Smart Key Instructions
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1
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From: Alabama
Smart Key Instructions
I just purchased a 2004 LS 430 and wanted to know instructions on the Smart Key. I know I can start the car without putting the key in, and that the car doors will unlock automatically if the key is on my person. What I'm not sure of is how the locking of the doors is handled, particularly the driver's door. Will it lock automatically when I walk away from the car (with the key in my pocket)?
Anything else that the smart key does? Thanks.
Anything else that the smart key does? Thanks.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 832
Likes: 8
From: CA
Anything else that the smart key does?
One very useful thing if you have more than one driver -
Each smart key can be paired with one of the three "memory" buttons so the driver's seat, etc. will be positioned as youi get in the car.
One very useful thing if you have more than one driver -
Each smart key can be paired with one of the three "memory" buttons so the driver's seat, etc. will be positioned as youi get in the car.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
One.little thing with the key pairing is that unfortunately the driver's door has to be first one opened with the smart access. If you open say the rear passenger then open the driver's,it won't adjust to the key.
Another feature is the key won't allow you to lock the doors if the key is detected inside.
Another feature is the key won't allow you to lock the doors if the key is detected inside.
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Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,875
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From: wi
I just bought a 012 Touareg and had to get the top PKG to get the smart key, but it was that important to me. My Camry Hybrid I sold had it base model.
How many people would "have to get it" on their next car that have it currently?
How many people would "have to get it" on their next car that have it currently?
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CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,915
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From: Alabama
I love the LS design for smart key. Really like that its a traditional multi-position ignition switch that just operates without an actual physical key. Unlike a stop/start button - the LS430 smart key ignition switch system makes sense and is intuitive, the switch can be easily found by touch, you can see its current state/position just be looking at position. Super well designed.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: OR
Pole Position
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 227
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From: CA
If the Smart Key sensor is turned on (switch low on the dash below the ignition) and I'm guessing it's on if one key is working, you should be able to push the little black button on the outside handle and the doors lock.
Don't just walk away. It won't lock. I did that to come back and find an unlocked car. Not cool.
Don't just walk away. It won't lock. I did that to come back and find an unlocked car. Not cool.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
If the Smart Key sensor is turned on (switch low on the dash below the ignition) and I'm guessing it's on if one key is working, you should be able to push the little black button on the outside handle and the doors lock.
Don't just walk away. It won't lock. I did that to come back and find an unlocked car. Not cool.
Don't just walk away. It won't lock. I did that to come back and find an unlocked car. Not cool.
If you try to lock the car from the outside (with the key in you pocket) and you have inadvertently left the engine running, it will refuse to lock the doors and beep at you.
The same will occur is the key has slipped out of you pocket while driving and you get out and try to lock the doors. It won't lock them, leaving you to wonder what has happened and where is the key.
It's a very smart and practical system.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
Even non-smart keys are expensive.
For instance, I had to replace a set of 2 keys for my 1992 SC400 last year. These keys only have a remote button to lock/unlock the doors and set the security system. It was necessary to also purchase a matching card to be inserted into the electronic control unit to receive the new keys signal. Got that set from Sewell (they cut the key using my vehicle S/N) and the cost was $335. I installed the card (chip) myself but had to remove the rear interior side panel to get to the ECU. The dealer cost to do the complete job was $650 (including the key set & chip).
For instance, I had to replace a set of 2 keys for my 1992 SC400 last year. These keys only have a remote button to lock/unlock the doors and set the security system. It was necessary to also purchase a matching card to be inserted into the electronic control unit to receive the new keys signal. Got that set from Sewell (they cut the key using my vehicle S/N) and the cost was $335. I installed the card (chip) myself but had to remove the rear interior side panel to get to the ECU. The dealer cost to do the complete job was $650 (including the key set & chip).
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