Key Fob - Problems & Questions
09-10-17, 12:29 PM
#31
Super Moderator
I started out with one that cost around $25 and it was problematic... vendor may not know firmware but if it supports both K-Line and CAN-BUS it most likely has 2.0.4... early versions lack the older K-Line and for some reason it was needed for live data viewing. You will know pretty quickly if you get a communication error trying to read live engine data. If that occurs it isn't a 2.0.4 cable.
Unfortunately... it is kind of hit and miss on getting the right cable.
Looking back through my notes you will click on LIVE DATA... and a fatal error will occur with hex code----> 0xC0040001
Make sure one you buy has a good return policy in case it doesn't do what you need to do. If you don't need live data then a 1.x cable is probably fine for most people.
Unfortunately... it is kind of hit and miss on getting the right cable.
Looking back through my notes you will click on LIVE DATA... and a fatal error will occur with hex code----> 0xC0040001
Make sure one you buy has a good return policy in case it doesn't do what you need to do. If you don't need live data then a 1.x cable is probably fine for most people.
Last edited by Acrad; 09-10-17 at 12:36 PM.
09-10-17, 01:49 PM
#32
I have a dumb question and may have been answered somewhere on this form, where to get TIS Techstream software and how much it is cost? I would assume all the discussion here is associated using Techstream software and it should support the cable without additional drive for windows OS, correct?
10-16-17, 06:37 PM
#33
Short battery life in Keyfob?
This could probably go in multiple model forums, but I have a 2015 GX, so here it goes....
Since buying my 2015 CPO Lux 6 months ago, I’ve gone through 4 (maybe 5) batteries in the keyfobs (I have 2), plus the initial ones I changed out.
Anyone have any ideas why? I buy the freshest Duracells/Energizers at the store, and I put fresh ones in as soon as I bought the car.
I’m stumped...
Oh, I wear looser slacks and shorts, (not tight jeans), so I don’t think the buttons get pressed all day... I already thought about that...
Since buying my 2015 CPO Lux 6 months ago, I’ve gone through 4 (maybe 5) batteries in the keyfobs (I have 2), plus the initial ones I changed out.
Anyone have any ideas why? I buy the freshest Duracells/Energizers at the store, and I put fresh ones in as soon as I bought the car.
I’m stumped...
Oh, I wear looser slacks and shorts, (not tight jeans), so I don’t think the buttons get pressed all day... I already thought about that...
10-16-17, 08:53 PM
#34
2015 would be under original factory warranty did you talk to the Lexus SA yet. I would be doing that when your next service is due. I’m an active member at several forums GS,ES,IS and obviously GX (Own all these cars lol) and this is not a common issue.
Last edited by Dallasguy1; 10-16-17 at 09:58 PM.
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GB2011GX (10-19-17)
10-17-17, 01:52 PM
#36
Advanced
Do you buy new batteries each time? Same store? Both fobs? First thought was you bought a bad batch of batteries but sounds like you've tried different ones.
How close do you keep the fobs to the car? I don't think that should matter though...
Are you sure they're going dead? What is your motivation to swap batteries each time? Fob stops working?
How close do you keep the fobs to the car? I don't think that should matter though...
Are you sure they're going dead? What is your motivation to swap batteries each time? Fob stops working?
10-17-17, 02:16 PM
#37
Lexus Champion
do you keep your keys near your cell phone, or in the same pocket?
Lexus has stated that the Bluetooth radios in some phones cause the key stay active thus killing the battery. I experienced this with my RCF credit card key as I had it in the back of my iPhone case, and the battery would die in a month or less. The dealership showed me a memo from Lexus stating that keeping the keys in the same pocket, or within 6" of certain phones would result in the key staying active and not going into standby.
This also occurs if the key is kept too close to the car, like on a key hook in your garage. Or like some people in the car.
-----
Since moving my fob to my wallet away from my phone, and moving my key hook from the garage to the kitchen, my fob battery has lasted 14 months.. Originally I started by just moving the key hook, but was still having the issue.. moving it away from my cell phone completely resolved the problem.
and FYI, most dealers will give you free batteries, at least the ones around here do. Toyota and Lexus.
