ES300 has a combination remote control/ key. Has anyone else had a problem with it? My 98 ES300 with separate remote control and key works flawlessly, but the 2001 combo doesn't work. I have taken it apart twice to replace the coin battery, but the batt tests at full voltage. In fact the little remote control module works just fine until you reassemble it with the key!

 

I have no problems with mine 2 original remote fobs work flawlessly, just replaced the batteries recently.

Does the red light even come on when you have it reassembled with the key?

I would just get another one off of ebay and reprogram it to work with your car.

 

Some FOBs have a small spacer to press the FOB closer to the buttons. Try adding a small piece of cardboard under it and see if it works.

 

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Thanks for your reply, 808. Yes the red light comes on when reassembled, but only intermittently. what surprises me is that the assembled module works perfectly, until reassembled with the key!

 

Dear Matheny, the assembled remote module works perfectly unless it is assembled with the key, so the problem doesn't relate to the buttons. It has something to do with interference with the key assembly. JC

 

That's why I said to add a small piece of cardboard BELOW the module - it MAY let you press the buttons more firmly. If that isn't it (I had a '01 that gave me intermittent issues) you can get a replacement rubber button pad for a couple of bucks on eBay.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Soft-Rubber-Button-Pad-Shell-For-Lexus-ES300-Toyota-FJ-Cruiser-Remote-Key-Case-/121651286769?fits=Make%3ALexus%7CModel%3AES300&hash=item1c52fb52f1:gs8AAOSwv0tVVGEk&vxp=mtr

 

Dear Mike, if I understand you correctly, you are saying to :
1. disassemble key and keyfob.
2. put a small piece fo cardboard UNDER THE KEYFOB in the key assembly.
3. replace the keyfob back into the key with the cardboard undeneath it, to raise it a little within the assembly.

I tried to separate the key fob and key, to use them separately, but the key won't start the car til the two are assembled!

 

That's because the little 4C immobilizer chip is inside the plastic casing of the remote. If you open it up, you'll see a tiny little black rectangle. If you remove that and hot glue it to the key it should start the car without the remote.