Lexus ES300h (2023 year). Manual in english - page 6

104

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3-2.Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■

Smart access system with push-
button start

Carry the electronic key to enable this 
function.

1

Grip the driver’s door handle to 
unlock the door. Holding the 
driver’s door handle for approxi-
mately 2 seconds unlocks all the 
doors. Grip the passenger’s door 
handle to unlock all the doors.

*

Make sure to touch the sensor on the back 
of the handle.
The doors cannot be unlocked for 3 sec-
onds after the doors are locked.

*

: The door unlock settings can be 

changed.

2

Touch the lock sensor (the indenta-
tion on the upper part of the door 
handle) to lock all the doors.

Check that the door is securely locked.

■

Wireless remote control

1

Locks all the doors

Check that the door is securely locked.

2

Unlocks all the doors

Pressing the button unlocks the driver’s 
door. Pressing the button again within 5 
seconds unlocks the other doors.
Press and hold to open the windows and 
moon roof.

*

*

: This setting must be customized at your 

Lexus dealer.

■

Switching the door unlock function

It is possible to set which doors the entry 

function unlocks using the wireless remote 

control.

1

Turn the power switch off.

2

When the indicator light on the key sur-
face is not on, press and hold 

, 

 or 

 for approximately 5 

seconds while pressing and holding 

.

The setting changes each time an operation 

is performed, as shown below. (When 

changing the setting continuously, release 

the buttons, wait for at least 5 seconds, and 

repeat step 

2

.)

Doors

Unlocking and locking the doors 
from the outside

105

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri
ving

To prevent unintended triggering of the 
alarm, unlock the doors using the wireless 
remote control and open and close a door 
once after the settings have been changed. 
(If a door is not opened within 60 seconds 
after 

 is pressed, the doors will be 

locked again and the alarm will automati-
cally be set.)
In a case that the alarm is triggered, imme-
diately stop the alarm. (



P.68)

■

Impact detection door lock release sys-

tem

In the event that the vehicle is subject to a 

strong impact, all the doors are unlocked. 

Depending on the force of the impact or the 

type of accident, however, the system may 

not operate.

■

Operation signals

A buzzer sounds and the emergency flash-

ers flash to indicate that the doors have 

been locked/unlocked. (Locked: once; 

Unlocked: twice)
A buzzer sounds to indicate that the win-

dows and moon roof are opening.

■

Security feature

If a door is not opened within approximately 

60 seconds after the vehicle is unlocked, 

the security feature automatically locks the 

vehicle again. (However, depending on the 

location of the electronic key, the key may 

be detected as being in the vehicle. In this 

case, vehicle may be unlocked.)

■

When the doors cannot be locked by 

the lock sensor on the upper part of the 

door handle

When the doors cannot be locked even if 

the lock sensor on the surface of the door 

handle is touched by a finger, touch the lock 

sensor with the palm.
If you are wearing gloves, remove them.

■

Door lock buzzer

If an attempt to lock the doors using the 

smart access system with push-button start 

is made when a door other than the door 

you are locking is open, a buzzer sounds 

continuously for 5 seconds. Fully close all 

the doors, and lock the vehicle once more.

■

Setting the alarm

Locking the doors will set the alarm system. 

(



P.68)

■

Conditions affecting the operation of 

the smart access system with push-but-

ton start or wireless remote control



P.117

■

If the smart access system with push-

button start or the wireless remote con-

trol does not operate properly

Use the mechanical key to lock and unlock 

the doors. (



P.385) 

Replace the key battery with a new one if it 

is depleted. (



P.343)

■

If the 12-volt battery is discharged

The doors cannot be locked and unlocked 

Multi-information 

display/Beep

Unlocking function

Exterior: Beeps 3 

times

Interior: Pings 

once

Holding the driver’s 
door handle unlocks 
only the driver’s door.

Holding a passenger’s 
door handle unlocks all 
the doors.

Exterior: Beeps 

twice

Interior: Pings 

once

Holding a door handle 
unlocks all the doors.

106

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

using the smart access system with push-

button start or wireless remote control. 

Lock or unlock the doors using the 

mechanical key. (



P.385)

■

Rear seat reminder function

●

In order to remind you not to forget lug-

gage, etc. in the rear seat, when the 

power switch is turned off after any of the 

following conditions are met, a buzzer 

will sound and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information display 

for approximately 6 seconds.

