Kennewick

I just picked up a silver 99 GS300 w/ 72K miles, and I must admit its a very different transition from what i used to drive, a turbo FC. Anyways, I only have one key (the 'main' key with the transponder). Weird thing is, the key will start the engine, open the trunk, etc. but will NOT open the doors. When i insert the key into the door locks, driver or pass, it will neither turn left or right. As if it is the wrong key or something. The remote lock/unlock function works fine, i'm just worried about how i can still get into my car if the key battery dies, since it is my only key. Any help is much appreciated, thanks!


I also tripped a P0446 evap code, but that's a whole 'nother issue.

broken_tsi

iTrader: (1)

The code is most likely your gas cap. That's what it was for mine and from what I've seen is pretty normal.

As for the key, I have no idea!

KiPod

iTrader: (31)

Because 2 locks work with the key and two locks don't it makes me think its the door locks. A couple of things could be wrong. The plastic clip that attaches the door lock cylinder to the rod that runs down to the lock could be broken or missing. Also, the door lock cylinders might just be worn out over time (which I doubt because most use the remote to unlock the doors). When you buy a new key cylinder (from Lexus) it comes with 2 new keys with it to match (different key code than what you have). To make the new cylinder work with your current keys and locks you must have it re-coded to match. Some people just swap in a new ignition cylinder and just move the guts (remote) over to the new key. The keys then will not turn in the door locks but they will unlock the door visa remote and start the car. That usually is what happens if your key will only tun in the ignition but nowhere else. Because yours works in the ignition & trunk but not in the doors, I think its something in the door lock itself.

P.S. Sorry for the long reply & WELCOME TO CLUB LEXUS!!!

JoelGs

iTrader: (1)

It always the problems when you have only 1 key. Best way to do is get yourself a second key just in case any thing happen to the only key you have. Sewell Lexus can help you with that. All you have to do is fax them the documentation and pay for it..they're one of this forum sponsor..BTW Welcome to club and congrats on the GS!!

AzGS

Spray a little Wd-40 in the lock and run the key in and out a few times. I am a locksmith. You have to think how many times the key is actually used to open the door. Very few considering it has a remote. The door lock probably hasn't been used in a very long time. The grease the factory puts on the locks gets very thick over the years,mixed with dirt.

Kennewick

Thank you all for your insight! Yeah, i've gotten used to using the remote so much that sometimes I forget about the manual locks completely, so i know what you mean. AzGS- i'll try some wd-40 first. and then i guess i'll see from there. thanks again!

LEXUS_KID

iTrader: (4)

WELCOME Kennewick

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

wtf? we have manual locks....jk i have used them i swear maybe once in 2 years and it was only to see if that window up/down worked with the key in the manual lock