brit_lex

I have a 1999 GS300 (UK spec). Last night I used the spare key to enter the vehicle, and the alarm went off. Somehow, the alarm went off, but now even with the regular key, the car will not start.

The red-light next to the steering column just flashes continuously, even after unlocking with the main key.

There is a yellow label near the battery which states to leave the ignition key in the on position for at least 6 minutes if battery is flat or has been disconnected. I tried that twice, and the light is still flashing. I tried disconnecting the battery too.

It appears that the battery may be dead now, since I tried to start it so many times. Even the power door locks and radio are dead.

Phoned Lexus UK who told me it's likely to be a reprogramming of key issue by a Lexus dealer.

Any way I can get around that?

TLW

did you try disconnecting the battery ?

I wish i knew the answer ,I'm just guessing

GWELEX

According to the manual, "IF" the remote key is the issue then the car should start with the other key without the remote:

IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT
START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ”How to start the
engine” on page 178 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system,
also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they
work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your
Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly
broken. Call your Lexus dealer. See ”Keys” on page 8.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly –
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked,
the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See ”(c)
Jump starting” for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

have you replaced the dead battery yet? or perhaps tried charging/jump starting?

someone please correct me if i am wrong, but is it true that the north american gs did not come with a factory alarm, just the immobilizer?

GWELEX

On my both of our '01's the alarm/horn goes off, I've tested it.

brit_lex

Thanks for the responses. Apparently, you have to disconnect the battery for a while (I did 2 hours and charged it too), and then you reconnect. Then, put the key in and turn to ignition position and leave for at least 6 minutes. Then remove key, and re-insert and start.

It worked! That saved a towing to Lexus and the money they would have charged me to do the same thing!!

GWELEX

That's great news, thanks for the update on how you got it to start again. 6 minutes!, must of seemed like an eternity before you tried to start it.

Ice1213

i am having a similar problem. except my engine won't even turn over.. Did yours at least crank?

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

its cool to meet a noob who searches but look at the dates of the last post in here...AND the

Last time OP logged into CL was 06-20-08 11:41 AM
Last time TLW logged into CL was 05-16-09 12:52 PM (although he is still around just no longer a vender)
Last time GWELEX logged into CL was 06-01-09 10:03 PM
Last time Benjamin T logged into CL was 10-13-10, 11:28 PM

so i doubt u will get any help from any of them but maybe some new guys will chime in and help.

you check your battery's voltage sitting there and then at attempted start? starter even clicking?when was the last time plugs were changed....

missing info to help so im just rattling info off my head

Ice1213

hey thanks man.yea im a noob to lexus' and forums in general. here's the deal. i have 99 gs300. battery died over night i tried jump starting but the engine won't crank. Everything else works though. i tried leaving the key in for six minutes and that didn't help. i also checked the starter. It has a + voltage going to it continuously but no ground when i try cranking. I was wondering if this was a factory alarm anti theft system kicking in or something similar. If you can could you suggest a solution or some help. That would be greatly appreciated because I need my car to go to work. Thanks in advance.

Ice1213

I will check at both cases as of now I know it is 12.6 volts sitting there. Starter does not even click. Not sure when te spark plughs were last changed. I just bought the car last week.

brit_lex

Nope. Good Luck Bro!

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

there's something weird about this, you havent logged in since 06-20-08 11:41 AM and now you show up to answer this?

BTW i went searching but couldnt find it, you got a pic of that TTE steering wheel?

whitegs430

iTrader: (5)

Spark plugs have nothing to do with the engine turning over. If you have a second person or are crafty Use a multi meter and check the voltage on the small stater wire (not the main power) while cranking. When key is off the small wire should have 0v when the key is in the crank position the small wire should show battery voltage (12.7 approx). Normally if it is a security issue the car will still crank, the ECU will normally just dissable fuel or spark but still allow the engine to crank.

CurlyG

My 2000 GS400 immobilizer started acting up a few months ago. It happens when I drive some where, get out of the car, and then get back in soon, like 5 minutes. When I put the key in the ignition, the red immobilizer light continues to flash, and prevent the car from starting. The starter cranks, but nothing fires up, as it's designed to shut off spark and fuel.
The only way I can start the car is to disconnect and reconnect the positive battery terminal. Then when I insert the key, the red immobilizer light turns off, and I can start the engine, and drive away.
%95 of the time, there's no problem. %5, I have to get a 14mm wrench from the trunk, pop the hood, disconnect the + terminal on the battery, reconnect, tighten, put the wrench back, and the immobilizer turns off with the key.
Even shoving the key in and out of the ignition does nothing to turn the light off.