• The hybrid system is started within 10 

minutes after opening and closing a rear 

door.

• A rear door has been opened and closed 

after the hybrid system was started.

However, if a rear door is opened and then 

closed within approximately 2 seconds, the 

rear seat reminder function may not oper-

ate.

●

The rear seat reminder function deter-

mines that luggage, etc. has been placed 

in a rear seat based on opening and clos-

ing of a rear door. Therefore, depending 

on the situation, the rear seat reminder 

function may not operate and you may 

still forget luggage, etc. in the rear seat, 

or it may operate unnecessarily.

●

The rear seat reminder function can be 

enabled/disabled. (



P.417)

■

Customization

Settings (e.g. unlocking function using a 

key) can be changed. 

(Customizable features: 



P.417)

■

Door lock switches (to 
lock/unlock)

1

Locks all the doors

2

Unlocks all the doors

■

Inside lock buttons (to lock)

Push down the inside lock button to 
lock the door.

WARNING

■

To prevent an accident

Observe the following precautions while 

driving the vehicle.

Failure to do so may result in a door 

opening and an occupant being thrown 

out of the vehicle, resulting in death or 

serious injury.

●

Ensure that all doors are properly 

closed and locked.

●

Do not pull the inside handle of the 

doors while driving. 

Be especially careful for the front 

doors, as the doors may be opened 

even if the inside lock buttons are in 

locked position.

●

Set the rear door child-protector locks 

when children are seated in the rear 

seats.

■

When opening or closing a door

Check the surroundings of the vehicle 

such as whether the vehicle is on an 

incline, whether there is enough space 

for a door to open and whether a strong 

wind is blowing. When opening or clos-

ing the door, hold the door handle tightly 

to prepare for any unpredictable move-

ment.

Unlocking and locking the doors 
from the inside

107

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri
ving

■

Inside door handles (to unlock)



For the front doors

Pull the handle to unlock and open the 
door.

When the door is unlocked, the inside lock 
button will pop up.



For the rear doors

Pull the handle to unlock the door. Pull 
the handle a second time to open the 
door.

When the door is unlocked, the inside lock 
button will pop up.

■

Locking the front doors from the outside 

without a key

1

Push down the inside lock button.

2

Close the door.

The door cannot be locked if the power 

switch is in ACCESSORY or ON mode, or 

the electronic key is left inside the vehicle. 

However, the key may not be detected cor-

rectly and the door may be locked.

■

Open door warning buzzer

If the vehicle speed reaches 3 mph (5 

km/h), a buzzer sounds to indicate that the 

door(s), the hood or the trunk is not fully 

closed.

The open door(s), the hood or the trunk is 

displayed on the multi-information display.

The door cannot be opened from 
inside the vehicle when the lock is set.

1

Unlock

2

Lock

These locks can be set to prevent children 
from opening the rear doors. Push down 
on each rear door switch to lock both rear 
doors.

The following functions can be set or 
canceled:

For instructions on customizing, refer to 
P.417.

Rear door child-protector lock

Automatic door locking and 
unlocking systems

108

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Function

Operation

Speed linked 
door locking 
function

All doors are automati-
cally locked when vehi-
cle speed is 
approximately 12 mph 
(20 km/h) or higher.

Shift position 
linked door lock-
ing function

All doors are automati-
cally locked when the 
shift lever is shifted to a 
position other than P.

Shift position 
linked door 
unlocking func-
tion

All doors are automati-
cally unlocked when 
the shift lever is shifted 
to P.

Driver’s door 
linked door 
unlocking func-
tion

All doors are automati-
cally unlocked when 
driver’s door is opened 
within approximately 
45 seconds after turn-
ing the power switch 
off.

Trunk

The trunk can be opened using the 
trunk opener switch, entry function 
or wireless remote control.
If the vehicle is equipped with a 
power trunk lid, the trunk can be 
closed using the trunk closer.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or 

serious injury.

■

Before driving

●

Make sure that the trunk lid is fully 

closed. If the trunk lid is not fully 

closed, it may open unexpectedly 

while driving and hit near-by objects or 

luggage in the trunk may be thrown 

out, causing an accident.

