2001 Gs430 Keys & Locks Etc.

[saddlepunk]

I bought my first Lexus last week - I say first because I'm so impressed I doubt it will be my last - a 2001 GS430.

The car came with one key with a key fob that had the boot opening button missing. The key fob remotely locks and unlocks the car and the key starts the car, but it doesn't turn in any of the car's locks.

The internal boot opening lever doesn't work so I can't open the boot internally. I bought a s/h key fob on eBay and have made one good fob out of the two so that all buttons are present and the boot opens on the second flash of the LED if I hold the fob right next to the boot lock.

My question is why doesn't my key turn in any of the locks? I assume the locks have been changed or the one ignition lock/barrel has been changed. It all seems a bit strange - I can only think that the car has been stolen at some stage.

I got the car extremely cheap so I'm not too concerned, but I am a little worried about what happens if the key fob stops working, and I'm also loathed to use the boot because I have no way of opening it if the keyfob malfunctions.

I'd be grateful for your comments and recommendations.

[TigerFish]

For the internal boot opener, it can be disabled by pushing in the lock button which is located between the boot opener lever and the petrol flap opener. Try turning your key in that lock to see if it pops out and re-enables the lever.

[saddlepunk]

I have realised that I don't have to hold the key fob up close to the boot to get it to open , all you have to do is let the LED flash twice and the boot opens every time and at quite some distance.

Short of spending a small fortune at the main dealers (a guy on the phone this morning said between £2,000 and £3,000 - yes, I had to ask him to repeat it) [the car cost £1,500 and I only need it for six months or so] I'll open the boot every time I go to the car and build up some confidence in it.

One final question - the lock barrel between the internal fuel flap and bootlid releases - needless to say my key doesn't turn it, but what if I disabled it or shorted accross it? Would that allow the bootlid release to work?

[saddlepunk]

Tigerfish, thankyou for that - I didn't read your reply before posting again.

The key barrel doesn't pop out - can I get around it to enable the boot release lever?

[ColinBarber]

sounds like you only have a valet key which won't unlock the boot, boot release or glovebox. You also cannot program new keys without a master although in theory Lexus dealers should be able to do this (on previous years the whole ECU had to be replaced if you didn't have a master).

I think it should unlock the doors though.

The car itself would have been supplied, when new, with two masters and a valet key.

[saddlepunk]

I HPI checked the car and it's fine.

[ColinBarber]

I don't think it has been stolen just because you only have the valet key. Probably just careless owners loosing/damaging the normal keys and didn't want to replace because of the cost.

However it does potentially cause you a problem with only one key and no way to get another one programmed.

[saddlepunk]

If I have the valet key how come I can open the boot with the button on the keyfob, and why won't it work in the door locks?

I thought the valet key worked on the door locks but didn't allow access to the glovebox or boot.

[ColinBarber]

the valet key won't open the boot if you lock it with the physical key - turn the lock 90 deg to the lock position. If you don't physically lock it then the valet key will open the boot with the remote. It also won't unlock the physical boot release button inside the vehicle.

It should unlock the doors.

Rather than being a valet key it may be a normal key and the ignition lock may have been replaced and you have the key only for that.

Do you have the original service book. Sometimes the key code is written in that which you can use to have a Lexus dealer order a new key - they should in fact be able to do so just from the chassis number - you will just need proof of ownership.

In theory that should just be able to order a key without the electronics so it shouldn't cost that much but some dealers will only sell you a complete key which is around £200.

If you really wanted to sort things out you could order a new key and ignition barrel which could be matched to the other locks.

[saddlepunk]

the valet key won't open the boot if you lock it with the physical key - turn the lock 90 deg to the lock position. If you don't physically lock it then the valet key will open the boot with the remote. It also won't unlock the physical boot release button inside the vehicle.

It should unlock the doors.

Rather than being a valet key it may be a normal key and the ignition lock may have been replaced and you have the key only for that.

Do you have the original service book. Sometimes the key code is written in that which you can use to have a Lexus dealer order a new key - they should in fact be able to do so just from the chassis number - you will just need proof of ownership.

In theory that should just be able to order a key without the electronics so it shouldn't cost that much but some dealers will only sell you a complete key which is around £200.

If you really wanted to sort things out you could order a new key and ignition barrel which could be matched to the other locks.

Thanks Colin, the answer is, of course, to go to Lexus Cardiff and buy a new key. Will do. The only lock the key works in is the ignition - so it must be the ignition lock that has been changed.