I have been writing about my 2003 Lexus LS430 battery travails in another thread. The mechanic seems to have solved that, he says, but I am remembering that I think when a battery has gone dead and then charged or maybe replaced, the car forgets I don't want the driver's seat to automatically slide back so I can get out theoretically more easily and slide forward when I start the car.

I have forgotten how to turn that feature off so the seat stays stationary, and I can't find it in the owner's manual. If someone can tell me, I'll salt it away for present and future use, thank you.

 

I can't find the exact list of customizable options in TIS right now but most likely it is a feature that you need the Tech-stream computer to turn off/on. Default is probably having that feature on. If someone knows exactly where in TIS I can find that list of customizable features please let me know. Even on my personal vehicles I just plug the Tech-stream in to see what is available.

 

I don't know what a Tech stream computer is, so presumably I used something else to do this previously.

 

Tech-stream is the factory software the dealer uses for diagnostics and changing driver preference settings. The dealer or anyone else with the software can do it for you.

 

There is some way I did it myself, that is what I'm looking for.

 

If you have a nav unit look through the options for Vehicle Customization.

 

You have access to your owners manual for free online at https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/
■If the battery is disconnected
The computer’s memory will be erased and the memorized positions will have to be set again.
1-3. Adjustable components
Front seats
Adjust the seat positions using the switches.

1. Seat position fore/aft control switch
For driver’s seat only:
Height of the head restraint also moves upward or downward with the seat movements.
2. Seatback angle control switch
3. Seat cushion (front) angle control switch
4. Vertical height adjust switch
5. Seat cushion length control switch (driver’s seat only)
6. Lumbar support switch
Adjusting the front passenger’s seat from the driver’s seat

1. Seatback angle
2. Seat position
Adjustable components
Driving position memory system
The vehicle will memorize the position of the driver’s seat, the height of the head restraint of the driver’s seat, the seat cushion length of the driver’s seat, the height of the shoulder belt anchor of the driver’s seat belt, and the positions of the tilt and telescopic steering column and outside rear view mirrors. Three different driving position profiles can be entered into the computer’s memory.
■Setting the driving position
1. With the transmission selector lever in the “P” position, turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
2. Adjust the driver’s seat, driver’s head restraint height and seat cushion length, driver’s shoulder belt anchor, tilt and telescopic steering and outside rear view mirrors to the desired positions.
3. While pushing the “SET” button, push button “1”, “2” or “3” until the signal beeps.
By repeating these three steps and pressing the other button, the driving position for another driver can be recorded.

Recalling the memorized position
The driving position will be automatically adjusted to the position recorded for that button when:
•The transmission selector lever is in the “P” position.
•The ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
•Pushing button “1”, “2” or “3”.
Selecting a memory setting using a smart access key or wireless remote control key
Memorized driving positions (P.25) can be recalled when you unlock the driver’s door.
■Registering the key
1. Set the driving positions into the memory system using the “1”, “2” or “3” buttons (P.25).
2. Close the driver’s door, turn the ignition switch to the in OFF position and remove the key.
3. Push the “1”, “2” or “3” button and the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button at the same time about one second until you hear a beep
height, and outside rear view mirrors are adjusted to memorized position when you unlock the driver’s door with the wireless remote control or the smart access system, if equipped.
The tilt and telescopic steering column position is adjusted to the memorized position when you push the ignition switch, or insert the key into the key slot depending on the model.
■Erasing the previous memory
1. Close the driver’s door and select the ignition switch in OFF position and remove the key.
2. Push the “SET” button and the “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” button at the same time for about one second until you hear two beeps.
■To change the memorized position
1. Adjust the desired positions of the driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic steering column and outside mirrors.
2. Push the “SET” button and the “1”, “2” or “3” button at the same time until you hear a beep.
■Retained accessory power operation
Memorized positions (except for the tilt and telescopic steering column) can be activated within 30 seconds after the driver’s door is opened, even if the ignition switch is turned off.
■If any position memory button is pushed while the adjustments are being made
The operation will stop. To reactivate the system, push the desired button (“1”, “2” or “3”) again.
■If the battery is disconnected
The computer’s memory will be erased and the memorized positions will have to be set again.

 

Setting the seat position memories is not what is being asked but how to disable the seat back from automatically going rearward to enter/exit the vehicle and forward to a driving position.

 

Yes, exactly so. I appreciate the previous poster posting that giant thing but HewittTech is correct, it is not what I'm asking. I sure wish I had written down what I did to fix this previously.

 

I'm also interested in this. Mine doesn't automatically move forward or backward when I turn the car on or off, but I would like it to. Is that a feature? I don't use the seat memory option either so this might be why. I didn't find an option for this in techstream

 

I found my old notes. Somehow mucking with the Set button(s) disabled this feature. I was not detailed, so perhaps I was just mucking around and lucked out. All the owners manual says is how to turn it off for the rear seats, The owner's manual Needs Work.

 

I agree with the owners manual comment, it helps to download the manual from the Toyota / Lexus tech info site, combine the sections into one pdf and then you can use the "find" function. The front seat movement at ignition off is not in the list of "Personalization" options, only the steering wheel movement tilt up. Note, I disabled the steering wheel movement after the tilt motor started to stick. I managed to get some lubricant into the tilt motor, but the in / out motor is much more difficult due to knee bag on the 2006 model.

 

If there is a drivers seat move when ignition off, I've never heard of it and it's not in any of the owners or service manuals I have for 2003-2006.
The "Door opening linked sliding function" is for the rear seats only and is triggered by opening the door when the car is in Park or the brake pedal is fully depressed (ie. vehicle is stationary).

 

Consider yourself fortunate. Also, I rarely drive the car from the rear seat.

 

Even I can't drive the LS from the back seat and I'm 6'4" :-)

So far as I can tell the Drivers Seat Easy Exit function was never an option on the LS430.
It was introduced in later Lexus models from about 2009 onwards, but it seems from my searches that you're not the only one to have experienced it on the 430.
Unfortunately none of the search results gave an indication on how to enable/disable it in the LS430.
In the later Lexuses it's an option under the Vehicle Customization menu on the Nav system.

So, I assume that it exists in the software for the seat control ECU but it was not enabled in the LS430.
All I can suggest would be to disconnect the car battery for 30 minutes and see if that resets it.
Otherwise you may have to visit a Lexus dealer as there is stuff they can do that doesn't appear in TechStream.