●

Do not allow children to play in the 

trunk.

If a child is accidentally locked in the 

trunk, they could suffer from heat 

exhaustion, suffocation or other inju-

ries.

●

Do not allow a child to open or close 

the trunk lid.

Doing so may cause the trunk lid to 

open unexpectedly, or cause the 

child’s hands, head, or neck to be 

caught by the closing trunk lid.

■

Important points while driving

Never let anyone sit in the trunk. In the 

event of sudden braking or a collision, 

they are susceptible to death or serious 

injury.

■

Using the trunk

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause parts of the 

body to be caught, resulting in serious 

injury.

109

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri

ving

WARNING

●

Remove any heavy loads, such as 

snow and ice, from the trunk lid before 

opening it. Failure to do so may cause 

the trunk lid to suddenly shut again 

after it is opened.

●

When opening or closing the trunk lid, 

thoroughly check to make sure the 

surrounding area is safe.

●

If anyone is in the vicinity, make sure 

they are safe and let them know that 

the trunk is about to open or close.

●

Use caution when opening or closing 

the trunk lid in windy weather as it may 

move abruptly in strong wind.

●

Vehicles without power trunk lid: The 

trunk lid may suddenly shut if it is not 

opened fully. It is more difficult to open 

or close the trunk lid on an incline than 

on a level surface, so beware of the 

trunk lid unexpectedly opening or 

closing by itself. Make sure that the 

trunk lid is fully open and secure 

before using the trunk.

●

When closing the trunk lid, take extra 

care to prevent your fingers etc. from 

being caught.

●

Vehicles without power trunk lid: 

When closing the trunk lid, make sure 

to press it lightly on its outer surface. If 

the trunk grip is used to fully close the 

trunk lid, it may result in hands or arms 

being caught.

●

Do not attach any accessories other 

than genuine Lexus parts to the trunk 

lid. Such additional weight on the trunk 

lid may cause the lid to suddenly shut 

again after it is opened.

■

Trunk easy closer (vehicles with 

power trunk lid)

In the event that the trunk lid is left slightly 

open, the trunk easy closer will automati-

cally close it to the fully closed position. It 

takes several seconds before the trunk 

easy closer begins to operate. Be careful 

not to catch fingers or anything else in 

the trunk lid, as this may cause bone frac-

tures or other serious injuries.

■

Power trunk lid (if equipped)

Observe the following precautions when 

operating the power trunk lid.

Failure to do so may cause serious injury.

●

Check the safety of the surrounding 

area to make sure there are no obsta-

cles or anything that could cause any 

of your belongings to get caught.

●

If anyone is in the vicinity, make sure 

they are safe and let them know that 

the trunk is about to open or close.

●

If the trunk closer switch is pressed 

while the trunk lid is opening during 

automatic operation, the trunk lid 

stops opening. Take extra care when 

on an incline, as the trunk lid may open 

or close suddenly.

110

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■

Trunk opener switch

Press the trunk opener switch.

WARNING

●

On an incline, the trunk lid may sud-

denly shut after it opens automatically. 

Make sure the trunk lid is fully open 

and secure before using the trunk.

●

In the following situations, the power 

trunk lid may detect an abnormality 

and automatic operation may be 

stopped. In this case, the trunk lid has 

to be operated manually. Take extra 

care in this situation, as the stopped 

trunk lid may suddenly shut, causing an 

accident.

• When the trunk lid contacts an obsta-

cle

• When the 12-volt battery voltage sud-

denly drops, such as when the power 

switch is turned to ON mode or the 

hybrid system is started during auto-

matic operation

●

Do not attach any accessories other 

than genuine Lexus parts to the trunk 

lid. The power trunk lid may not oper-

ate, causing itself to malfunction, or the 

trunk lid may suddenly shut again after 

it is opened.

■

Hands Free Power Trunk Lid (vehi-

cles with power trunk lid)

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause serious injury.

●

Exhaust gases cause the exhaust pipes 

to become quite hot. When operating 

the Hands Free Power Trunk Lid, be 

careful not to touch the exhaust pipe.

●

Do not operate the Hands Free Power 

Trunk Lid if there is little space under 

the rear bumper.

