How to open the car or hood when battery is dead
#61
Racer
#62
I will try lubricating. I’ve used the mechanical key but only when the car’s battery had charge. The door opened but it definitely triggered a solenoid.
How far does the key need to turn? Seems more than 45 and less than 90 degrees.
How far does the key need to turn? Seems more than 45 and less than 90 degrees.
#63
Lubricated by spraying PB Blaster all over the key and lock. Tried it again and it worked. Just needed to turn it a little bit more. Thank you!
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ravenuer (06-01-22)
#65
Now that I realize I cannot depend on the "mechanical key" to open the vehicle in case someone accidentally leaves the headlights on, or the main battery dies for some other reason with the doors locked, I decided to install a hidden backup hood release. Lexus conveniently provided a second set of cable mount fittings on the latch, I assume to accommodate right-hand-drive models. I already had a spare bicycle brake cable that had been gathering dust for probably 25 years, so this was a no-cost project that only required 30 minutes of time. The operating end is hidden from view by the casual observer, and works perfectly.
Details in attached images.
Image 1: Hood latch. Extra fittings for a right side release cable are circled (assumed to be a provision for right-hand-drive models).
Image 2: Bicycle brake cable installed. Yellow material is a liberal application of lithium grease.
Image 3: Cable routing along the front apron.
Image 4: Cable routing along the right fender. From there, it passes under the washer fluid filler and then down toward the right fog light. A piece of plastic wiring harness loom was added to protect the cable.
Image 5: Remove these 4 10mm screws to lower the front right valence section. Reach in and position the cable in the desired location.
Image 6: I chose to have the cable exit at the edge of the lower engine cover. It tucks up on top of the cover and is not visible.
Image 7: A short piece of shrink tubing, heated only at the tip, serves as a protective weather sheath. The exposed end of the cable is liberally greased as well, with waterproof grease. The sheath slides off easily in order to operate the emergency hood release.
Details in attached images.
Image 1: Hood latch. Extra fittings for a right side release cable are circled (assumed to be a provision for right-hand-drive models).
Image 2: Bicycle brake cable installed. Yellow material is a liberal application of lithium grease.
Image 3: Cable routing along the front apron.
Image 4: Cable routing along the right fender. From there, it passes under the washer fluid filler and then down toward the right fog light. A piece of plastic wiring harness loom was added to protect the cable.
Image 5: Remove these 4 10mm screws to lower the front right valence section. Reach in and position the cable in the desired location.
Image 6: I chose to have the cable exit at the edge of the lower engine cover. It tucks up on top of the cover and is not visible.
Image 7: A short piece of shrink tubing, heated only at the tip, serves as a protective weather sheath. The exposed end of the cable is liberally greased as well, with waterproof grease. The sheath slides off easily in order to operate the emergency hood release.
my car (2017 RX350 made in Canada) looked very different and did not have the parts needed (supposedly like left hand cars
made in Japan) to accomplish the conversion.
#66
Or....you could just do what post 63 says, lube the door lock.
#67
I thought this was a terrific idea and ordered a bicycle cable to do the conversion. When I opened everything to do it however,
my car (2017 RX350 made in Canada) looked very different and did not have the parts needed (supposedly like left hand cars
made in Japan) to accomplish the conversion.
my car (2017 RX350 made in Canada) looked very different and did not have the parts needed (supposedly like left hand cars
made in Japan) to accomplish the conversion.
I'm still puzzled why? The mechanical key works even with dead battery. Tested on our 2016 RX.
#68
Racer
I thought this was a terrific idea and ordered a bicycle cable to do the conversion. When I opened everything to do it however,
my car (2017 RX350 made in Canada) looked very different and did not have the parts needed (supposedly like left hand cars
made in Japan) to accomplish the conversion.
my car (2017 RX350 made in Canada) looked very different and did not have the parts needed (supposedly like left hand cars
made in Japan) to accomplish the conversion.
Look a few post below where the poster couldn't because it was not lubricated, once lubricated it worked as intended.
That's the reason why it's there! Going to this extent of work is only if you like tinkering.
#69
[QUOTE @OP: you aren’t trying to break into someone else’s car, are you? Ha, JK! Hope you get it resolved!
You know you may have a point!
It happened to me 2 yrs ago I was trying to get into my car and the FOB did not work, so I tried the key it did not work when someone came up and asked me, what are you trying to do?
Get into my car, I replied. Well he said, you car is there (1 parking spot away) this is mine!
I was so surprised as this colour is not very common and what would be the odds of the same 2 vehicles being parked one next to the other on the same day and time.
You know you may have a point!
It happened to me 2 yrs ago I was trying to get into my car and the FOB did not work, so I tried the key it did not work when someone came up and asked me, what are you trying to do?
Get into my car, I replied. Well he said, you car is there (1 parking spot away) this is mine!
I was so surprised as this colour is not very common and what would be the odds of the same 2 vehicles being parked one next to the other on the same day and time.
#70
Racer
#71
I don't know, just seem odd to me to pull out the mechanical key before looking around first.
This thread is full of fake news.
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ravenuer (06-17-22)
#72
Hi: I looked at my 2017 RX350 latch, and it does not have the right-hand drive latch mechanism you mentioned. Is your car a Japanese (instead of Canada) built car?
This could explain why, unfortunately, I cannot install the emergency cable as you did.
This could explain why, unfortunately, I cannot install the emergency cable as you did.
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Thaywood
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
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11-23-22 03:16 PM