Keyless remote only locks, does not unlock

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Skurvy_Pirate

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I recently replaced the battery in the keyless remote that we have after not using it for years. But the car only responds to the lock button and not the unlock button. Does this indicate a problem with the remote or possibly with the programming? Or has anyone else seen this?

I also have another issue with the power locks in that the buttons on both doors do nothing. Locking/Unlocking when starting the car or using the key in the lock works fine though. I think this might have to do with the fuse panel though from what I have read. Just giving info in case they might be related.
 
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Not saying it is your case but I had this issue and it turned out to be that the tension tabs holding the battery inside the fob had lost tension over the years. I removed the battery and bent them so good contact was restored and all'ls well.

As I prefer to troubleshoot rather than guess, may I suggest you find an auto parts store with one of those gadgets for testing fobs. They light up when they receive a signal from a fob. Good way to test if the issue is in the fob and it's free to use. My NAPA has one on the counter.
 
It's probably not a programming issue. You don't program the buttons independently. The fob is either programmed or it isn't (at least from the fob perspective).
I'd get on Amazon and order a new fob. Aftermarkets look exactly like OEM and I've had good luck with them. Probably around $10-15 bucks. Then look up programming directions online. Easy fix.

It MAY be an issue with your vehicle procession the signal, but I doubt it. You could go through the trouble of troubleshooting, or buy a new fob and program it and you'll know for sure that way.
 
TheDurk said:
Not saying it is your case but I had this issue and it turned out to be that the tension tabs holding the battery inside the fob had lost tension over the years. I removed the battery and bent them so good contact was restored and all'ls well.

As I prefer to troubleshoot rather than guess, may I suggest you find an auto parts store with one of those gadgets for testing fobs. They light up when they receive a signal from a fob. Good way to test if the issue is in the fob and it's free to use. My NAPA has one on the counter.
Click to expand...

Oh nice! I didn't know auto parts stores had those available to use. That sounds like the best/easiest thing to check first. That will at least tell me if it is the FOB or something worse. Thanks!
 
Tested it at an auto parts store and all the buttons are active and working, so it looks like something more complicated is going on. The Unlock and Back Window buttons don't do anything for the car, only the lock button does anything.

Any ideas on what I can check next? I read that there is a fuse/relay panel issue that could cause the auto lock buttons to not work, maybe it could effect the remote as well? I would expect no buttons to work in that case though...
 
You didn't specify your year your tr4 is but I have a '97 and '96-'97 key fobs have only 2 buttons; one button that locks/unlocks the doors and a second button that does nothing until you buy a second '96-'97 runner and then it will unlock/lock the doors on that vehicle. There was no window up/down button until '98 or'99 I believe. The rs3000 can be programmed to lock the doors when the ignition is on but it can be disabled. Hope this helps?
 
Sorry, this one is a 2000 that is having the issue. The auto door locks work when I start and turn off the car, or use the key as well. But there is something funny going on with the FOB/door switches.
 
My guess then is it's your key fob. The working button confirms the signal going to the onboard sytem and the door locks, unlocking or locking use the same mechanisms on the vehicle.
 
wemslie97 said:
My guess then is it's your key fob. The working button confirms the signal going to the onboard sytem and the door locks, unlocking or locking use the same mechanisms on the vehicle.
Click to expand...

But I tested the fob at an auto parts store and it was sending signals for each button press.
 
wemslie97 said:
That's pretty baffling. Have you tried resetting the RS3200? Here's a link to the manual for that security system.
https://www.manualslib.com/download/621697/Toyota-Rs3200.html
Click to expand...

Which part would you recommend I try? I didn't see a generic "reset" section, but more about changing behavior (Unlock drivers door vs unlock all doors, etc). Another thing to note is that the lock switches in the doors don't work, and both this and the remote programming instructions use them as part of the procedure. So I am not sure if I would be able to do it even if I wanted since I won't be able to do some of the steps.
 
I had a similar problem with my '00 4Runner. Have you verified that it's not the door lock actuators going bad and not the key fob?

My issue was I couldn't program my new fob because two of the four locks would start to get lazy during the lock/unlock cycling that's required to enter programming mode. After a few locks/unlocks both front door locks would only unlock halfway. Turned out to be bad actuator motors inside those doors. Swapped them out and everything worked good as new. Tedious fix the first time but it's not too hard.

Part on Amazon is about $10.
 
It's possible that the actuator motors in the doors not working could wreak havoc with the security system. It's probably best to make sure that all electronics and Mechanicals of the truck all in working order before attempting to diagnose the RS 3200. just looked through my RS3000 manual and there's nothing about resetting. My bad. Only erasing all remotes is covered. my only other suggestion besides taking it to a professional is to erase the remote and reprogram it. I'm sorry I wish I could help more but this one has me pretty stumped. My rs.3000 works great but admittedly it took me a few tries to get the instructions down well enough to perform the task correctly.
 
[MENTION=148745]echoplex301[/MENTION] and [MENTION=133687]wemslie97[/MENTION] I am pretty confident it is not the actuators. I can lock/unlock all doors fine when using the key in the driver side door or rear hatch. Also when starting/stopping the ignition they will all lock/unlock.
[MENTION=11611]ambush[/MENTION] I think that is the issue. I remember searching a while back when I was annoyed by the door lock buttons not working and saw something related to that. I had checked all fuses/connections but didn't go further. I will look into replacing the junction box, seems pretty spendy though. Maybe a wrecking yard will have one.
 
Bringing back an old thread...

Was this ever figured out? I have the exact same problem. All my door lock motors are new, the fob only locks the doors, and it will not lock nor lower rear window down. I have replaced the relay unit inside with a junkyard one and nothing changed. I am wondering if it is related to wiring gone bad in the doors or relays on the module that have gone bad. Just wondering if anyone has any advise?
 
I never resolved it, but I haven't tried the replacing the junction box yet just because of the price and the issue really isn't worth that much to me to fix.
 
gstai said:
Bringing back an old thread...

Was this ever figured out? I have the exact same problem. All my door lock motors are new, the fob only locks the doors, and it will not lock nor lower rear window down. I have replaced the relay unit inside with a junkyard one and nothing changed. I am wondering if it is related to wiring gone bad in the doors or relays on the module that have gone bad. Just wondering if anyone has any advise?
Click to expand...

Was the root cause of the issue ever figured out? I'm also having the exact same problem. I tried re-pairing the remote to the system but that was a no go because the unlock button is needed in the programming and the truck no longer recognizes that it's being pressed. I've verified that the remote is broadcasting a signal at the auto store, but I'm wondering if the remote is the issue none the less. Everything else related to the security system is working (lights, beeps/horns, locks when put in drive and when turned off, etc), which leads me to believe that the remote isn't pumping out the correct signal anymore.
 
You can now add me to this list.
The 2 fobs I have lock the doors pretty much every time but the unlock only work every now and then.
With both fobs doing the same - I have to believe the issue is elsewhere.

(No alarm - just original fobs)
 
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