karasdad

By accident we discovered that you can turn on accessories and crank the starter without a key in my 2004 Lexus LS430. We thought it was a starting issue but we realized we didn't have a key in the car. The dealer couldn't point to a problem after an overnight stay where a diagnostic test was performed. They did reassure me that the car will not start and run without the key fob so just live with it. Anyone else run across this quirk? Has 140K miles.

Tostada

It’s silly to ask, but is the key near the car or in your pocket?
If so, as long as the key is in your pocket you can start up the car without inserting the key. It’s a feature of the Smart Key.

Striker223

Was gonna say......the whole point is never needing to take the key out of your pocket

JffGRY706

reading is fundamental sad

karasdad

Anyone without a key can turn the ignition on and crank the car without a key fob as long as the doors aren't locked and they can get inside. It will just crank but not start and run. And all the accessories will turn on.

Tked

Also, if you start the car and leave, someone can jump in and run off with your car. I noticed this when I took my car to the dealership where I bought mine (They offer unlimited free car washes with any purchase) to get the lex washed. The guy that took the car assumed the keys were in it (I forgot to give them to him, Doh!). He took it through the wash and parked it to dry it off and then the alarm when off.

JffGRY706

just twist your nipples

Tked

Who are you talking to?

Striker223

It's a keyless push to start system but with a **** instead of a button. That's all this is.

02Legend

iTrader: (3)

Ironically it sounds like you have a key within range of the car for "smart/wireless" features, but not programmed to start the ignition. When you leave the car does it beep or alert you at all when you close the doors?

Vantage007

This is absolutely not the case. My LS 430's ignition or accessories will not turn on at all without the key fob in the car.