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Keyfob/auto handle lock/unlock not working well?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by tomgru, Jul 12, 2019.

  1. Jul 12, 2019 at 11:20 AM
    #1
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey all... Have a 2017 Limited. Have converted both keyfobs (one meso, one AJT). Both worked fine, and now suddenly neither seems to "find" the key in my pocket when I approach and unlock the truck, or leave and lock the truck, from the handle.

    I have to sometimes put the key right next to the handle to get it to work. Same for push starting the car.

    thought maybe the battery, since it seemed to be happening to both, but swapped one out and didn't make a difference.

    Any ideas appreciated? thanks,.
     
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  2. Jul 12, 2019 at 11:24 AM
    #2
    Taco man17

    Taco man17 Virginia Good Ol' Boy

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    Truck cap , husky liners, deflector shield, ARE truck cap.
    Changing the battery in the remote would be the first step.
     
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  3. Jul 12, 2019 at 11:26 AM
    #3
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    tried that.. see above :)
     
  4. Jul 12, 2019 at 11:41 AM
    #4
    stiles88

    stiles88 Well-Known Member

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    Just curious, but what setting is your bed light switch set to? I've done some troubleshooting on mine with a similar issue and I have a theory.
     
  5. Jul 12, 2019 at 12:09 PM
    #5
    Tacoma1845

    Tacoma1845 Well-Known Member

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    Not sure OP, but I'm having similar problem with the doors not locking using the key fob or touch pad on handle when interior lights are on. But when the interior lights time out, you can lock the doors with fob or by using the touch pad on handle as normal. Maybe a relay going bad in both situations :notsure:
     
  6. Jul 12, 2019 at 12:14 PM
    #6
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    you know... now that you mention it, I just installed the Meso 3rd brake/bed light. checked that.. still set to auto.

    just tried @Tacoma1845 suggestion, and he may be on to something. seems to work fine once the interior lights go out.

    maybe I blew something installing the 3rd brake light.

    adding @MESO just in case he can think of a connection.
     
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  7. Jul 12, 2019 at 12:36 PM
    #7
    Tacoma1845

    Tacoma1845 Well-Known Member

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    I installed the ultimate maps, dome, turn signals, BD5 third brake light, and puddle lights.
     
  8. Jul 12, 2019 at 12:37 PM
    #8
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have the domes and signals as well... but no problem then. Again, timing does seem suspicious now that I think about when I put the BD4 on.

    I sent Meso a PM to see if he'd chime in with thoughts.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2019
    Tacoma1845[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Jul 12, 2019 at 12:57 PM
    #9
    LA_Stu

    LA_Stu Well-Known Member

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    JonWB and Caboose117 like this.
  10. Jul 12, 2019 at 1:06 PM
    #10
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    oh crap!!!

    I also have LED headlights, although I also did that year+ ago.

    maybe with the one additional mod (meso 3rd brake light), it sent it over the edge. I love these mods, but not as much as a working keyless entry.

    and there is no way I can take that 3rd brake light off.... ruined the original getting it on. Maybe the headlights back to the originals, or the domes.

    Damn. This bums me out.

    EDIT: I did turn the bed light to off, so it doesn't come on when you lock/unlock door. that seems to have fixed it... for now, but obviously not optimal.

    surprised other MESO groupies are not having this problem.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2019
  11. Jul 12, 2019 at 1:18 PM
    #11
    ICU1

    ICU1 Well-Known Member

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    Uninstall and reinstall battery cables
     
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  12. Jul 12, 2019 at 1:28 PM
    #12
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thanks for the idea... tried it - no go.
    figured it was too good to be that easy :)
     
  13. Jul 12, 2019 at 2:03 PM
    #13
    stiles88

    stiles88 Well-Known Member

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    Ah ha, so my theory applies to your truck as well. I started having issues with locking my door before I installed my Meso 3rd brake light. I thought it was the FOB, so I replaced the batteries in both FOBs but still had the issue. I tried a handful of things before I realized that it would lock perfectly as soon as the dome lights turned off. Eventually I discovered that turning the bed light switch to OFF would allow it to lock immediately again when using the smart handle or the FOB. I don't know exactly what's causing the issue unfortunately.
     
  14. Jul 12, 2019 at 2:09 PM
    #14
    TacoTruck808

    TacoTruck808 Well-Known Member

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    are all your LED MESO lights? I had some off brand LED bulbs that I bought on Amazon and when I took them out, the door handle and keyfob buttons worked fine. Could be cheap Chinese LED's Try removing each one by one to find the culprit. If it is all MESO, he uses good quality LEDS, but you can check the same way to see which ones are causing the interference.
     
  15. Jul 12, 2019 at 2:53 PM
    #15
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    All Meso but the headlights.
     
  16. Jul 12, 2019 at 3:18 PM
    #16
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just curious, KC or Baja design lights?
     
  17. Jul 12, 2019 at 3:39 PM
    #17
    stiles88

    stiles88 Well-Known Member

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    BD. I was having the same issue before I added the BD lights though. I think it started happening not too long after I added a power tailgate lock.
     
  18. Jul 12, 2019 at 3:42 PM
    #18
    tomgru

    tomgru [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have BD as well... and a power tailgate lock, but haven't added that yet.

    Plot thickens.
     
  19. Jul 12, 2019 at 3:45 PM
    #19
    stiles88

    stiles88 Well-Known Member

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    Hmm I also have remote start, Meso map and leds, Meso puddles, Winjet taillights, Diode Dynamics reverse leds and license plate leds. I'm probably forgetting something...
     
  20. Jul 12, 2019 at 7:22 PM
    #20
    Tacoma1845

    Tacoma1845 Well-Known Member

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    Oh Crap!!! is right.
     

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