Weird Central Locking Problem

[Duncan Rance]

Hi there,

I went to unlock my car yesterday nothing happened. The LED on the fob lights up, as does the one on the spare. It seems like the signal is not being received, rather than not being sent.

I was able to unlock using the key, but that set the alarm off. I could start the engine even though it was still going off. It stopped after a while. So now I can only manually lock & unlock and I can't use the alarm.

Is this a known problem? Any ideas what it could be?

Cheers,

Duncan

[mwilson]

If you have a spare key, you can always try with that to rule out any issues with the key itself.

Environmental factors can block signals in unusual circumstances, I have had it happen on a couple of occasions but I am guessing you have tried it in different locations which should rule that out.

When you lock or unlock does that operate all of the doors or just the drivers door? How about the button to lock the doors on the driver's door does that work?

[mwilson]

Also what is the red LED doing when all of this is going on. The LED that normally blinks in the centre console and has a picture of a key.

[Duncan Rance]

If you have a spare key, you can always try with that to rule out any issues with the key itself.

Yup, tried the spare. Same behaviour.

Environmental factors can block signals in unusual circumstances, I have had it happen on a couple of occasions but I am guessing you have tried it in different locations which should rule that out.

Yeah it's happened at home and at a friends house miles away.

When you lock or unlock does that operate all of the doors or just the drivers door? How about the button to lock the doors on the driver's door does that work?

All the doors I think -- from what I remember the sound was like. I'll try the button later (it is currently ****** it down!)

[Duncan Rance]

Also what is the red LED doing when all of this is going on. The LED that normally blinks in the centre console and has a picture of a key.

It was flashing when the alarm was going off.

[mwilson]

So we know the problem is car related, if the central locking button on the door works for all doors then I would suspect that the problem may be the sensor (I think it is on the top of the dash), may be worth checking nothing has been placed on top of it, unlikely but I have done sillier things in the past.

[Den B]

Duncan,had exactly the same problem with my 05 avensis.Everything you describe is what happend with mine including spare key.Sorted mine by changing batteries in keys,hope this helps.

[revband]

It might be worth trying to reset the car to the keys as if you were setting up a new key, if I remember correctly how to do this is detailed in the user manual for the car, if not I am sure someone will be along to advise how it is done on this year car.

[Jeffcar]

Hi My name is Jeff, And yesterday I had the same problem I could not get into my car? my key fob would not work? so l too used the key in the door, as soon as I opened the door the alarm went off? I then tried my fob and the alarm went off? But I did notice the LED in my fob was not very bright so I suspect it is the fob? so I'm now going to change the Battery! Is there anything special about the Battery? is there a sequence I should follow/reset etc? Any advice would be welcome Thank you.

[mwilson]

Just any new CR2016 Lithium Battery will do. Basically unscrew key, remove module, take off Battery cover, replace Battery then put it together again. Should work okay after that.

I am assuming you have an 03 - 08 Avensis.

[Jeffcar]

Yes it is.Thanks Mark!

[Duncan Rance]

The central locking button does work. I'll change the Battery and check the sensor.

[Duncan Rance]

Finally got around to getting a new Battery. Still doesn't work in either fob.

Is there a specific fuse for this? Could the sensor be knackered?

[Jas16]

I don't know if you've tried this as well, but as mentioned previously re-programming your key to the car. I'm sure of the sequence, if you do a search within the site it might help, or on the other hand google, but best case is if someone on here if they know might be able to help more directly

[Duncan Rance]

I found some instructions for re-programming. It requires switching of the "Master Door Lock Switch".

I can't find it. Am I being completely dim?

[Duncan Rance]

Well I found the switch but the programming didn't work.

These are the instructions: http://www.programyourkeys.com/Toyota.html

Has anyone got these to work?

[Duncan Rance]

I've tried all these reprogramming things and nothing works.

Both keys stopped working simultaneously. Batteries were fine. How can this happen? There must be something wrong with the detector. Where can I found out what each fuse does?

[Mad Dog Owner]

Just seen this post. I have posted similar under electrical interference in the last few days.

Paul

[Konrad C]

I have the Mk1 Avensis and had the same problem - remote not unlocking but still disarming the alarm, and opening the door with the key.

The fix was changing the 'Dome' fuse which had degraded but not blown. The metal in the fuse discolours and does not conduct electricity efficiently.

Since your cars are later models the wiring may be different, but if Toyota still use this system, it may work. Give that a try.

Kon