■

Jam protection function (vehicles 

with power trunk lid)

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause serious injury.

●

Never use any part of your body to 

intentionally activate the jam protec-

tion function.

●

The jam protection function may not 

work if something gets caught just 

before the trunk lid fully closes. Be 

careful not to catch fingers or anything 

else in the trunk lid.

●

The jam protection function may not 

work depending on the shape of the 

object that is caught. Be careful not to 

catch fingers or anything else.

NOTICE

■

To prevent trunk easy closer mal-

functions (vehicles with power trunk 

lid)

Do not apply force to the trunk lid while 

the trunk easy closer is operating.

■

To prevent damage to the power 

trunk lid (vehicles with power trunk 

lid)

●

Make sure that there is no luggage or 

snow on the trunk lid before operating 

the power trunk lid. In addition, make 

sure that there is no ice between the 

trunk lid and frame that prevents 

movement of the trunk lid. Operating 

the power trunk lid when excessive 

load is present on the trunk lid may 

cause a malfunction.

●

Do not apply excessive force to the 

trunk lid while the power trunk lid is 

operating.

Opening/closing the trunk

111

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri
ving

■

Smart access system with push-
button start

While carrying the electronic key, 
press the button.
When all the doors are unlocked using 
one of the following methods, the trunk 
can be opened without the electronic 
key:



Entry function



Wireless remote control



Door lock switches



Automatic door unlocking system



Mechanical key

■

Wireless remote control

Press and hold the switch.

A buzzer sounds.

■

Hands Free Power Trunk Lid (vehi-
cles with power trunk lid)

1

While carrying an electronic key, 
stand within the smart access sys-
tem with push-button start opera-
tion range, approximately 11.8 to 
19.7 in. (30 to 50 cm) from the rear 
bumper.

Kick sensor

Hands Free Power Trunk Lid oper-
ation detection area

Smart access system with push-
button start operation detection 
area (



P.116)

2

Perform a kick operation by mov-
ing your foot to within approxi-
mately 3.9 in. (10 cm) of the rear 
bumper, and then pulling your foot 
back after the buzzer sounds.

• Perform the entire kick operation 

within 1 second.

A
B

C

112

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

• The trunk lid will not start operating 

while a foot is detected under the 
rear bumper.

• Operate the Hands Free Power 

Trunk Lid without contacting the 
rear bumper with your foot.

• If another electronic key is in the 

cabin or trunk, it may take slightly 
longer than normal for the opera-
tion to occur.

• If the buzzer sounds twice, wait for 3 

seconds or more and then perform 
a kick operation again.

Kick sensor

Hands Free Power Trunk Lid oper-
ation detection area

3

When the kick sensor detects that 
your foot is pulled back, a buzzer 
will sound and the trunk will auto-
matically fully open/close.

If a foot is moved under the rear bumper 

while the trunk lid is opening, the trunk lid 

will stop moving.

If a foot is moved under the rear bumper 

while the trunk lid is closing, the trunk lid 

will open.

■

Trunk closer switch (vehicles with 
power trunk lid)

Press the trunk closer switch.

A buzzer will sound and the trunk lid will 
fully close.

Pressing the switch while the trunk lid is 
closing opens the trunk lid again.

■

Trunk grip

Using the trunk grip, pull down the 
trunk lid without applying sideways 
force and push the trunk lid down from 
the outside to close it.

■

Trunk light

The trunk light turns on when the trunk is 

opened.

■

Trunk easy closer (vehicles with power 

trunk lid)

In the event that the trunk lid is left slightly 

open, the trunk easy closer will automati-

cally close it to the fully closed position.

●

The trunk easy closer will operate 

regardless of the power switch mode.

●

If the trunk easy closer does not operate, 

open the trunk to the half open position 

or more and then close it.

■

Function to prevent the trunk being 

locked with the electronic key inside

●

When all doors are locked, closing the 

trunk lid with the electronic key left inside 

A
B

113

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri
ving

the trunk will sound an alarm.

In this case, the trunk lid can be opened 

by pressing the trunk release button on 

the trunk lid.

●

If the spare electronic key is put in the 

trunk with all the doors locked, the key 

confinement prevention function is acti-

vated so the trunk can be opened. In 

order to prevent theft, take all electronic 

keys with you when leaving the vehicle.

