Battery Change...and Immobiliser Issues!

[fildigger]

I have a GS300 'Sport' MK2 (2000 model)..............

This may be common knowledge to some But at this time of the year (freezing temps taking its toll on car battery's) I thought i would reiterate what may happen when you remove/replace your Battery......

...I had decided to change my Battery today (mainly because the non standard & wrong fitting Battery on my GS was sounding a bit tired, having stood for the past 3 days in these freezing conditions we have) and i took advantage of a good deal at Halfrauds on a Calcium 4 yr Guarantee 540 amp Battery that was specified for all the GS range...(top quality batteries made by 'Yuasa'!...£92)

....Simple job....But on refitting, i found that i could not start the car as the Immobilser was not recognising the 2 keys i had (one being the master key!....ALL other functions/open/closing doors, alarm set etc were working fine!!!)....Now i was sort of half anticipating something might be an issue upon changing the Battery But having got to grips with re-programming a spare key recently and having a good mechanical apptidude, I figured i could sort it !!

Well, to cut a long story short (going through re-programming proceedures, checking relays /fuses, re-connecting Battery again etc..) I was at a Loss .............I had already consulted the 'Searches' on this forum but could only find items to do with re-programming!!!!...........This wasn't working!

......I was contemplating ringing My Lexus dealer....

.......Then, having left the Ignition key in the 'ON' position (NOT 'ACC' position) for about 4-5 Minutes, removing it & then re-inserting........BINGO! the car started :D , I did this with both keys, Problem solved.

I guess this is the cars ECU taking its time to 'Recognise' the key in the ignition ?

Appologies to those that are aware of this fix and they may be the solution somewhere on this forum but i hope it is usefull to someone in the future who gets a bit baffled, as i did !

Cheers & a happy new year, Phil

[jamesholden]

Well i'm no expert in batteries but might help for future reference, my dad went to Toyota for a new Battery for his LS400 a few months ago, cost £72 and they fitted it. They put this contraption on the terminals to keep power going to everything whilst they change it so no settings are lost.