I have had my electronic key card in my wallet for sometime now, I keep forgetting it's there. So today I took it out and tried to figure out what to do with it. To my delight I found I can actually start and drive my car without lugging along that humongous key fob. I was just wondering if there is a downside associated with doing this and if so, what would it be?
Thank you

 

I've only had my car for a couple of months now but the card in my wallet is all I've used.

 

That sure makes me feel a lot better, thanks mate.

 

It should work just like the keyfob. My issue is I tend to leave my wallet in the car at certain places I go and I can't do that with the card in my wallet. This means I would have to carry it seperate and at that point I might as well take the fob. I would prefer to use my phone as a key like I can with my Tesla since I never leave my phone in the car.

But yeah if you keep your wallet on you all the time there should be no issues.

 

Wish I could get one for my 2020. Had one on my 2008 Mazda and it worked great. Didn't even have the original keyfob. Only downside is no keyfob for remote lock/unlock/trunk/start (unless you do it via app or something). NBD

 

The key card was one of those features I didn't see a need for but now it is all I use and have put the remotes to sleep.

 

Same here..
I thought the card was useless, now I can't live without it.. I just put it in my wallet and forget about it.

 

I guess the "backup" would be the app on the phone - you can unlock and start the car with it? I didn't receive on with my 2023 ES but believe it is possible to buy one, but have been hesitant to look into it because I'd be concerned I'd get stranded somewhere and unable to start my car as I've heard the signal on these cards isn't all that good?

 

Never had a signal issue.
One time the battery was weak and the car was warning to replace the battery..

 

How often have you had to change the battery?

 

Once so far in three years in the card.

 

Clarifying "the App on the Phone". The entire Lexus App can lock/unlock/remote start the car but without a key fob or card key it cannot be driven after you get in.
The troublesome Digital Key additional feature (LOL) of the App will permit the car to be driven without the fob or card.
The fob car remote starts the car using the three-press cadence and is free for 120 months, 10 years.
The Lexus App has a 36-month trial after which you may choose to subscribe.

 

Can the key card be turned OFF as the FOB can so as to prevent signal relay theft?

 

Remove the battery.

 

That’s the only thing I’ve used since day one. I keep it in my wallet, which is always with me.
The battery lasted almost 18 months of ownership, though the car spent nearly four months sitting at the dealer before purchase.
My fobs were put to sleep and stored from the very start.

Only negatives to the card:

• No remote lock/unlock/trunk/start. I just use the APP.
• There’s no sleep mode, making it susceptible to relay attacks when dining or sitting in close proximity to the car. At home, I store all my fobs, including my wallet, in a Faraday Box for added security.

Edit: The 18 month / 15k mile Lexus service includes a battery replacement.