●

If the electronic key is put in the trunk 

with all the doors locked, the key may not 

be detected depending on the location of 

the key and the surrounding radio wave 

conditions. In this case, the key confine-

ment prevention function cannot be acti-

vated, causing the doors to lock when the 

trunk is closed. Make sure to check 

where the key is before closing the trunk.

●

The key confinement prevention function 

cannot be activated if any one of the 

doors is unlocked. In this case, open the 

trunk using the trunk opener.

■

Overload protection function (vehicles 

with power trunk lid)

The trunk lid will not operate when exces-

sive load is present on the top of the trunk 

lid.

■

Fall-down protection function (vehicles 

with power trunk lid)

While the trunk lid is opening automatically, 

applying excessive force to it will stop the 

opening operation to prevent the trunk lid 

from rapidly falling down.

■

Jam protection function (vehicles with 

power trunk lid)

While the trunk lid is closing automatically, 

the trunk lid will stop closing and open if 

something gets caught.

■

Internal trunk release lever

The trunk lid can be opened by pulling the 

glow-in-the-dark lever located on the inside 

of the trunk to the side. The lever will con-

tinue to glow for some time after the trunk 

lid is closed.

■

Using the mechanical key

The trunk can be also opened using the 

mechanical key. (



P.385)

If the trunk is unlocked using the mechani-

cal key, the power trunk lid and trunk easy 

closer will not be operational. To return 

them to an operational state, fully close the 

trunk lid by hand.

■

If the smart access system with push-

button start or the wireless remote con-

trol does not operate properly

Use the mechanical key to unlock the trunk. 

(



P.385)

Replace the key battery with a new one if it 

is depleted. (



P.343)

■

Hands Free Power Trunk Lid operating 

conditions (vehicles with power trunk 

lid)

●

When the Hands Free Power Trunk Lid 

(kick sensor) operation setting is turned 

on and the power switch is turned off

●

When an electronic key is carried within 

the operation range

■

Situations in which the Hands Free 

Power Trunk Lid may not operate prop-

erly (vehicles with power trunk lid)

In the following situations, the Hands Free 

Power Trunk Lid may not operate properly:

●

When a foot remains under the rear 

bumper

●

If the rear bumper is strongly hit with a 

foot or is touched for a while

If the rear bumper has been touched for a 

while, wait for a short time before 

attempting to operate the Hands Free 

Power Trunk Lid again.

●

When operated while a person is too 

close to the rear bumper

●

When an external radio wave source 

114

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

interferes with the communication 

between the electronic key and the vehi-

cle (



P.117)

●

When the vehicle is parked near an elec-

trical noise source or metallic object 

which affects the sensitivity of the Hands 

Free Power Trunk Lid, such as a pay 

parking spot, gas station, electrically 

heated road, fluorescent light, or above a 

steel plate.

●

When the vehicle is near a TV tower, 

electric power plant, radio station, large 

display, airport or other facility that gen-

erates strong radio waves or electrical 

noise

●

When a large amount of water is applied 

to the rear bumper, such as when the 

vehicle is being washed or in heavy rain

●

When mud, snow, ice, etc. is attached to 

the rear bumper

●

When the vehicle has been parked for a 

while near objects that may move and 

contact the rear bumper, such as plants

●

When an accessory is installed to the rear 

bumper

If an accessory has been installed, turn 

the Hands Free Power Trunk Lid (kick 

sensor) operation setting off.

■

Preventing unintentional operation of 

the Hands Free Power Trunk Lid (vehi-

cles with power trunk lid)

When an electronic key is in the operation 

range, the Hands Free Power Trunk Lid 

may operate unintentionally, so be careful 

in the following situations.

