2000 Estima(/Tarago/Previa) Aeras - Central Locking Problem

[phantasmNZ]

Hey guys -

my first post - been lurking around for a little while - but could do with some advice...

Recently picked up a Jap import 2000 Estima Aeras (the 3l v6) (aka Previa (NZ) or Tarago (Aus) ) and it has remote C/L which works pretty good (single button on side of key)

Here is the issue - the remote works just fine - but we only have one of them and have been quoted > NZ$200 for another... Since my wife drives the car more than I do (i ride a m/cycle) then we got a standard key cut, and she has the remote.

However - the key itself does not unlock or lock the central locking - which is a REAL PitA as there is no key for the boot/tailgate. Without the remote the only way to lock/unlock is to open the door, and use the button on the drivers door (though even this does not always work - not sure what the circumstances are - think maybe the ignition has to have been on).

Took it back to the garage who initially ordered some parts - but have today come back with an explanation that Toyota have declared it's a common fault - but can't be fixed!!!!!!

I'm a little confused - and can't comprehend that something that works in the part you least expect (the remote) won't work with the key (note it won't work with either the original toyota remote key (manually) or with the copy) . Surely there has to be a way - and I can't believe it was designed this way - is there a way to 'program' the C/L behavior- or do I have a dodgy C/L controller or something.

What I want to do is to be able to lock/unlock the car with a key

I'm reasonably technical and am planning to rip the whole thing apart and have a fiddle - but if anyone here can help then I'd be eternally grateful!!!!

FYI - if it helps to identify what CL system is on the car - then my remote key has a single button on the side of it with a got Toyota logo on one side, and the words LOCK UNLOCK and an LED on the back. The casing looks like the picture Here (or attached)

Many many thanks in advance!

Steve

[Aaron_Ghazal]

Did you fix this problem by any chance? having the same issue now :(