mikectm2

Does anyone care to explain what can be done with the little spare, metal key that comes out of the electronic key on a 2011 ES350.

I want to go to a water park, and i don't want to pay the $15/day locker rental.
had briefly considered purchasing a small, wearable waterproof pouch/case for the electronic key. then decided against that. Then remembered about the little slender metal key that comes out of the electronic key.

Went to the garage just now and couldn't find any hole on the outside of the driver door. Did find a little hole kinda hidden at the bottom of the chrome door handle. tried several times to stick the metal key in that hole, but it didn't go.

I'm not trying to be stranded at a water park, nor have my Lexus stolen. so i'm really hoping someone can explain the uses/functions of this metal key.

1 Can i ( safely ) lock the electronic key in the car ? ...and only take the metal key ?

2 What does the metal key do ( and how ) ?

nevernu

manual is your friend, maybe remove the battery from the fob and lock it in the car then use mechanical key to unlock?

chuyrobles

If the electronic key battery dies and you need to get in the car, use the mechanical key to remove the lock cover on the driver side door handle. Page 48 of my manual.

You can also take the key with you when you leave the electronic key with valet.

mikectm2

ah, so that hole on the underneath part of the door handle is to pry off the chrome cover (and reveal a mechanical key hole ). Got it

Will the mechanical key start said vehicle ?


Nevernu, that is a nice idea. 'cause if the FOB is anywhere in the car, the car'll start. but i have the battery out and hidden, that would work. I saw a parts guy replace the battery in the FOB before. That might work.

LexBob2

There is some good info with pictures/diagrams in the owners manual that explains all of the functions and features.

nevernu

yes very much like the pdf i posted 4 posts ago which explained how the mechanical keys works and how to start the car with the key fob with a dead fob battery

mcomer

The mechanical key also locks the glove box while valet parking. Defeat the trunk power release with the small
button under the lock inside the glovebox and then secure it and your plate registration (home address!) by locking it. Hang onto the key and they cannot get the info or golf clubs...

Small key also is sized to pry open the fob itself for battery replacement

Key also has a cylinder on the trunk edge by the license plate to use if fob or car batteries are dead

ESh

AFAIK, there's no any key cylinder on the trunk lid.

jednav

[QUOTE=mikectm2;8945781]ah, so that hole on the underneath part of the door handle is to pry off the chrome cover (and reveal a mechanical key hole ). Got it


how do you pry it off? didnt want to damage it

mcomer

Insert the tip of the mechanical key up from the bottom of the lock cylinder cover.
The lock cylinder cover is the part of the door handle that doesn't move when you pull the handle.
Take care when replacing the cover, "hang" it from the top and press the bottom firmly toward the car.

KLF

It's too bad that Lexus didn't think to put all this information with nice diagrams in a book that you could carry RIGHT IN THE GLOVE BOX.

Just be very careful when you snap the little chrome plastic cover back on, make sure it's all the way down and snapped tight. I tested mine out a few weeks ago, and the next day I got to work and the cover was gone, fell off. Had to buy a new one, ($14 for a little piece of chromed plastic), and I learned the trick when putting it back on is to pull on the door handle like you're opening the door, the cover snaps back on much easier and securely.

jednav

thanks for tips guys!!

codejd

They did! See post #2 of this thread...page 397 for 2008 model year.