●

When a large amount of water is applied 

to the rear bumper, such as when the 

vehicle is being washed or in heavy rain

●

When dirt is wiped off the rear bumper

●

When a small animal or small object, such 

as a ball, moves under the rear bumper

●

When an object is moved from under the 

rear bumper

●

If someone is swinging their legs while sit-

ting on the rear bumper

●

If the legs or another part of someone’s 

body contacts the rear bumper while 

passing by the vehicle

●

When the vehicle is parked near an elec-

trical noise source which affects the sen-

sitivity of the Hands Free Power Trunk 

Lid, such as a pay parking spot, gas sta-

tion, electrically heated road, or fluores-

cent light

●

When the vehicle is near a TV tower, 

electric power plant, radio station, large 

display, airport or other facility that gen-

erates strong radio waves or electrical 

noise

●

When the vehicle is parked in a place 

where objects such as plants are near the 

rear bumper

●

If luggage, etc. is set near the rear 

bumper

●

If accessories or a vehicle cover is 

installed/removed near the rear bumper

●

When the vehicle is being towed

To prevent unintentional operation, turn the 
Hands Free Power Trunk Lid (kick sensor) 
operation setting off.

■

Open door warning buzzer



P.107

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized. (Cus-

tomizable features: 



P.417)

The trunk opener switch can be tem-
porarily disabled to protect luggage 
stored in the trunk against theft.
Turn the trunk opener main switch in 
the glove box off to disable the trunk 
opener.

Protecting luggage against theft

115

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri
ving

On

Off

When the trunk opener main switch is off, 
the trunk lid cannot be opened even with 
the wireless remote control, entry function 
or Hands Free Power Trunk Lid (if 
equipped).

■

When leaving a key to the vehicle with a 

parking attendant



P.103

■

Antenna location

Antennas outside the cabin

Antennas inside the cabin

Antenna inside the trunk

Antenna outside the trunk

A
B

Smart access system with 
push-button start

The following operations can be 
performed simply by carrying the 
electronic key (including the card 
key) on your person, for example in 
your pocket. The driver should 
always carry the electronic key.



Locks and unlocks the doors 
(



P.104)



Opens the trunk (



P.111)



Starts the hybrid system 
(



P.148)

A

B

C

D

116

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■

Effective range (areas within which the 

electronic key is detected)

When locking or unlocking the doors
The system can be operated when the 
electronic key is within about 2.3 ft. (0.7 
m) of an outside door handle. (Only the 
doors detecting the key can be oper-
ated.)

When opening the trunk
The system can be operated when the 
electronic key is within about 2.3 ft. (0.7 
m) of the trunk release button.

When starting the hybrid system or 
changing power switch modes
The system can be operated when the 
electronic key is inside the vehicle.

■

If an alarm sounds or a warning message 

is displayed

An alarm sounds and warning messages 

are displayed on the multi-information dis-

play to protect against unexpected acci-

dents or theft of the vehicle resulting from 

erroneous operation. When a warning 

message is displayed, take appropriate 

measures based on the displayed message.
When only an alarm sounds, circumstances 

and correction procedures are as follows.

●

When an exterior alarm sounds once for 

5 seconds

●

When an interior alarm sounds continu-

ously

■

If “Key Detected in Vehicle” is shown on 

the multi-information display

An attempt was made to lock the doors 

using the smart access system with push-

button start while the electronic key was still 

inside the vehicle. Retrieve the electronic 

key from the vehicle and lock the doors 

again.

A

B

C

Situation

Correction proce-

dure

The trunk was 
closed while the 
electronic key was 
still inside the trunk 
and all the doors 
were locked.

Retrieve the elec-
tronic key from the 
trunk and close the 
trunk lid.

An attempt was 
made to lock the 
vehicle while a door 
was open.

Close all of the 
doors and lock the 
doors again.

Situation

Correction proce-

dure

The power switch 
was turned to 
ACCESSORY 
mode while the 
driver’s door was 
open (or the driver’s 
door was opened 
while the power 
switch was in 
ACCESSORY 
mode).

Turn the power 
switch off and close 
the driver’s door.

The power switch 
was turned off while 
the driver’s door 
was open.

Close the driver’s 
door.

117

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri
ving

■

Battery-saving function

The battery-saving function will be acti-

vated in order to prevent the electronic key 

battery and the 12-volt battery from being 

discharged while the vehicle is not in opera-

tion for a long time.

●

In the following situations, the smart 

access system with push-button start may 

take some time to unlock the doors.

• The electronic key has been left within 

approximately 6 ft. (2 m) of the outside of 

the vehicle for 10 minutes or longer.

• The smart access system with push-but-

ton start has not been used for 5 days or 

longer.

