Mark W. Mueller

Does anyone have any experience with a lockout on a 2004 LS430? One of my kids locked my only key in the trunk. The car was also locked at the time. A locksmith came out and got the car door open, but set the alarm off in the process. This appeared to disable the trunk switch so that it would not operate the trunk solenoid. He then drilled out the valet trunk lock under the dash which made no sense to me because it was already in the unlocked position. We also attempted to access the trunk through the access port in the back seat, but too many suitcases are blocking access to the inside trunk lever and the key. 1. Is it true that the alarm system locks out the trunk solenoid from operating once it is set off? If true, is there any way to reset it other then taking it to the Lexus dealer? (I have already tried removing the battery cable) 2. Was drilling out the lock under the dash a possibility to open the trunk, or was this locksmith simply not experienced? 3. Was there any way to open the door or the trunk without setting off the alarm, like operating the trunk lever from outside before the door was opened? Thanks so much for any guidance -- it has been a drama-filled afternoon getting my kids to summer camp with all there stuff still locked in my car. Mark

I am considering the purchase of a VAIS Technology SLI Adapter for my 2004 Lexus LS430 -- this adapter will connect an IPOD to the factory head. You can check it out here -- http://www.vaistech.com/home.php The unit will install using the factory wiring harness, but nonetheless you have to gain access to the back of the unit to access the plugs going into the existing factory radio unit. Does anyone have any experience disassembling the dashboard of a 2004 Lexus LS430? Are there any resources on-line that will give you any perspective on the level of difficulty, the steps involved, are special tools, required, etc.? Thanks in advance for any consideration. Mark