I searched and found a few other threads about this but they didn't address my specific situation. We just went on a 7 day cruise and left the car in the terminal parking lot. Apparently my wife did not close the passenger door completely but the car did lock (the side mirrors rotated inward). A few days later I got a notification on my phone app that the door was open. When we got back I was unable to open the door. The battery in my Fob is good. I then tried the manual key using the procedures I have seen online. The key rotated left and right but I could not unlock the car. Apparently the car battery was completely dead, probably caused by the passenger door not being fully closed. I keep a portable charger in the trunk so was hoping to use it buy had no way to access the trunk as well as the hood. I then called Lexus emergency services and they sent a AAA tow truck. He had to use an inflation device to access the door handle and he was then able to charge the battery. So I am wondering if I need to have Lexus look at this as perhaps the manual system needs to be repaired or was I doing something wrong. Also was surprised that we were able to lock the car with the door not fully closed. I would not wish to go through this again. Any thoghts?

 

Hi, Did you use the lever under the door handle with the key in the unlock position? It has worked for me before with a dead battery. (And don't forget to lock with the key afterward to reset the lock.)

 

 

Thanks, I did miss that step but saw it on a video when I got home. Too bad neither the phone rep nor the AAA driver knew about the lever. Once I am in the car will I be able to open the trunk with a dead battery? If not I guess I will keep the portable charger under one of the seats.

 

When the battery is dead the rear door can be opened if you crawl inside and open the emergency release panel on the inside of the rear door. Probably harder than just hooking up a charger.

 

Did this video 6 months ago and it's a good reference

 

Great video, thanks.