Unique problem...
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: TX
Unique problem...
I just bought a 1999 GS400 from a private seller for dirt cheap. We all know the problems that come along with a deal like that.
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
I just bought a 1999 GS400 from a private seller for dirt cheap. We all know the problems that come along with a deal like that.
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
Good luck
Between the gas cap button and the trunk button, there should be a keyhole. Make sure that button is not pressed in otherwise the trunk switch won't work. I do not recall if non-remote keys will unlock it. I believe the valet key does not have the necessary groove on the key to even allow you to insert.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: TX
Hello, I'd first swap the bulbs out. Sometimes when the wrong bulb is installed it does funky things. I remember I installed the wrong rear blinkers one time and only the driver side blinked real fast where the passenger was normal. I thought my relay or wires got jacked up but it just wound up being the wrong bulb. Another time I put a wrong brake bulb in a different car and it made the rear brake lights stay on full time. Check the bulbs again.
Good luck
Good luck
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 116
Likes: 12
From: MS
I just bought a 1999 GS400 from a private seller for dirt cheap. We all know the problems that come along with a deal like that.
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
Hopefully you won't find a dead body once you get the trunk open!
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Does the one that works in ignition also work for the doors? And if so does it have grooves on the sides? If no then it probably will work for the valet lock if you have the grooves cut in it. Those grooves on the edge are the only physical difference between valet key and master key. Just need a locksmith with a laser cutter.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: TX
The key that works in the ignition works on the doors as well but the car will not start if the other key is off the key ring. One is the key and the other is there for the chip and doesn't work for anything else.
You can alternatively buy a pre cut key shell from ebay sellers using a photo of the working key (it will be cut with the master lock groove). They are less than $50 if I remember, it's been a few yrs. But you will still need a transponder and need it programmed.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: TX
A master locksmith with laser cutter can solve all of your problems. You need a new transponder and key to be programmed/cut. If you just want to get into the trunk etc and "deal" with what you have for a while ask them to cut the master lock groove in your working key.
You can alternatively buy a pre cut key shell from ebay sellers using a photo of the working key (it will be cut with the master lock groove). They are less than $50 if I remember, it's been a few yrs. But you will still need a transponder and need it programmed.
You can alternatively buy a pre cut key shell from ebay sellers using a photo of the working key (it will be cut with the master lock groove). They are less than $50 if I remember, it's been a few yrs. But you will still need a transponder and need it programmed.
My overall goal is to get this car into full working order and the keys situation seems to be pretty important.
Thanks very much for your help!
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 86
Likes: 2
From: California
I just bought a 1999 GS400 from a private seller for dirt cheap. We all know the problems that come along with a deal like that.
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
My mystery is that the tail lights don't work. The brake lights do, but not the tail lights for night driving. I am pretty good with stuff like this but can't gain access to the trunk. The car came with 2 keys and no key fob/remote. Keys do not have buttons on them. Only one key will work in the ignition and doors. The other doesn't work on anything in/on the car. I am guessing the inop key is there for the rf chip due to the fact that if it isn't on the same key ring... The car will not start.
Neither key works in the trunk or on the valet lock between the gas door and trunk levers.
How the hell do I get into the trunk? Tried taking the rear seat back off to no avail, found a dead end. Most of my driving will be at night and without tail lights... I'm SOL.
Any ideas? Tried holding the lever and getting someone to pull up on the trunk lid hoping it was the seal stuck, but not happening.
Thanks
Looks like you have 2 valet keys. Depends how much money you want to spend. Way back in the day I locked my only key in the trunk. I took my registration to the dealer and they ordered me just a key blade and that will work on the trunk lock. Or just order a complete key with transponder.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: TX
Is your license plate, side markers, and city/parking lights out also? I had this problem. My tails would light up when braking but not when i turn on my headlights. Found out that the fuse for the tail lights had blown. Had to replace the 10a fuse thats in the ecu box under the driver side. It should be the 10a fuse in the first row but i cannot remember. Either first or second row in the fuse box.
Sounds like someone wired the trunk lid all wrong.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: TX
Looks like you have 2 valet keys. Depends how much money you want to spend. Way back in the day I locked my only key in the trunk. I took my registration to the dealer and they ordered me just a key blade and that will work on the trunk lock. Or just order a complete key with transponder.