shingey

I mistakenly put the wrong lexus key in my 2004 RX ignition switch. It would not turn turn on the ignition. I then put in the right key and it also would not turn on. Is there a way to reset the ingition (hoping it is just a theft prevention), or do I need to replace the ignition switch?? Thanks much.

triplecore

i think u need to replace it sorry. bc the wrong key shouldn't even fit in and Lexus use a simple chip so the key would still turn just the engine would not turn over. Have you checked your steering lock? are the wheels straight.

ps if you didnt force fit the wrong key then your tumblers shouldn't be damaged.

The G Man

Try disconnecting the battery for 5 mins or so.

shingey

Thanks for the input. Not the answer I was hoping for, but it is what it is. Tried the steering wheel jiggle, but nothing. I'll give the lexus service shop a call and see if there is any secret code that could help, else looks like a new ignition switch. Thx

salimshah

Shingy, please explain .. wont start ... from lock position (where you can pull the key out), the wrong key was inserted and you could not "turn" the key to ACC position. This would be the normal expectation. Then you try the correct key and you can insert it all the way, but it "DOES NOT TURN" now.

I have seen quite a few posts where some one pulled the key out with the switch in ACC position. This has lead to tumblers in the wrong position and a trip to locksmith has fixed the problem.

Make sure you take all your keys to ensure the locks (all of them) work properly after the repair.

I have at times put the wrong key and have been fortunate that nothing broke inside.

Salim

shingey

thanks GMan. I'll try disconnecting the battery and see what happens.

Kanika

I have an RX300 and an IS300, and accidentally put the RX key into the IS ignition, and now the IS won't turn. Is there a way I can use any and all of these methods for the IS?

salimshah

Start with a key lube and jiggle the right key and wiggle the steering. Else call dealership to get recommendation for locksmith.

Salim

ps: Cross use of keys seem pretty common and I have seen such postings in the past.

mandyfig

Meaning, you could be SOL? Well I am sorta lucky that we have only 1 Lexus in the stable...LOL.

RXSF

this is very interesting.

While this has never happened to me, i remember in my old RX300, i had used the key so much that it worn down to an unrecognizable format. I put the key into the car and instantly the key locked itself in place and the alarm went off. I had to call a tow truck back to lexus. Good thing it was covered under warranty because i had to get the whole ignition replaced with new keys and everything. I believe if i didnt have a warranty it would cost a bundle. Be careful with your keys!

bigksone

Happened to me when I owned 2 volvos. Put the wrong key in, ignition wouldn't turn. Put the right key in, ignition wouldn't turn. Incredibly all it took to fix it was putting the WRONG key in once more THEN putting the right key in. Give it a try, can't hurt at this point.

howdybob22

I'm almost sure this is an isolated incident, but NOT willing to test this out as it may cost too much if I'm wrong. Just imaging a dealership scenario where tons of keys are going back in forth, somehow I can't comprehend that when someone insert a wrong key and it cost the dealership a ton of money to fix, and I'm sure this (wrong key) happens a lot at the dealership. I will ask this question to the SA next time I visit. For me, the IS350 and RX330 share the same key ring - they can never get inserted incorrectly as the IS350 is keyless. The SC430 resides in it's own key ring since it only does weekend duty. Don't ask - I'm not going to be a guinea pig and try it out between the SC and the RX

siestaguy

I used my 2008 RX350 key in my 1999 RX300 on two separate occasions and each time, the correct key would not turn. The solution each time was to tap on the lock cylinder with a hammer or mallet. I now travel with the mallet just in case I do this again. I called Lexus to complain and it was a complete waste of my time.

Ripsnort

Ahh, frustrating thing about forum groups, someone like original poster "shingey" comes on and posts a problem asking for answers. Folks offer suggestions, but shingey never comes back to post what happened. Even though this is a zombie thread from '08, I coulda used the answer here in '14.

So here's answer I found after putting my RX300 key into my RX400h and having ignition freeze up.

Called one Lexus service manager and was told that is a cardinal sin. Car thinks theft is occurring and security system locks ignition. Only solution is towing to a Lexus dealer.

Called second Lexus dealer and was told to try putting key into driver's side door and turn key back and forth to manually lock and unlock car and alert security system that this is the correct key. Did this and ignition worked again like normal.

sjcramer

I just bought another used Lexus and used that key on my old Is300. Locked it up, key wouldn't budge. Came to this forum and others, and tried EVERYTHING. Tried the WD 40, tried the battery disconnect, tried the 3 unlock, 5 seconds, 3 unlock, 5 seconds, 3 unlock, tried the unlock the door, various holds, master lock, key unlock, tried the small screwdriver inserted in the lock, various other things, you name it.

Spent over an hour trying all these different things, plus another hour just letting it sit there and hope it reset by itself. NADA.

Then tried the key in ignition and SLAMMED the head of a rawhide mallet onto the back of the key directly forcing the key hard into the lock. I repeated that a few times.

THAT worked!

And yes, I've already taken my old Lexus key off the key ring.