My 2004 LS 430 with smart key will not lock without using the key in the door. The smart key still works to start the car though. The button on the outside door handle doesn't lock it nor does the fob. When I do puch the button I hear the lock engage and disengage, but not lock. And yes, I did replace the battery in the fob just in case.

Any ideas? The dealer says bring it in.

Thanks

 

Welcome. Do you happen to have a second smart key somewhere inside the car like in the center console, glove box, dash drawers, or under-seat drawers? It sounds like the car thinks you are trying to lock the key inside and is preventing it.

 

There is also a fairly common problem with cable looking mechanism internal to the door stretching and no longer locking correctly. If the other doors lock and unlock and its just one door not working than its likely you have broken door mechanism. If all doors are acting same than it maybe smart key issue.

 

Thanks for the replies. I only have one key (risky I know) so it can't be the two key issue.

Its the same with all doors. Not just the driver door.

Looks like I'll making a trip to the dealer unless you can think of anything else.

Thanks again.

 

maybe another smart key somewhere lost in the car? - if there was you could just get in it and start the car without your car key - easy to test just to make sure.

If you only have one key - suggest you get another key made asap - hope you have the master key or else it can cost beeg bux.

 

Doorlock actuator maybe?

 

I was going to suggest the actuator also until he mentioned ALL 4 did the same thing. Weird that ALL 4 actuator can go dead at once.

trying to lock the car while a smart key is still in the car will give a looong beep.

 

hi Newrob2000,

as far as i remember there is a small button to activate and deactivate the smart key

you can find it under the steering above the gas paddel next to the leveler of beeb

hope this will solve it

best regards

 

Exactly what "Harbrave" is saying. Button under dash, right side. There is two buttons there one is for the smart system, the other is for the tire pressure reset i think. Its in the manual. I've had to push it a couple times, if the car sits idle for a few weeks (i think), and a few times for some strange reason after Valet (w/master key) in Vegas. I think if the key is left in the car for a certain time it may deactivate it, and/or the valet guy hits the switch under dash, why I don't know. Let us know if thats the fix. Read the manual on it...