●

If the smart access system with push-but-

ton start has not been used for 14 days or 

longer, the doors cannot be unlocked at 

any doors except the driver’s door. In this 

case, take hold of the driver’s door han-

dle, or use the wireless remote control or 

mechanical key, to unlock the doors.

■

Turning an electronic key to battery-

saving mode

●

When battery-saving mode is set, battery 
depletion is minimized by stopping the 
electronic key from receiving radio 
waves.
Press 

 twice while pressing and 

holding 

. Confirm that the elec-

tronic key indicator flashes 4 times.
While the battery-saving mode is set, the 
smart access system with push-button 
start cannot be used. To cancel the func-
tion, press any of the electronic key but-
tons.

●

Electronic keys that will not be used for 

long periods of time can be set to the bat-

tery-saving mode in advance.

■

When electronic key function stops

If the position of the electronic key has not 

changed for a certain amount of time such 

as when the electronic key is left some-

where, the function of the electronic key 

stops to reduce depletion of the battery.

■

Conditions affecting operation

The smart access system with push-button 

start uses weak radio waves. In the follow-

ing situations, the communication between 

the electronic key and the vehicle may be 

affected, preventing the smart access sys-

tem with push-button start, wireless remote 

control and immobilizer system from oper-

ating properly. 

(Ways of coping: 



P.385)

●

When the electronic key battery is 

depleted

●

Near a TV tower, electric power plant, 

gas station, radio station, large display, 

airport or other facility that generates 

strong radio waves or electrical noise

●

When the electronic key is in contact 

with, or is covered by the following metal-

lic objects

• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached

• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil 

inside

• Metallic wallets or bags

• Coins

• Hand warmers made of metal

• Media such as CDs and DVDs

●

When other wireless keys (that emit 

radio waves) are being used nearby

●

When carrying the electronic key 

together with the following devices that 

emit radio waves

• Portable radio, cellular phone, cordless 

phone or other wireless communication 

device

• Another electronic key or a wireless key 

that emits radio waves

• Personal computers or personal digital 

assistants (PDAs)

• Digital audio players

• Portable game systems

●

If window tint with a metallic content or 

metallic objects are attached to the rear 

window

118

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

●

When the electronic key is placed near a 

battery charger or electronic devices

●

When the vehicle is parked in a pay park-

ing spot where radio waves are emitted.

■

Notes for the entry function

●

Even when the electronic key is within the 

effective range (detection areas), the sys-

tem may not operate properly in the fol-

lowing cases:

• The electronic key is too close to the win-

dow or outside door handle, near the 

ground, or in a high place when the doors 

are locked or unlocked.

• The electronic key is near the ground or 

in a high place, or too close to the center 

of the rear bumper when the trunk is 

opened.

• The electronic key is on the instrument 

panel, rear package tray or floor, or in the 

door pockets or glove box when the 

hybrid system is started or power switch 

modes are changed.

●

Do not leave the electronic key on top of 

the instrument panel or near the door 

pockets when exiting the vehicle. 

Depending on the radio wave reception 

conditions, it may be detected by the 

antenna outside the cabin and the doors 

will become lockable from the outside, 

possibly trapping the electronic key 

inside the vehicle.

●

As long as the electronic key is within the 

effective range, the doors may be locked 

or unlocked by anyone. However, only 

the doors detecting the electronic key 

can be used to unlock the vehicle.

●

Even if the electronic key is not inside the 

vehicle, it may be possible to start the 

hybrid system if the electronic key is near 

the window.

●

The doors may unlock or lock if a large 

amount of water splashes on the door 

handle, such as in the rain or in a car 

wash, when the electronic key is within 

the effective range. (The doors will auto-

matically be locked after approximately 

60 seconds if the doors are not opened 

and closed.)

●

If the wireless remote control is used to 

lock the doors when the electronic key is 

near the vehicle, there is a possibility that 

the door may not be unlocked by the 

entry function. (Use the wireless remote 

control to unlock the doors.)

●

Touching the door lock sensor while 

wearing gloves may delay or prevent 

lock operation. Remove the gloves and 

touch the lock sensor again.

●

When the lock operation is performed 

using the lock sensor, recognition signals 

will be shown up to two consecutive 

times. After this, no recognition signals 

will be given.

