we just had a driver trapped in her car after lightning strike electrical failure -- couldn't unlock the doors -- what is the vehicle escape procedure for rx450h if this happens? can the doors still be opened?

 

Excellent question. I would think that the doors could be opened by the mechanical handle inside, even if the electric openers are not functional. I just took a few minutes to Google this situation, though, and can't find any info. I'll be watching your thread closely, hoping someone can chime in with a knowledgeable response... AND solution.

 

So, you're saying the lightning welded the door lock mechanisms preventing the manual unlock from functioning on all the doors? That sounds incredibly unlikely, but odd things do happen I guess. I think if all the door mechanisms both electrical and manual fail in the same incident, you call the fire dept for extraction, not unlike if all the doors are damaged and inoperable due to an accident. If it's just a simple electrical failure, you can use the same emergency escape procedure as used on escalators without power.

 

for this and other similar situations, you should carry one of these in all of your cars. https://www.amazon.com/LifeHammer-Or.../dp/B000BN3A4Y

 

I have not taken apart a door on an RX to know this for sure, but many mechanical lock/latch actuator cables used on cars have plastic connectors at the ends. I suppose they could have gotten melted.

Only option I can think of if they all get melted off is to break a window and climb out.

 

thanks to everyone for your helpful replies

 

You probably would have gotten better replies if you had been more specific. Did lightning strike the vehicle, causing electric circuitry to fry? Did lightning strike "near" the vehicle, causing a battery failure? How did the person ultimately get out?...etc.

We all really would like to know more about what happened, and how it was handled.

 

Unlike a Mazda, where you actually have to move the lock actuator in this case, Lexus is more foolproof and the doors will just open when you pull on the handle.
http://www.carscoops.com/2014/12/cou...zda-3-for.html