Lexus LS immobilizer error

I'm at my wit's end! My 2011 Lexus LS with a gasoline engine cranks, but it won't start! Or sometimes it'll start for a second, then dies immediately. The computer is throwing an immobilizer error. Anyone ever run into this kind of anti-theft system madness? Could it be the key?

4 comment(s)

Sounds frustrating! I had a similar problem with my old Saab. Engine wouldn't stay running, and it turned out to be a key issue screwing with the anti-theft. Did you try your spare key? Does the remote start work?

Good call on the spare key – I actually totally spaced and didn't even think about that. But no luck, same issue. Remote start doesn't do anything at all. So, your Saab had the same symptoms? What did it end up being?

Yep, almost identical symptoms. Turned out the key's programming had somehow gotten corrupted. I would go to a workshop to check the key signal. These immobilizer problems can be a pain to diagnose without the right equipment.

Thanks for the tip! Took it to a workshop, and you were spot on – the key's programming was messed up. They reprogrammed it for 45€ and now it runs like a charm! Appreciate the help!

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