Gorodish2022

Mystery solved. Both the keys were faulty in different ways. One clearly has a loose connection which makes it unreliable. The other’s battery was flat! Both having similar symptoms, I put 2 and 2 together and got 5. Minor faff to change the batteries as both had knackered screws, but all good in the end. Thanks to all for your ideas. T

The boot appears dry, it has rotted out previously and the car has has a pretty penny spent on rust repair and an excellent part re spray. It isn’t a binary issue, the remote range just seems to have reduced. It usually works in the end but not in that confident way from halfway across the car park that we all love!! It could be the weather. Will try taking things apart as Steve helpfully described, when the weather is a bit better.

Yes, I bought it from Rich. Top guy!!

N40LEX btw

Hi Malc, thanks for the welcome. It’s a great forum. This is my 4th (!) LS400, a car that seems to continue to call to me! It’s had an excellent previous owner who has done a huge amount of work; suspension, brakes, bodywork etc. 182k miles, tan interior, everything works apart from the aerial and the led illumination in the temp display (I seem to remember there is a fix). I’d have suspected the car battery but it is a relatively new Bosch and putting out a decent charge. I’m hoping I can avoid taking it to Lexus Cheshire Oaks….I live in a relatively low crime area but still feels wrong leaving it unlocked (to be on the safe side). All ideas welcome!

Hi everyone, hello again. I was a member years ago, and have recently returned to the LS400 fold (I missed them too much!) getting a 1998 DHP in Bronze from a lovely chap in Cheshire. Anyway, one niggling problem that you all may be able to solve. The remote locking has become weaker and weaker recently. Thought it was the key battery, but replacing this yesterday made no difference (I’ve got all the keys plus the Master). They are all the same, weak and hit/miss. Transponder seems ok, it will start ok when I get in. Is there a separate local battery for the remote locking in the car itself that gets knackered after 24 years?! Like the system battery on a laptop? Or any other suggestions? thanks in advance