Takesha

Hey everyone I am new here, Just thought I will ask is it something I am not doing for my key will not Go all the way in to start my 94 LS400. Its make the sound when you first put in, But it will not go all the way in as if something is stuck inside of it. The steering will is not lock in fact when putting the key in it moves up. I just had the computer module replaced and I was also about to replace the power steering pump the day the key would not go inside. Any suggestions before calling a mechanic? I bought this car used over a yr and a half ago. It was in good shape minus the dash not having any power or lighting. PLEASE I am in love with my car and I dont want to break down in a panic mode if it is something simple I could do

eld4au6

Try to jiggle the gear selector when puting the key in.

kevvo

Try a spare key if you have one.

Takesha

Thanks but it didnt work! I am So angry at this point

Takesha

Thanks but I have 3 keys total and none of them will go in!

kevvo

I don't know whether this will help but have you tried moving the steering wheel a little to the left and right when inserting they key? My thought behind the question is that perhaps the steering wheel is in the locked position.

Also, I looked for an exploded view of a Lexus ignition lock barrel but couldn't find one.
Thinking that the barrel might have a stuck tumbler. WAIT FOR A MORE INFORMED OPINION before trying the following because it might not be the correct thing to do:
Put a TINY amount of graphite powder on the key shank then try to insert the key. Apply to one side of the key and try, then the other side. Get graphite on both sides of the lock's internals.
If there's a stuck tumbler, it might free up.

Did a bit of reading while looking for a pic and the consensus is NOT to tap on the key to force it in!

kevvo

OK, just back from the locksmith after having a key cut and I enquired why a key could not be fully inserted into a Lexus ignition lock barrel.
First of all he couldn't stress highly enough about NOT using graphite powder under any circumstances because it eventually gums up into a blob.
The smith said that it's likely that there's a 'split wafer' in the barrel. I took that to mean some sort of problem as he didn't go into it any further.
He said to try Inox as a last resort.

http://www.inoxmx.com/inox-mx3-for-automotive/

Good luck.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

When was the last time the key went all the way in and started the car? What happened btw that time and now that it won't go all the way in the cylinder? I had that happen once and I just sprayed a little silicone grease in the cylinder and that fixed it.

UNCNOR

iTrader: (1)

How about a shot in the dark..............is the car in park?

Jlacck

I had this same issue happen to my on my old 1994 ls400. I not only had issues getting the key in the ignition but I sometimes had issues getting it in the door itself. I simply went and had Lexus cut a new key for me. Problem solved.