I browsed through the forums here and didn't find the answer I was looking for, so I was hoping someone might have a solution to my problem.

I have a 91 LS400. I have 1 regular key and 1 valet key. While at the shop, the trunk lock button was pushed. However, neither key will unlock the button so I can get into the trunk. The main key is a copy of a copy, so it never reliably opened the trunk, I always used the latch inside to pop the trunk. Now, however, it won't do anything.

I insert the regular key into the trunk lock and it won't turn at all ... left or right. It acts like it's the wrong key altogether. This car is a hand-me-down from my grandmother (the original owner) and I'd never locked the trunk with the lock before, so I am not sure if this is a new problem or has always been the case.

A side note, the glove box is not locked -- I managed to get that one to open with the key.

If anyone has a solution for how to get the lock "unlocked," I'd greatly appreciate it. The car shop I had it at when it happened can't do anything. The Lexus dealer said they can't tell immediately but I can pay the $99 diagnostic fee to see if they can figure out the problem and a solution. I don't want to pay $99 though to have them come back and say it will be $600 to fix it.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds like the copy was made of the valet key instead of the master.
On the 95-97 the master has a ridge toward the tip. The valet does not. Toyota has used a similar approach on their master-valet keys since I began driving their cars in the 80's.

The $$ approach is to order a master key from the dealer for about $250 bills you'll need the VIN and car registration when going to the dealer to show proof. There may be a way to braze-solder the ridge but it is risky and may damage the key and it will take some trial error to match it.

Master key is on left, valet on right for reference, the ridge is on both sides of the key.

 

if all you really care about is getting the trunk open then PM me and i'll give you a rundown of how to get past the locked latch. being as it is reasonably sensitive information and i dont want anyone getting their trunk jacked i'd prefer not to post it publicly.

 

I am not sure if this will help, but I have a 91 LS400, and I also ran into problems when I accidentally pushed in the trunk lock button. The key did not turn, at least not right away. I had to jiggle it back and forth and side to side a few times, and then magically it opened. All the other locks work fine. Long shot, but maybe worth trying.

 

Thank you for the replies.

RA40 - As far as I can tell, I do have a master and a valet key.

PureDrifter - I appreciate the offer. Would this leave the trunk unlocked long-term or is it just a hack to get it open once? I'd really like the functionality of my trunk back! =)

blunden - I have wiggled and waggled and jimmied the key all I can in the lock and can't seem to get anywhere.

***

I took it to the local Lexus dealer and they couldn't tell me anything without bringing it into the shop and charging the base $99 evaluation fee.

I'm debating two options --

1 - Have a new master key made and rekey the car. I know very little about cars and if this would work, so please let me know if this is a dumb(!) idea or won't work.

2 - Hiring a locksmith to come out and try to pick the lock to the trunk. I'm kind of leery of trying this since I've read posts about how the car can go into lock-down mode if you mess with it wrong.

Thanks in advance for any feedback or other ideas!

 

it would work once, but be annoying to do day-to-day

 

I had the same problem...removing the plastic cover under the locked key section and fiddling around will pop the trunk and bring it back to 100% condition...PD would seem to have the recipe which he offered to you..

 

If you are using the original keys, the OEM master key for the 95+ has a black head and the gray is valet. If you only have the gray, it is valet and will not unlock the trunk release.

 

Hi .. I have a 91 lexus ls400 & I'm having problems with my trunk.. Recently the latch stop working & my key want open it .. Is there any way I can pop the lock ..

 

Any lexus dealer parts can get you a new master key. Its money better spent than for a diagnostic, or a lock smith that knows nothing about the LS and just mouses something up.

 

I'm having this issue as well may you help me?!?!?

 

Found this on YouTube, it might work for someone. Here's the link.

https://youtu.be/2FITcrUPKXw



If the link doesn't work, just search on YouTube for:

"SOLVED: Lexus SC300/SC400/LS400/GS300/GS400/GS430 DIY - if your trunk lock button doesn't work"



Even though this Lexus doesnt look like yours or isn't the same year, the workaround should work the same.

 

help i need my trunk open latch wont work and the key lock got pushed in on the trunk

 

That sucks. You will figure it out eventually.

 

hi I have the same problem could I get the helpful hint?