2003 RX Door Lock Problem

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J Golden - 11 Aug 2008 05:48 GMT

What's up with my 2003 RX these days? When I use the remote to lock
the door locks, the driver's door sometimes doesn't lock (although the
others do) and when I press the remote's lock button twice, the
headlights fail to go off as they used to. Twisting the key in the
actual door lock, however, locks the driver's door correctly (but the
headlights stay on then go off in a couple of minutes but perhaps that
is normal when the remote isn't used?)

On the inside, if I use the driver's door lock "unlock"button, it
unlocks the doors, then when I try to use the button to "lock" the
doors it locks all. However, if I use the inside button to unlock the
doors then lock the doors, it locks all the doors EXCEPT the driver's
door which I have to manually lock by hand.

Is this a mechanical issue, an electrical issues?....

My local Toyota dealer services my RX and my next routine service
isn't due until October. Is this one that Lexus needs to repair or can
my Toyota dealer handle it?

Thanks.

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Ray O - 11 Aug 2008 06:40 GMT

> What's up with my 2003 RX these days? When I use the remote to lock
> the door locks, the driver's door sometimes doesn't lock (although the
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Thanks.

I think you may have two problems. First, try replacing the battery in the
remote, and while you have the remote apart, try gently cleaning the
contacts on the back of the rubber buttons and on the circuit board that the
rubber buttons contact with rubbing alcohol.

The other possible cause is the driver's door lock position sensor. The
Toyota dealer may be able to diagnose the condition.

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Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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J Golden - 12 Aug 2008 02:54 GMT

Thanks,

I didn't replace the battery but I did try the other remote that I
have that is never used and the problem presisted so I don't think it
is the battery. The door lock position sensor is a real possibility.
I'll mention it to the Toyota dealer when I take the RX in for
service.

>> What's up with my 2003 RX these days? When I use the remote to lock
>> the door locks, the driver's door sometimes doesn't lock (although the
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>The other possible cause is the driver's door lock position sensor. The
>Toyota dealer may be able to diagnose the condition.

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greg - 12 Aug 2008 06:20 GMT

> Thanks,
>
[quoted text clipped - 39 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Or, the driver door lock actuator (which is part of, or is otherwise
known as the door latch assembly) is going out. Toyota may be able to
diagnose it but they may be unwilling to do so since it's doubtful
they can offer you any kind of warranty on a repair unless the Toyota
(Highlander?) part# is identical to the Lexus part#.

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J Golden - 15 Aug 2008 05:37 GMT

Things are getting more complicated. Now, when I unlock the doors with
the remote, they all unlock, but when I try to lock them with the
remote, the rear passenger side door doesn't lock but all the others
do. I think I have all the doors locked and the alarm set when in
reality, only three of the doors and the tailgate are locked and the
alarm isn't set. I think I'll take a trip to the Toyota dealer before
my next scheduled service (10/08) and have them see what's going on.
The Lexus is way past warranty, so warranty repairs aren't an issue
(it has 75,000 miles on it)

>> Thanks,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 45 lines]
>they can offer you any kind of warranty on a repair unless the Toyota
>(Highlander?) part# is identical to the Lexus part#.

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Ray O - 15 Aug 2008 05:43 GMT

> Things are getting more complicated. Now, when I unlock the doors with
> the remote, they all unlock, but when I try to lock them with the
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> The Lexus is way past warranty, so warranty repairs aren't an issue
> (it has 75,000 miles on it)

With the new clue, I'd check the master power window/door lock switch.

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Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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J Golden - 02 Sep 2008 04:42 GMT

Toyota diagnosed the problem correctly as the door lock actuators, two
of them. Unfortunately, they were only available from Lexus and the
repair, even with the lower labor charges of Toyota vs. Lexus still
came out to over $700.00. Ouch! They did pay for the rent-a-car.

>> Things are getting more complicated. Now, when I unlock the doors with
>> the remote, they all unlock, but when I try to lock them with the
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>With the new clue, I'd check the master power window/door lock switch.

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Ray O - 02 Sep 2008 05:45 GMT

> Toyota diagnosed the problem correctly as the door lock actuators, two
> of them. Unfortunately, they were only available from Lexus and the
> repair, even with the lower labor charges of Toyota vs. Lexus still
> came out to over $700.00. Ouch! They did pay for the rent-a-car.

Thanks for sharing your results!

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Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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