You may be just carefully driving your Lexus on your way home and suddenly you see "Lock Malfunction When Parking" alert in the corner of your dash. The vehicle offers you to stop in a safe place. Don't panic, this is something you can easily deal with.
P lock malfunction message highlights
- Common reasons:12V battery issues, transmission control unit
- How to fix:check the battery, replace the TCU if needed
- Possible consequences:P lock may not engage when in Park
- Priority level:High
- Can you drive?Yes
- DIY repair:Impossible (if it's not the battery)
- Repair price range:$150-$1,200
Lock Malfunction - Why Does it Occur?
This happens when the battery is weak or discharged. The car begins to develop some technical faults thereby causing you discomfort with the noisy beeping sounds you get. Sometimes, you find it difficult to lock or unlock your car when this happens.
How to Fix the Problem
The car example used in this article is the Lexus CT200h which is a hybrid vehicle. If you have another Lexus or Toyota model, you will only have to go through your car's manual at some point to help you fix the problem at your end.
To fix the lock malfunction problem you need to get a little jump starter (doesn't have to be big and hard to carry around), know where your car battery is located, and be able to connect the little jump starter to your car battery and charge the battery until it is okay to disconnect.
This is a summary of what you need to solve the lock malfunction problem but you can follow the instructions below to have a clearer explanation of the entire process:
1. Purchase a jump starter from the store
The jump starter will be used to charge your car battery. So, you need to get one for yourself. It is easily accessible at any automobile store.
Of course, you can use any other devices that will successfully charge your Lexus battery.
2. Locate the position of the battery in your car
You will need to find out where the battery is placed. The CT200h car battery is located on the right side of the trunk. A little lifting of the covering can help to have an open view of the battery. If your car is different from the CT200h, now is the right time to pick up your car manual to guide you.
You may need to take note of the placements to aid you when packing up later.
In some Lexus vehicles, you will need to charge both, main and auxiliary batteries to ensure the vehicle is totally OK.
3. Connect the jump starter to the battery to charge
Now, connect the starter to the battery and be sure it is charging. After a while, it will start beeping, showing "RC" on the screen. RC is an indication for you to disconnect the battery from the starter.
Different types and models of chargers will act differently, so have a look at the manual to know how long it takes to charge a battery of a certain size.
4. Turn on your car
Now, you need to test the car to be sure it's fine. If you followed the instructions carefully, your car should be free from the lock malfunction problem.
Another reason can be that you have a dead battery in your key fob. This is also something you can handle yourself. The battery is quite small in size and replaceable. You may need the manual to be able to open it to fix the new battery.
Your car lock should work fine with this.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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