bcolins

Hey guys, trying to help a neighbor. Her 2004 GX 470 ignition key will not turn. I figured it was likely preload on the steering due to the steering wheel having been turned after the key was removed but that was not at all the case, I tried turning the wheel left and right before turning the key in varying degrees and jiggling the key plus moving the key for and aft a little bit while working the steering wheel wheel back-and-forth and no go. We tried both of our keys. Both are keys are Energizing the lock/unlock feature. I turned her headlights on and they were bright and she indicated that the battery was fairly new a month or two ago. My thinking there is something going on on the steering column, lock mechanism or whatever electronically releases the steering lock, and allows the key to turn or that potentially her ignition switch, Tumblr is stuck in the lock mode for some reason. That said it is 20 something degrees today (Fahrenheit). Any thoughts or suggestions I can pass on to her?

chiph9

Immobilizer? Try a different key from her set.
Weak battery could still be at fault - check the voltage. And do a computer reset by disconnecting the negative terminal for about 2 minutes then reconnecting it. You will have to reprogram the auto-windows, etc. afterwards (there is a sticky describing what is needed)

Chip H.