●

Unlocking the vehicle may take more 

time if another electronic key is within the 

effective range.

●

If the door handle becomes wet while the 

electronic key is within the effective 

range, the door may lock and unlock 

repeatedly. In this case, follow the follow-

ing correction procedures to wash the 

vehicle:

• Place the electronic key in a location 6 ft. 

(2 m) or more away from the vehicle. 

(Take care to ensure that the key is not 

stolen.)

• Set the electronic key to battery-saving 

mode to disable the smart access system 

with push-button start. (



P.117)

●

If the electronic key is inside the vehicle 

and a door handle becomes wet during a 

car wash, a message may be shown on 

the multi-information display and a 

buzzer will sound outside the vehicle. To 

turn off the alarm, lock all the doors.

●

The lock sensor may not work properly if 

it comes into contact with ice, snow, mud, 

etc.

Clean the lock sensor and attempt to 

operate it again.

●

A sudden approach to the effective 

range or door handle may prevent the 

doors from being unlocked. In this case, 

return the door handle to the original 

position and check that the doors unlock 

before pulling the door handle again.

■

When the vehicle is not driven for 

extended periods

●

To prevent theft of the vehicle, do not 

leave the electronic key within 6 ft. (2 m) 

of the vehicle.

119

3-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

3

Be

fore
 dri

ving

●

The smart access system with push-but-

ton start can be deactivated in advance.

●

Battery-saving mode can reduce the 

power consumption of electronic keys. 

(



P.117)

■

To operate the system properly

●

Make sure to carry the electronic key 

when operating the system. Do not get 

the electronic key too close to the vehicle 

when operating the system from the out-

side of the vehicle.

Depending on the position and holding 

condition of the electronic key, the key 

may not be detected correctly and the 

system may not operate properly. (The 

alarm may go off accidentally, or the door 

lock prevention function may not oper-

ate.)

●

Do not leave the electronic key inside the 

trunk.

The key confinement prevention function 

may not operate, depending on the loca-

tion of the key (close to a spare tire, the 

inside edge of the trunk), conditions 

(inside a metal bag, close to metallic 

objects) and the radio waves in the sur-

rounding area. (



P.112)

■

If an electronic key does not work prop-

erly

●

If the doors cannot be locked or 

unlocked and the trunk cannot be 

opened, perform the following.

• Bring the electronic key close to the door 

handle and perform a lock or unlock 

operation.

• Bring the electronic key close to the but-

ton on the trunk (



P.111) and press the 

button.

• Use the wireless remote control.
If the doors cannot be locked or unlocked 
by perform the above, use the mechanical 
key. (



P.385)

For Canada: However, if the mechanical 
key is used while the alarm system is set, the 
warning will sound. (



P.68)

●

If the hybrid system cannot be started, 

refer to P.386

■

Customization

Settings (e. g. smart access system with 

push-button start) can be changed. 

(Customizable features: 



P.417)

If the smart access system with push-button 

start has been deactivated in a customized 

setting, refer to the explanations for the fol-

lowing operations.

●

Locking and unlocking the doors and 

opening the trunk:

Use the wireless remote control or 

mechanical key. (



P.104, 111, 385)

●

Starting the hybrid system and changing 

power switch modes: 



P.386

●

Stopping the hybrid system: 



P.149

WARNING

■

Caution regarding interference with 

electronic devices

●

People with implantable cardiac pace-

makers, cardiac resynchronization 

therapy-pacemakers or implantable 

cardioverter defibrillators should keep 

away from the smart access system 

with push-button start antennas. 

(



P.115)

The radio waves may affect the opera-

tion of such devices. If necessary, the 

entry function can be disabled. Ask 

your Lexus dealer for details, such as 

the frequency of radio waves and tim-

ing of the emitted radio waves. Then, 

consult your doctor to see if you 

should disable the entry function.

●

Users of any electrical medical device 

other than implantable cardiac pace-

makers, cardiac resynchronization 

therapy-pacemakers or implantable 

cardioverter defibrillators should con-

sult the manufacturer of the device for 

information about its operation under 

the influence of radio waves.

Radio waves could have unexpected 

effects on the operation of such medi-

cal devices.

Ask your Lexus dealer for details on dis-

abling the entry function.