Lexus question

[mixfinder]

Lexus

I have a 1992 Lexus LS400 with a remote for locking the car.  If I leave the car unlocked with or without the motor running if the auto remote locking sysytem is turned on the car will lock itself.  If the motor is not running and the key is in the ignition the car will lock istelf and begin sounding the alarm.  It has been a learning curve to undertsand how it functions.

 

[kindalazy]

Puff of air

I drive an 09 GS, and my partner a 10 LS. When you first start the cars, either one, within about 10 seconds, a puff of air come out the vents. It then shuts off, and the system waits til there's heat to distribute, or about less than a minute to switch the a/c mode. Both cars are amazing and impressive with respect the climate system. This compared to our old 05 Land Rover, which neither heated or cooled the cabin properly. But at least I could leave the truck on to warm up/cool off.

Love the 92 LS.

 

[countryguy]

What is the purpose of the puff of air?  The climate system on mine works well also except for the too soon air flow diversion from the windshield to the floor when it is really cold. 

 

Gary

 

[revvinkevin]

I work for Toyota and (also) handle Lexus and Scion on a daily basis.

Personally I think they program the systems this way (w/o the ability to lock the car from outside, while parked and running) to prevent people from unintentionally locking themselves out of the car. Think about it…. a woman has her purse on the seat or in the back seat, keys in it (or a guy who puts the keys in the center console). They stop somewhere and without thinking, lock the doors as they get out (engine running or not). BAM! They are locked out of the car. Then complaints to the company, bad press, etc. Plus it’s not easy to break into these cars (Lexus esp.), which can also lead to damaging the car.

My thinking is (that their thinking is) it’s better to inconvenience those few who intentionally try to do this, rather then deal with ALL of the potential problems, issues and complaints if they made it possible to do.

Yes Gary, all Lexus and Toyota models with the keyless entry/start DO have a metal “emergency key” that slides out of the remote fob (photo). Some Lexus models (CT 200h, GS and GX) have an exposed key hole by the drivers door handle. Others (ES, IS, LS, etc) have a plastic trim cap that COVERS the key hole. The cap will pop off with some effort to expose the key hole.

So Kinda, this MAY be an option for you since your GS has the exposed key hole in the drivers door. Starting with a window down, try leaving on of the fobs in the car and try using the metal key to lock the door. Maybe that will work?

If that doesn’t work, either leave the doors unlocked and make sure you are within eyesight of the car when it’s running, or… just leave the dogs at home.

Gary: it looks like your IS is the AWD version??

Kevin

 

[countryguy]

Kevin,

Yes my 250 is the AWD version. I live in snow country after all LOL How could you tell just from looking at it?

Gary

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Hi Gary, 

 

The wheels are the give-away here.   Only the AWD version had those wheels.   The RWD models have a different wheel design.

 

Kevin

 

[countryguy]

Ah OK.....you have a good eye!

Gary

 

[aeoliandave]

My Subaru Outback is no Lexus but it is AWD since I live in Gary's neighborhood, relatively speaking.

The ignition uses a chipped key that will (should) only start my car. The separate unlock/lock remote does not work when the car is running. Thus I too was not able to keep the car running and warm - or AC-ed - whilst locking it and dashing into the store or somesuch. But I do have a 3rd non-chipped Valet key.
The Subaru has only ONE key slot outside the body - on the Driver's door. One is almost totally dependent on electric door locks.
One good place to hide a secondary emergency key is behind a rear license plate lamp lens as these are usually held with easily accessed exterior crosshead screws.

But the 3rd key has a fat plastic knobbule on it that would not fit the lamp's recess slot and made the key too bulky for one of those magnetic keysafes...and everyone knows where to find those boxes under a fender.

After a few experiments (with another person inside the car) I went to the local Locksmith and had two flat blanks cut for $2 apiece. The Dealership was quoting $20 each for spares!!!
I carry one always inside my jacket-of-the-day's cellphone pocket and the other is hidden somewhere - not the license plate lens - elsewhere in the bodywork, accessible with a bit of effort from outside the car, in case of worst case "they stole my jacket, too!"
-------------------------
I locked myself out of my previous Subaru on a remote winter back road at midnight a few years back when I exited to take an essential pee break. I had not yet gotten around to hiding a spare key; it was in my briefcase taunting me from the front seat. The car was running, I must have flipped the lock tab in my hasty exit, and a wind gust blew the door closed while I had other matters in hand. But the locked door was only half latched. Argh!

I flagged down a passing SUV, they had a wire coat hanger in back and I managed to flip the lock tab inside by maneuvering between the frameless window glass and weatherstrip. Had these been framed windows I would have been s.o.o.l until CAA could be called.

As it was I was on my way within minutes.

I always have a spare key on my person and hidden outside the car now.
And I still carry that long white coathanger wire hook in the trunk should I come across a stranded driver in similar need.

Dave

 

[kindalazy]

Neighbours

Hey Dave,

Our country home is in St. Marys!