key down top option?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Illinois
key down top option?
I just saw a commercial for a convertible (can't remember for the life of me what model convertible) where you put the key in the door and raise and lower the roof BEFORE your even in the car... now why couldn't Lexus do that with our SC430?
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,868
Likes: 394
From: Ohio
Battery
I know the Jag, for one, will allow the top to be operated by using the key in the driver's door. My guess is that the Lexus does not allow that because the last thing you want to do is have your battery run down when the top is operating. This causes the memory to loose track of where the top up/down process is, and everything has to be reset manually. It's a major problem and a major inconvenience that cannot be fixed by a simple jump-start.
My dealer suggests strongly that the top NEVER be operated unless the engine is running, and I have never done it otherwise in the year and a half that I have owned the car.
Allowing the top to be operated from outside the car would seriously drain the battery, as I doubt that the engine would be running in such circumstances.
The rag tops use far less electricity to raise/lower the top, and do not have the complex re-set procedure in case of a dead battery in mid-cycle.
But that's just my guess.
I could be wrong.
My dealer suggests strongly that the top NEVER be operated unless the engine is running, and I have never done it otherwise in the year and a half that I have owned the car.
Allowing the top to be operated from outside the car would seriously drain the battery, as I doubt that the engine would be running in such circumstances.
The rag tops use far less electricity to raise/lower the top, and do not have the complex re-set procedure in case of a dead battery in mid-cycle.
But that's just my guess.
I could be wrong.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Last edited by dingo; Nov 8, 2002 at 12:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Illinois
well...
My dealer just informed me that this is a BAD idea to do...\
\
Installing a remote starter in the SC430 means you basically disable the alarm feature of your key because the 'chip' has to be in the car for it to start remotely. What I'm told is done is that the 'chip' required is strapped to the steering column (under the plastic cover) so it can be recognized from the remote start.\
\
I was also told by my dealer that this can cause all sorts of other problems and they have had to take them out of several cars.\
\
\
After hearing this, I am not so gung ho on wanting this now
\
Installing a remote starter in the SC430 means you basically disable the alarm feature of your key because the 'chip' has to be in the car for it to start remotely. What I'm told is done is that the 'chip' required is strapped to the steering column (under the plastic cover) so it can be recognized from the remote start.\
\
I was also told by my dealer that this can cause all sorts of other problems and they have had to take them out of several cars.\
\
\
After hearing this, I am not so gung ho on wanting this now
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I have a remote starter on my SC430. I have the remote top. I also have it on my RX300, and have had it on 3 GS400's. I've never had a problem with anything. As far as the security system I am not all that worried about it, but the remote starter has its own ignition kill if you are concerened.
My dealer sells a starter as a dealer installed option, so it must not be a problem.
My dealer sells a starter as a dealer installed option, so it must not be a problem.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 491
Likes: 3
From: North Jersey
Yup. I used to install these things....its a little microchip that you zip tie right next to the ignition tumbler. Of course thats right after removing all the plastic. But the theory goes you could simply hotwire the car.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Illinois
yeah...
..that is the part that puts the kabosh on my desire to have it done to my SC430 now.. I like having whatever safety/theft control I have with that key chip and don't want to make it any easier for a thief to hotwire my car!!!!!
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