I perused over the voluminous 2025 ES350 Owner's Manual and I think I may know the answer but to insure I am 100% correct I want to ask the forum whether or not the Electronic Smart Access "Mechanical Key" can be used to start the vehicle? I am only interested in the function of the mechanical key and not the Smart Access key. Thanks for all replies.

 

The Mechanical key can unlock the door, it can't start the car. If the battery is dead you hold the fob/smart key up to the start button and press start.

 

The mechanical key blade that slips out of the Key fob can be used to lock the glove box when Valet Parking or perhaps when overnight parking in an unsecured lot.
Will also unlock the driver's door if the car or fob have dead batteries. The driver's door lock cylinder now has a rather awkward cover that is tough to remove, however.

Separate issue is the "Digital Key" part of the Lexus App. Do not attempt to enable or use the ill-fated Digital Key. While it may work in your driveway it will leave you stranded for sure elsewhere!

 

that is scary--has this happened to you? why would it work in the driveway but not elsewhere.

i love being able to drive using just my apple watch. just gotta be careful to not leave my phone behind!

 

Does Tesla use direct from phone to car? Lexus is dependent on cellular connection and there digital key is a disaster and even tell customers to carry the fob all the time. Even if cell is good may or may not work. Even though it doesn't work they are still forcing it on people as there is no way to delete options factory puts on. RX owners don't even have an option for the wallet key as they push the digital key.

 

This is what I found about Tesla digital access and this is what Lexus should have done but it's all about the money in subscriptions. No, a Tesla digital key, which uses your phone as a key, does not require a cell tower signal to function once it's been set up and authenticated; it communicates with the car via Bluetooth, so as long as your phone's Bluetooth is on, you can use the digital key even without cellular service.

 

BINGO! The answer I was looking for. Thank you.

 

Digital key PPPPPLLLLLLLEASE - is the fob really too heavy to carry around?

 

If you’re talking about the Smart Access Key then I have a question for you. Do you even own one? There is utility/benefit to owning a Smart key. So then PPPPPLLLLLLLEASE save your PPPPPLLLLLLLEASE when it is appropriate.

 

I'm talking about using the phone as a digital key duh. I've only had cars with smart access fobs for the last 15 years or so.

 

Your Smart Access FOBs sometimes get lost on occasion. They are very expensive to replace duh. Digital keys on the phone not so much dude. Are you somebody who enjoys putting very large key mechanical key FOBs in your pocket to showcase your manhood?

 

hey moron -

 

Yes. I also own a Tesla and honestly every time I switch from driving it for a while and drive another car I feel like I've gone back in time 20 years. I try be as keyless as possible and only carry my phone and wallet (haven't been able to ditch that one yet). It's great not having a keyfob, but what's even greater is not having to worry about anything. I don't have to unlock it or start it or stop it or put it in park or lock it etc. I get in, I drive, I get out and leave. I get the need for a start button when you have an engine, but everything else should just be done with your phone and should be automatic.

 

you need something pissant?

 

Verocarguy, Mikemu30 exit this thread

edit, since OP is contributing to juvenile behavior, closing thread