It sounds like a bad actuator.

 

Everyone, please be reminded that the correct way to use the keyless entry feature is to stick your fingers through the handle loop. Just touching the handle may not produce the desired results.

 

Oh, I thought the sensors on the door handle just sucked.

Had mine do this a few times already. Also had it once where I tried to lock the vehicle with the handle button and it just beeped angrily at me.

 

After 9 years with my ES350 I have finally come to understand what is going on with my locks. In the begining, one door would stop working, whether I used the handle or the fob. Then the other door would stop working. Sometimes both the passenger and driver doors didn't work and I had to climb in from the back seat. This month I learned that the doors malfunction if the mechanical handle is engage while the electronic lock is triggered. Best bet to fix it would be to pull the handle then engage the lock a few times. 100% works. So now I tell people not to touch the handle until I open my door. And if it goes wonky, I just toggle the handle and trigger the electronic locks...boom all good.

 

A good practice, no matter what model.

 

Yes - and be patient don't ****** the handle and pull. Give it a second to fully open the lock.

 

Fob won't unlock driver's door. Can I use the mechanical key to unlock door and then relock it?

 

Yes that should work fine.