Remote control slow to lock doors.
 

Hi. My 2004 LS430 has recently started a strange habit. After the key is taken out of the ignition, the remote will not lock, or unlock, the doors. It also affects the trunk. However, after about half a minute, it works fine, and will keep doing so until the ignition is turned on then off again, at which time, another half minute is required. It doesn't matter if the ignition key is turned to ACC or to full ignition, same result, but just inserting the key into the ignition without turning, doesn't cause the problem. The doors will always lock and unlock okay using the key manually.

Could this be one of the myriad of adjustable settings that has somehow, inadvertently, been activated? Or has anyone got any other ideas? Thanks, Cheers, Keith.

Sounds like a weak battery. Try changing the remote's battery.

Thanks for your reply. The first thing I tried, before I knew all the details about the delay etc, was to try a different remote, then check the batteries in both. No difference. Once the half minute is up, it all works fine, as many times as you like, and from a distance. The only thing that stops it working, is to turn the ignition key, at which stage it needs approx another half minute.

That is really weird.
Try removing the negative cable for 15 minutes, let the car reset.

Try after that, hopefully it's just a glitch.

Thanks for the suggestion. I should have remembered that can be a panacea for all sorts of things, however, it has made no difference! I thought I would lose all radio settings, having been disconnected for over half an hour, but they are fine. Lost the fuel consumption computer information etc, but that's all. Even the trip odo A and B are still there. Ah well, back to square one!

Sorry that didn't work for you MileHigh.

I usually lose the radio presets if I leave her disconnected for over an hour. You'll even see the NAV system loading up, I think a green screen with a CD comes up until it loads everything again.


If you are tech savvy person, get a TechStream kit. I'd recommend getting one as they are a very nice tweak tool to have at your hands reach.
Just a nice piece of software that lets you edit some obvious settings in the car. I am not sure if it can re-program remotes to the car, maybe someone can shed light on this part.

But, maybe just maybe a re-programming would do you good.

I'd hate to have my car not lock the moment I leave her.


Any aftermarket security systems installed? Or all bone stock?

Nope, she's all stock. Right hand drive, of course, being in New Zealand, and no Nav system or phone, although I do have a recording video camera and GPS stuck to the screen, but I can't see them causing any interference, but I will try unplugging them just to make sure. Where might one get the TechStream kit?

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...lexus&_sacat=0

I think LavrishEvo got his from a nice place, but I don't know. I always wanted to get one but just never did .... hahah.

if you have an extra key stashed somewhere on the car body it might do something like that. something about not being able to accidently lock key in the car.

Thank you, but no, I haven't put one on this car yet. Had them on previous LS400s with no problems. One day I will do so though :) The car doesn't use Smart Keys, just ordinary, everyday keys.