2008 Highlander smart key detection issue

[rduvall23]

I have a 2008 highlander limited with the smart key system. At random intervals when I approach the car from either the drivers side or the passengers side the lights of the car turn on, but the car will not unlock when I touch the door handle. I will have to walk away, letting the lights turn off, then re-approach the car to get it to unlock. My Toyota dealer has told me that there is nothing they can do unless they see it happen, and they have not been able to replicate my issue!!!

Please help!!

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by rduvall23

I have a 2008 highlander limited with the smart key system. At random intervals when I approach the car from either the drivers side or the passengers side the lights of the car turn on, but the car will not unlock when I touch the door handle. I will have to walk away, letting the lights turn off, then re-approach the car to get it to unlock. My Toyota dealer has told me that there is nothing they can do unless they see it happen, and they have not been able to replicate my issue!!!

Please help!!

That is how mine works... unless you are hitting the unlock button on the key fob, when u approach the car the puddle lights on the mirrors will light and when you touch the handle, the doors will unlock. To unlock without touching the car you must hit the key fob unlock

[rduvall23]

Thank you.

But my issue is that when I approach the car and the lights, both in the car and under the mirrors, turn on and I touch the door handle the car will not unlock. I have just replaced the battery, so I know that is not the case. It also does it with both key fobs that came with the car.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by rduvall23

Thank you.

But my issue is that when I approach the car and the lights, both in the car and under the mirrors, turn on and I touch the door handle the car will not unlock. I have just replaced the battery, so I know that is not the case. It also does it with both key fobs that came with the car.

oh, my bad i misread your first message, i thought you were saying it unlocked when you touched it haha sorry. Unfortunately I have no idea what would cause that.

[ronsec]

Originally Posted by rduvall23

Thank you.

But my issue is that when I approach the car and the lights, both in the car and under the mirrors, turn on and I touch the door handle the car will not unlock. I have just replaced the battery, so I know that is not the case. It also does it with both key fobs that came with the car.

I notice you're in AK. Are you doing this with gloves on? This could be the problem or are you using any heavy hand cream? You must have good contact with the door handle for the car to open. Just a thought.

[summerwind]

Anyone with Smartkey that had iced up door handles able to open the door by touching the ice covered handle??

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by summerwind

Anyone with Smartkey that had iced up door handles able to open the door by touching the ice covered handle??

mine would not, i had to get all snow and ice off handles for it to function.

[jeffs3820]

If I am wearing gloves and touch the door handle, car unlocks...

[katekebo]

You mentioned that you had the battery recently replaced. Did the problem start after the new battery was installed?
If so, the dealer might need to reset the computer. Although unlikely, the computer software might have been "corrupted" during the battery swap, especially if not done carefully.