OK, while I await 2037 for a more streamlined approach from Lexus (I wonder if you'll ever need to replace the neural interface batteries in your head for this new feature? ) once the world has moved on from 4G all the current car make and models will become nothing more than potted plant holders?
I'm finding online that: "Modern keyless entry systems broadcast on a frequency between 300 and 400 MHz (megahertz) and use rolling code technology. Rolling codes change with each use. Whenever you press the button and unlock your car, the exact frequency transmitted by the fob changes. The particular receiver inside your car will recognize the new frequency and only the new frequency. In other words, the code "rolls" or "hops" each time you use it."
I'm wondering that even without going through the DCM system, the basic keyfob functions would always work, you just wouldn't get the 'frill features' like remote start and auto windows down. Basically you would take the remote back in time like Marty and it would continue to work like your earlier remotes from the early 2000's. As well, what happens now if you're in one of those dead spots that are all over Canada where you can't get cell service (4G) and you stop your car, can you lock it can you unlock it can you restart it? I don't think these fob commands are run through 4G cellular.
I just can't imagine a time in the future when car collectors will only be able to 'look at' their classics but never able to drive them. Jay Leno would be quite upset!

 

You may have misunderstood the 4G comment. 4G is with the safety connect or any subscription based services. The key fob does not use 4G. Depending if you have a traditional fob then it's 300-400mhz. Or if you have ultrawide band fob then the frequency would be in the Ghz frequency. Newer models (2022+), the fob's remote start relies on the same Digital Communication Module (DCM) to be active. But when the 4G network is no longer available then the DCM won't be active and the remote start will stop working even if you are willing to pay for a subscription.

 

I'm not quite following the logic around the loss of mobile network connectivity. So you're suggesting that if you are in the deep back woods trying not to be bear food, your fob can't remote start because of no mobile network availability even today? Or are you suggesting that Lexus will remote kill the functionality at a future date?

 

No - your car could have no signal, but the remote start should still work, but there is a requirement that Toyota and Lexus put in is that an active subscription is required. If you are offline the flag for an active subscription is still enabled, so the remote start would work. The car doesn't ping the Lexus servers every time you remote start the car. It's not like the fob is connected to the internet to call on a remote start. But there is logic in the car where it needs an active subscription flag to be enabled for the remote start to work.

 

I've seen the posted explanation from Lexus, but they're being extremely vague about clarifying the capabilities of operating the 'KEYLESS CAR' at this point. What will the key fob be able to do with absolutely no $$$ active services at all? Could you still unlock it with the keyfob and start it? Or without an active DCM / Service the fob is 'dead'? That's the part I'm trying to figure out. So that at the point of the car reaching 10 years of in service, and the Safety Connect service becomes inactive, then what? There will be millions of these cars possibly still around all over the world and they just turn into scrap metal without a service? My iPhone already is capable of making an emergency satellite call today, and has crash detection and will make an emergency call, no telling what a phone will be able to do in 7 years from now! It's my hope that connected services go away, they're a bad approach to customer loyalty and branding, everyone sees them for what they truly are, as a constant revenue stream. My 'dumb' 2009 Murano worked just fine with just a key fob for over 10 years.
And after all, it's a Lexus! They last a long time if taken care of. I plan on keeping mine till it dies or I die!

 

I think the fob will continue to work, but the Lexus app or the remote start with the key might not work anymore. Unlocking, locking, starting the car should work like older Lexus vehicles.

 

[QUOTE=m. My 'dumb' 2009 Murano worked just fine with just a key fob for over 10 years.
And after all, it's a Lexus! They last a long time if taken care of. I plan on keeping mine till it dies or I die! [/QUOTE]

My dumb 2005 TSX remote still works, I can even lower the windows.

 

How do you auto windows down with key fob? I can do it on my TSX (unlock button & hold, or insert key unlock & hold); tried unlock button & hold but did not work.

 

My dealer had to program this feature.

 

You can do it yourself, but you'll need a obd ii Bluetooth plug and software.

 

The key fob start seems to work on our 18 NX300 but not the 26 NX350h.

 

The 2026 should work just as we have been describing, 5 year or more Service Connect trial (4G dependent) will enable the fob RS command. The three (3) press cadence is somewhat fussy, Press/Release/Press/Release/Press and Hold until the car's marker light flash independently. Must be done quickly, service engine light cannot have been on, low fuel light cannot be on, second key fob cannot be inside the car. One other important nuance, always lock the car when leaving by either touching the outside door handle or by pressing the key fob "Lock" button. If you press the driver's door inside armrest lock button, you are locking the car but not notifying the Lexus App that the car is locked. You will then get the App message "car not locked" even though it is. If you then attempt to lock the car using the App..."car already locked" %&$#? Using the outside handle touch will lock the doors, set the alarm, notify the App and fold the mirrors if equipped and enabled.

 

So no unlock, just lock 3 times, hold on the third time? Thanks.