Helpfully advice/suggestions needed
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Helpfully advice/suggestions needed/ updat.
I have a 2003 LS430 and here's my story. One fine spring morning I come out to get in and discover over night the door locks, trunk release,gas door release and mirror control have all gone on strike. Door locks and trunk release do not work with fob nor with in car controls.My mechanic , who is quite competent. works on Ferrari, Bentleys ', Astins etc. is loosing his mind. Any clues or guidance would be appreciated. Even wild *** quesses , So problem was theft deterrent module. Replacing it cured mirror control, gas door open,and trunk open. Now module says it recognizes key fob starts and drives but fob does not operate door locks. Anyone know a swing a dead cat over your head while flashing headlights 14 times fix?
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Last edited by Ben9054; Sep 12, 2025 at 04:37 AM. Reason: Update
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 920
From: wa
I had this happen once with a family member’s contemporary GS. Car controls as well as fob not working and fob not recognized Baffling. I reconditioned and fully high-amp charged the battery, re-installed it, then did a “pedal dance” fob re-learn and everything worked, and it has been fine for six or more years since.
The car had been sitting a few days while the driver was away (not very long at all). I think it was a marginal battery that caused a long enough, VERY marginal low-voltage situation that triggered it (car would light up normally and all still). This may not be your case, but check your battery voltage and see what it is.
The car had been sitting a few days while the driver was away (not very long at all). I think it was a marginal battery that caused a long enough, VERY marginal low-voltage situation that triggered it (car would light up normally and all still). This may not be your case, but check your battery voltage and see what it is.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 87
From: Delaware
Well, for starters, it's an electrical issue. All those actions taken require power (electricity) to function. I don't think a bad keyfob is a possibility.
Could there be a fuse common to the door locks, trunk release, gas door release and mirror? Sure! Could 2 or more fuses be blown? Sure!
I'd think a mechanic would check the fuses related to all those systems FIRST. I believe the owner's manual has references to all these systems, and which fuse blocks they're located. There are numerous fuse block locations!
Could there be a fuse common to the door locks, trunk release, gas door release and mirror? Sure! Could 2 or more fuses be blown? Sure!
I'd think a mechanic would check the fuses related to all those systems FIRST. I believe the owner's manual has references to all these systems, and which fuse blocks they're located. There are numerous fuse block locations!
Last edited by LS430inDE.; Aug 7, 2025 at 04:26 PM.
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Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
additionally there is a notice of taillamps failure although all lamps seem to be working normally. Run and drive like a champ. I would assume since all can be operated with scan tool fuses relays and modules are ok. But that may be a leap of faith.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 464
From: North Carolina
Many have had to replace fuse box there for numerous problems even though fuses check ok. Tail light gasket leak causes problem and even if leak fixed problems can happen years later. If you bought used that could be the case. If bought new disregard. Take fuse block apart and visual inspect for signs of water intrusion.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 87
From: Delaware
Could it be the computer modules inside the door panels? I'm not sure the technical name of these modules, but they communicate to "the system". I will be replacing the passenger side mirror this weekend and will get the technical name for it. I saw it the other weekend when doing the driver's side mirror. It has many harnesses that plug into it. Perhaps your driver's side door module went bad?
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
drivers door module replaced. theft deterrent module also. A 3rd one I do not recall at present. Gateway module was my suspect but tests ok. I am at a loss due to everything operating fine when controlled by diagnostic / scanner tool.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 124
Likes: 47
From: TN
I seem to remember reading a post in here where someone had a similar problem that traced back to the rain sensor for his automatic wipers. Try unplugging the sensor on your windshield if you have rain sensing wipers and check if the problem still presents itself then.
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
I seem to remember reading a post in here where someone had a similar problem that traced back to the rain sensor for his automatic wipers. Try unplugging the sensor on your windshield if you have rain sensing wipers and check if the problem still presents itself then.
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