Unlocking with the key sets off the alarm + battery drain

[rxmangriff]

My main problem is battery drain. If I don't start and run the car after 3 or 4 days the battery needs to be charged. More recently as I've unlocked the car with the key (my fob doesn't work) it is getting to the point where it sets off the alarm most of the time regardless of sitting or after driving. Not a big thing about the alarm since I just twist the key a second time and the alarm shuts off. I'm wondering if these 2 things can be connected. What is inside the door that could cause this? Is there a switch attached to the lock, etc.? I would much prefer to find something with the door causing the drain vs pulling every fuse to look for a parasitic draw.

[RX400h]

4 hours ago, rxmangriff said:

My main problem is battery drain. If I don't start and run the car after 3 or 4 days the battery needs to be charged. More recently as I've unlocked the car with the key (my fob doesn't work) it is getting to the point where it sets off the alarm most of the time regardless of sitting or after driving. Not a big thing about the alarm since I just twist the key a second time and the alarm shuts off. I'm wondering if these 2 things can be connected. What is inside the door that could cause this? Is there a switch attached to the lock, etc.? I would much prefer to find something with the door causing the drain vs pulling every fuse to look for a parasitic draw.

Quote

CoPilot: 

It's possible that the battery drain and the alarm issue are connected. In your 2004 Lexus GX470, there is a door jamb switch (also known as a door ajar switch) located inside the door. This switch is responsible for detecting whether the door is open or closed and can trigger the alarm if it malfunctions.

Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Inspect the Door Jamb Switch: Check the switch inside the door for any signs of damage or corrosion. Sometimes, water or debris can cause it to malfunction.

2. Check the Wiring: Ensure that the wiring connected to the door jamb switch is intact and not damaged.

3. Replace the Switch: If the switch is faulty, you can replace it with a new one. You can find replacement door jamb switches at auto parts stores like AutoZone or RockAuto

 

[rxmangriff]

This afternoon I received the new replacement switch. I removed the existing switch and brought both inside from the cold to play with them. My intent was to compare each using my multimeter for a simple resistance test using the ohms setting. The old switch was all over the place with it's reading. I expected a steady result but the readout would not give a steady number. Up and down nonstop. Totally different than the replacement which provided steady results. This I do not understand?? Something electronic inside the switch? I installed the new switch. I had to remove the plastic cover beside the driver seat on the post to unattach a keeper on the wiring as I couldn't pull the connector out enough to snap it in place. Easy install otherwise. I put everything back together. The interior lighting seems to work full pop and not inconsistent as previously. When I started prior to removing the original switch I unlocked the door which once again set off the alarm. When I finished I locked and unlocked it only 2 times without setting off the alarm. I had my battery maintainer installed so I just left it on for overnight. I only like to do one potential conflict at a time in order to judge which does what. I'll give this a go for a while and monitor the alarm situation and the interior lighting situation after I unplug the maintainer and drive a bit and see if the battery will now stay charged. Fingers crossed. Once I'm happy I will attempt to explore inside the old switch to see  what makes it function.