andrew0406

Hi, I'm Andrew in Australia. I had driven my 2004 ls430 without any issues for a decade until a week ago. Last Monday morning, the car didn't start because of steering lock which is the first happening with this car. Wiggle, giggle and moving it back and forth etc didn't get any good results.
Though two smart keys working perfect (door and trunk etc) but key wouldn't turn.

Finally I removed steering lock system from steering column and pushed a column stopper in and glued. Now the steering wheel moves freely but on the dash board "check s/t lock" red warning comes and key still won't turn. Key cylinder is still stuck.










Here are diagrams about steering wheel lock system.
Any suggestions before a tow to dealer?

And I also tried to remove steering lock cable to pop out blocker from key cylinder, but failed.
I will try it again later with full force. I wonder what will happen if the cable from the key assembly removed.


Thanks for reading.

semar

Had the same problem on my 735
Lasted 26 years, then no go
Turned out damage inside the locking mechanism.
Needed the dreaded tow, 120 dollars later it worked like new but needed a new key

andrew0406

I just visited Lexus dealer, they said it might need to replace whole key assembly and steering lock system which costs me some thousands. And they didn't have same experience in their service center before.

semar

don't give up so fast
1. Auto wrecker (used steering column, maybe not with fancy features)
2. check out used parts
3 can it be by-passed
4 check with some Toyota shops, not Lexus

semar

I checked the net under Steering lock problem for LS430
there are quite a few references, even on the CL forum
There was a service bulletin you might want to check TSIB EL005-04

andrew0406

Thanks for advise and information.
Yes I will do whatever I can before towing to dealer. When I talked to lexus service center I felt they didn't have ideas except replace whole system.

semar

typical
they just want to sell you some highpriced parts and labor
You are not the only one who has unsatisfactory dealings with dealers.
I had the same unwillingness experience with the local dealership.

andrew0406

This morning, When I call Toyota, they quote me whole system (part no 45002-50021) $2498+gst.
Lexus service also charge me at least 3-5 hours labor charge including installing this part and adjusting smart key system($160+gst per hour).
I guess total cost will be about $4000(about USD3000), but this cost will not guarantee full recovery.
If ecu faults, there will be another cost.

IN USA, Parts.com quote the part about $970 which is $1300 in Australia dollar terms and there are couple of sites to sell used one less than $500.

That is why I hesitate towing it to Lexus.

semar

have you tried the various methods that others have tried?
Never use WD40, only graphite. One injected the graphite lubricant into the key slot and then used an aerosol clean air and gave it a blast. After some wiggling and moving the steering wheel it released.
Most likely a tumbler is stuck.
Good choice not to tow it to the stealer.
But it will require patience

andrew0406

You are exactly right.
When I popped s/t lock cable plate out from ignition cylinder about 3-5mm with strong flat driver,
the key finally turned and started!!!

Everything was good with test driving except warning light "S/T cable failure" which dealer can erase later.

Thank for everything you wrote for me.

semar

that is what the forum is all about: helpful suggestions
Then, why did the dealer not think about that, I am sure this is not the first time they had to deal with the problem
Glad you are mobile again