Hello everyone, I am a NEW Proud owner of a 2004 LS430, first time Lexus owner, switched from Mercedes, and I LOVE IT !!. What a beautiful machine. Having a problem with remote key, maybe someone can help. Most the time, it works, I can enter the car and start it with out using the key. Occasionally ( about once a week) the car does not recognize the remote key, either I have to open the door with the metal key, or the door senses the remote will allow me to open the door, but when I try to turn the key switch to start it, the steering wheel starts to drop into position, I hear beeps, and the key switch will not turn. If I put the key in, it will work. Yesterday, when it would not sense the key to start, I got out, locked the car, unlocked the door (it does sense the key to get into the car) then tried to start with out the key and it worked. I have once seen a message on the dash saying something about "Check ST" I think??? Anyway, I have replaced the battery, and same results. Unfortunately I only have the one key, so cant see if it is a key issue or not. Any ideas??

 

If you get in the car without your key and try to turn the ignition switch, the steering wheel will reposition and the IP will display "Key Not Detected". When you stop trying to turn the ignition switch, the steering wheel will retract and the warning disappear.

If this sequence happens for you, then I would suspect the key. Your intermittent problem really sounds like a near dead battery in the key. I know you've changed it, but try cleaning the contacts and maybe even try another battery.

 

Try moving the steering and turning the engine on at the same time.

 

Thanks for your feedback. I was getting the "Key not detected" on occasion, but recently I do not get that message at all when I try to turn the key, usually no message and still will not turn. I did see one message something about "check ST" but not sure what ST means, couldn't find in the manual.

 

Do the lock / unlock / trunk buttons on the keyfob work?

Also, the SmartAccess is sometimes rather slow to detect the fob. Occasionally I will find myself trying to open the door before the car has detected me. I'm trying to use the slow count 1-2-3 method to enter the car:

1 - Approach the car and stand next to it
2 - Grab the inside of the door handle
3 - Open the door.

It always works if I take my time. Same thing if I walk up to the trunk and hit the exterior button.

Once inside, I always move the steering wheel a bit with my left hand as I turn the ignition (with the key fob in my pocket). When I do that, the ignition always turns.

 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I will try these out the next time the problem happens.

 

I know it might be obvious, but did you replace the battery yet? It's just a CR2032. Easy to do. There is a video on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11oqnQtnRQo
Congrats on the purchase! I just switched from benx to and LS430 in late February.

 

See page 99 for info on ST Lock. Hope this helps.