Altezza immobiliser problem

[anthonym]

My Altezza Gita has developed a particularly annoying habit of refusing to release its factory immobilser at random. At first the reset procedure worked (turning the key in the door lock) but now nothing works. The last time it did it, it released on its own after a couple of hours. It's currently dead and has been for several hours and this time it did it with the key actually in the ignition.

It's been down to North Shore Toyota/Lexus for nearly a week during which time it worked perfectly (of course) and is not throwing any fault codes. They've checked the relevant components and can't find any problems. They say it's a highly unusual occurrence and the internet would tend to concur.

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas or can recommend an electronics ninja in Auckland.

Also if anyone can point me in the direction of any AS300 Gitas being dismantled at present I'd appreciate it.

[rollaholic]

i dunno about north shore but giltraps had a guy that was removing that function from the ecus. normally done when transponder keys went missing, but might help you too?

[1hypo3]

I was under the impression that the altezza does not have immobiliser but only a wireless door lock function with the key. Do you have a security light that flashes when the key is out of the ignition? because if there is no light there is no factory immobiliser in the vehicle.

[anthonym]

i dunno about north shore but giltraps had a guy that was removing that function from the ecus. normally done when transponder keys went missing, but might help you too?

Thanks for that, called Giltraps and the guy I spoke to said this wasn't possible, which is consistent with what North Shore said.

[anthonym]

I was under the impression that the altezza does not have immobiliser but only a wireless door lock function with the key. Do you have a security light that flashes when the key is out of the ignition? because if there is no light there is no factory immobiliser in the vehicle.

Yes it definitely has a factory immobiliser with the (now very irritating) red flashing key in the dash The 3L Gitas are effectively a Lexus IS300 AFAIA, a bit different from the sedans in terms of spec.

I'm now fairly sure it's failed completely so the car has been transported back to North Shore Toyota.

[1hypo3]

That doesnt sound good. Sounds like the master key has lost its code which could be expensive. best of luck mate

[anthonym]

For posterity the problem was traced to a fault in "the distribution box" whatever that is. Computer and keys were fine. Cost to fix was $360 and I think it was outsourced to Milford Auto Electrical.