Lock Cylinder Question

[lexuslaurie]

I recently had to have the driver's door lock cylinder and actuator replaced. With all the key and remote programming that is available, I do not understand why I have one key that only opens up the driver's door but another key to operate everything else. Why was Lexus unable to either install a lock cylinder that was "compatible" with my other locks, so that I only need one key, or else program/cut the key to the newly installed cylinder to work the ignition, trunk, etc.

I'm not a mechanic, just a driver and I did not get answers to these questions when I asked at the dealership. They simply said if I wanted one key to operate all locks and ignition, I would need to replace ALL the lock cylinders at an estimated cost of $1400.

I purchased my 1995 LS400 recently and it did not come with a wireless remote/keyfob, just a master key and a valet key. And, now I have a special unlock-drivers-door-only key.

[01 Ultra]

You could possibly try an aftermarket 'remote start' system. I know when I had one put in my wife's Acura, they replaced the Acura remotes with their own. The new remotes had the buttons to actually start the vehicle, lock & unlock the doors & they said with the purchase of another relay they could tie in the trunk release also.

I think that the whole system, with installation cost about $400.00. Well worth the cost for the additional comfort feature of remote starting & having the vehicle 'warmed up' before getting into it here in Minnesota. Your case may be that you could 'cool down' the vehicle before getting into it there in sunny CA!

[raymsixsix]

Hey Lexuslaurie, I don't have an answer for the first questions, but as far as getting a remote programmed, I used this procedure when I got an additional remote for my '95 LS. I don't know though, if you have to have a working remote already. If I remember correctly, when I was programming my remote, I never touched the working remote during the process. This procedure worked on the first try. The programming instructions that came with the remote wouldn't work at all lol. Good luck and keeps us posted

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...ic=9825&hl=

[gordonw]

All replacement locks from Lexus come precoded. Unfortunately, that means they will not match your other lock cylinders. Lexus does not offer the components such as the springs or tumblers to recode a cylinder to match your other locks.

[lenore]

Man seems to me a Locksmith could do what you want.... They should be able to match the lock cylinders.

[lexuslaurie]

First thanks to all of you who answered. I appreciate you taking the time out to give your opinion or suggestion.

All replacement locks from Lexus come precoded. Unfortunately, that means they will not match your other lock cylinders. Lexus does not offer the components such as the springs or tumblers to recode a cylinder to match your other locks.

Gordon,

Thanks for the info. Ok, I understand from your reply is that Lexus lock cylinders do not have springs or tumblers. But they only make the quantity of lock cylinders as each vehicle requires (doors, glove box, trunk, etc.), and no "spares" that are coded the same? I would think a specific number of same make/model cars would all have the same precoded cylinder with a few spares and a dealer could order the correct spare cylinder with the VIN number. Or why can't Lexus then "recode" a lock cylinder to match the others.

I also think that the lock cylinder wasn't the problem in the first place. This all started when the alarm would go off when one inserted the key in the driver's door. I was first told the problem was with the alarm sensor in the driver's door; next the lock cylinder needed to be replaced, and lastly that the actuator had shorted out. If the problem was only with the actuator, but they did not discover this until after replacing the lock cylinder, then I want my old lock cylinder back. Having two different keys is inconvenient.

I also can't understand how a shorted actuator can make the lock cylinder not work anymore. As you stated, apparently there are no springs or tumblers inside. The short somehow caused the lock cylinder coding to stop working? Is that it?

01 Ultra,

Thanks for that suggestion to install a "remote start" system. I can try that when and if I ever get a spare $400, lol.

Raymsixsix,

Thanks for the link to programming instructions. I ordered a keyless entry remote. However, Lexus told me that the remote is not holding the program, declared it was possibly a problem with the computer and asked if I wanted them to do more "diagnosis". When I wanted to return the keyless entry remote, I was told they were unable to do that because it is an electronics item. If they can program to another car, I would think then I would be able to return it, especially since I had not even removed the remote from the Lexus dealer yet.

But anyway, I just followed the instructions in the link and it didn't work. I had previously tried to program the remote using instructions listed on http://www.toy-lex.com/programming and those didn't work. But, when I tried a combo of both techniques...voila! It worked. At least for now. Guess I will see how long the remote holds the program.

Lenore,

I'm guessing since the Lexus lock cylinders don't use the traditional springs or tumblers, a locksmith would not be able to match all the cylinders. That was my first thought too.

Laurie