Lexus has stated that the Bluetooth radios in some phones cause the key stay active thus killing the battery. I experienced this with my RCF credit card key as I had it in the back of my iPhone case, and the battery would die in a month or less. The dealership showed me a memo from Lexus stating that keeping the keys in the same pocket, or within 6" of certain phones would result in the key staying active and not going into standby.
This also occurs if the key is kept too close to the car, like on a key hook in your garage. Or like some people in the car.
-----
Since moving my fob to my wallet away from my phone, and moving my key hook from the garage to the kitchen, my fob battery has lasted 14 months.. Originally I started by just moving the key hook, but was still having the issue.. moving it away from my cell phone completely resolved the problem.
and FYI, most dealers will give you free batteries, at least the ones around here do. Toyota and Lexus.
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User21c (10-17-17)
10-17-17, 02:17 PM
#38
Super Moderator
Still on stock batteries that came with mine. I wonder if nearby electronics are somehow keeping the FOB awake at some locations? You could try putting in a EMF sleeve to rule that out.
10-17-17, 07:15 PM
#39
How do I know the batteries are dead? The car tells me so, when it won’t start, and says the battery is toast.
The led stops working when I press the buttons, or becomes very intermittent. Solved by replacement.
Yup, I’ve sourced batteries from different places.
Seriously, the other suggestions make some sense...
My phones is in a holster all day on my right hip, while my fob is in my right pocket. (Approx. 10” apart)
I’ll start keeping my fob in my left pocket, and see how many months I get out of it.
I love this forum - thanks everyone!
The led stops working when I press the buttons, or becomes very intermittent. Solved by replacement.
Yup, I’ve sourced batteries from different places.
Seriously, the other suggestions make some sense...
My phones is in a holster all day on my right hip, while my fob is in my right pocket. (Approx. 10” apart)
I’ll start keeping my fob in my left pocket, and see how many months I get out of it.
I love this forum - thanks everyone!
10-18-17, 07:52 PM
#41
The issue is likely proximity to a cellphone, keeping the fob in an active state, as seen in the Lexus memo.
The batteries were all ‘good until 2022+’ .... not stale.
10-18-17, 08:21 PM
#42
Lexus Champion
Sure used genuine brand name replacement? There are fake batteries of many kinds. If you bought the batteries on eBay, make sure the seller has good reputation.
10-18-17, 10:50 PM
#44
Racer
. I replaced my GX key fob batteries with the Panasonic I got from eBay about 4 months ago and it's still going strong. I oftenly keep my keys in the same pocket as my Iphone 7 plus as well and sometimes in my wife's purse with her Iphone. I don't think interences would drain it that fast.
10-19-17, 06:16 AM
#45
do you keep your keys near your cell phone, or in the same pocket?
Lexus has stated that the Bluetooth radios in some phones cause the key stay active thus killing the battery. I experienced this with my RCF credit card key as I had it in the back of my iPhone case, and the battery would die in a month or less. The dealership showed me a memo from Lexus stating that keeping the keys in the same pocket, or within 6" of certain phones would result in the key staying active and not going into standby.
This also occurs if the key is kept too close to the car, like on a key hook in your garage. Or like some people in the car.
-----
Since moving my fob to my wallet away from my phone, and moving my key hook from the garage to the kitchen, my fob battery has lasted 14 months.. Originally I started by just moving the key hook, but was still having the issue.. moving it away from my cell phone completely resolved the problem.
.
Lexus has stated that the Bluetooth radios in some phones cause the key stay active thus killing the battery. I experienced this with my RCF credit card key as I had it in the back of my iPhone case, and the battery would die in a month or less. The dealership showed me a memo from Lexus stating that keeping the keys in the same pocket, or within 6" of certain phones would result in the key staying active and not going into standby.
This also occurs if the key is kept too close to the car, like on a key hook in your garage. Or like some people in the car.
-----
Since moving my fob to my wallet away from my phone, and moving my key hook from the garage to the kitchen, my fob battery has lasted 14 months.. Originally I started by just moving the key hook, but was still having the issue.. moving it away from my cell phone completely resolved the problem.
.
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GB2011GX (10-19-17)