Accidentally activating valet mode—a button in your glove box—means your 2008 Lexus IS250 trunk won’t open. And in most cases where owners find themselves locked out of their trunks, this little known security feature is the culprit.
There are of course other issues that can prevent your IS250’s trunk from opening. This guide from Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, will help you troubleshoot this issue. And while we’re at it, we’ll also help you reduce your Lexus IS250 insurance costs
, too! What to do if your 2008 Lexus IS250 trunk won’t open
You’ve tried the key fob. You’ve tried the trunk release button near the driver’s seat. Nothing is working, and you’re starting to get worried, or frustrated, or both. But don’t start dialing your mechanic or friendly neighborhood Lexus dealer just yet. Let’s check a few common issues first!
Most common cause: valet mode accidentally activated
Finding that your 2008 Lexus IS250 trunk won’t open is a more common problem than you might think. And for most people encountering this issue, it’s not a technical issue—it’s the accidental activation of a security feature you didn’t mean to activate.
Open your glove box and look on the left-hand side. You’ll see a keyhole, and just below that, a valet button. Press this button once and try your key fob and trunk release button. Most of you reading this will find that the problem is fixed.
The valet system is designed to temporarily hard-lock your trunk, preventing access with the key fob or trunk release button.
The idea behind this security feature is to prevent some unscrupulous valet driver (or someone else with access to your key fob) from opening your trunk and digging through your belongings, unaware that they first need to open the glove box and turn off valet mode.
The problem is, many car owners don’t even know valet mode exists, and it’s easy to bump the button accidentally and lock yourself out of your trunk without meaning to.
And don’t worry, you’re not alone in encountering this issue. There’s a good chance valet mode has kept more car owners out of their own trunks than thwarting burglars. We wish we weren’t half-kidding!
Other possible causes
Some of you just encountered a whole new frustration: you tried disabling valet mode, but found that your trunk still isn’t opening. In this case, you might be dealing with one of the following technical issues:
The key fob is broken or needs a new battery: You’ll know if the fob needs a new battery, or if it’s otherwise not working, because it won’t unlock the car doors or activate the car alarm. You may need to replace the battery or the fob itself.
Broken trunk release button: If the key fob works but the trunk release button doesn’t, it’s possible the internal switch has worn out or was otherwise damaged. This unfortunately requires a trip to a mechanic or a Lexus dealership to get fixed.
Electrical issues: Any number of electrical problems can affect the trunk release, including a blown fuse or relay, a burned out wiring harness, issues with your car battery, or a failed actuator.
The trunk latch is broken: If the physical key doesn’t work and valet mode is off, it’s most likely the trunk latch itself that needs repairing.
Unfortunately, these are all issues you’ll need a mechanic or your Lexus dealer to help you with, unless you’re well versed in DIY car repair. Replacing a fuse or a relay is arguably the only issue here that a beginner should attempt to handle.
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How to manually open a 2008 Lexus IS250 trunk
A moment ago we mentioned a physical key for your 2008 Lexus IS250, and some of you reading this said “wait … what physical key?” Not everyone knows this, but there’s actually a physical key hidden inside your key fob!
On your key fob, you’ll find a small button that opens the fob itself. This gives you access to a physical key, which you can then use to access the trunk (it also unlocks car doors, if you’re ever locked out of your Lexus).
There’s also an emergency trunk release in your 2008 Lexus IS250. To access it, you’ll need to get into the trunk through your backseat. There are two trunk releases here—the big glow in the dark one near the back of the trunk, and another one closer to the middle armrest in the backseat.
This second trunk release is less obvious. It’s a small rubber ring above and near the rear of the armrest cubby. Pulling this small ring will get your trunk open in a pinch, and it’s a heck of a lot easier to reach than the one far deeper inside your trunk!
Cost of trunk repair for 2008 Lexus IS250
Getting the trunk fixed in your 2008 Lexus IS250 will vary in cost depending on what the exact problem is.
Some parts, like the trunk latch release cable
, will typically cost you between $20 and $80 for the part, and then another $70 to $100 for the labor. Meanwhile, a trunk lock actuator replacement can be a lot pricier—you might end up paying $300 to $500 for the part alone, and then another $50 to $100 on labor. Simpler issues that don’t need replacement parts, like getting a trunk latch adjustment
, will typically cost $100 or less in most areas Replacing your key fob’s battery is usually cheap—you’ll spend around $5 to $20, or even less, if you do it yourself. Replacing the fob itself? That gets expensive, costing anywhere from $100 to $400. You’ll definitely want to call a Lexus dealership and ask about that process if you indeed need to replace the key fob.
Pro tip: It’s always a good idea to shop around with local mechanics and dealerships in your area to find the best quotes for any types of repairs you need.
How to save on Lexus IS250 insurance
We hope turning off valet mode worked for you. And now that we’ve helped you save those groceries in your trunk from spoiling (phew!), it’s time for us to help you save something else: money. And who doesn’t love saving money?
The Jerry
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. In fact, millions of drivers are saving an average of more than $800 per year using the Jerry app. Jerry is a trusted and fully licensed insurance broker that works with more than 50 of America’s top insurance providers to find you quotes in as little as 45 seconds. Once you find the perfect quote for you and your 2008 Lexus IS250, Jerry will help you through the entire signup process from start to finish. You don’t even need to call to cancel your old policy—Jerry’s got you covered!
Give Jerry a try today and see the savings for yourself. Just remember to turn on that valet mode if you’re driving around with all of that cash you're saving in your trunk for some reason!
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