Hello, My neighbor has a 2015 ES350 that she says the two front door locks will not lock/unlock with the remote, but the rear doors do. She changed the battery in her remote thinking this will help, but made no difference. If she uses the lock/unlock button on the inside of the driver's door, all 4 doors lock and unlock. I'm not familiar with the ES (other than loaners). Is this a common issue? I searched on CL and didn't find anything? Could it be a strange programming issue I can correct using my Techstream program? She's out of warranty and I want to try and help her. I don't think it's an actuator issue, but open to suggestions. Please give me your thoughts.

 

I had the same issue with a 4Runner and a Prius. The smart key would not unlock the doors but using the interior door switch would. What I assumed was happening was that when the car was powered on I was using the door switch. Since the car was on maybe the battery was giving a little more power to the door actuator motors allowing it to unlock/lock the doors. Both vehicles had door multiple door actuators fail at the same time. I would try locking/unlocking via the remote after a good long drive where battery is charged and see if you can get the lock to work. If you do then it could point to bad actuators.

 

This is common with lexus. It’s her door lock actuator that seems to be messed up. I had to replace all 4 of mine in my 99 GS300. It’s an easy job but tedious, the dealer will charger out that whazoo.

Do a quick forum or Google search and you’ll see what I mean.

 

I too had to replace all my door actuators. Seems to be a common issue on the Toyota/Lexus vehicles.