Hello guys
So i messed up my car and here is my story and I need help

So the key won't turn the ignition at all no matter what I tried. I watched every youtube video concerning this issue and none of em was a fit to my problem. I knew then that I had to change the ignition cylinder, which did not come out as well because I was not able to even put the key into ACC mode in order to press the pin down and pull the ignition cylinder out, so I tried to break it by sticking a screwdriver into it and hit it with a hammer ( which was also suggested on many websites and youtube videos and also by mechanics). While attempting to dig into the ignition cylinder, it broke from the other end of it because I was hammering really hard. Now I need to change the whole steering column....
I did get a steering column from a junkyard that came with a key and an ignition cylinder. So now all I need to do is to install the steering column that I got instead of the broken one. Well, I replaced the steering column successfully but here is the problem. I did not take notes or pictures of all the wires that connect to the column or come out of it. There are probably 2 or three wires and a harness that I do not know what to do with, they don't seem to connect to anything!!!. I ignore them and I tried to turn on the car. The car turns into ACC just fine but the engine won't start. I'm not sure if it's the unconnected wires or I need to program the key or what. I know this is messed up and probably have to talk to a dealership but I'm hoping you guys can help me too
HELP PLEASE

 

From what I have read sometimes if you tap the key (lightly) with a hammer it will engage the last tumbler, but you never want to damage it to the point of ruining your cylinder. At that point it's best to call a pro (or have it towed to the Lexus dealer).

If you replaced the steering column with one from the exact make/model of your car all of the wires and harness should line up; more than likely you missed a step or you don't have one from a 2GS.

At any rate, it might be time to take the car to the dealer or a reputable indy...

 

Hello guys.

I just replaced the steering column on the 2001 gs300, but there are some wires that do not seem to connect to anything!! Unfortunately, I did not take a pictures or not on how those harnesses and wires are all connected but that didn't annoy me at all when I was connecting them but because it looked obvious where every wire goes, except those three wires that I did not figure out where to connect them. Is it possible that they are unused?? I was hoping one of you guys has a diagram or a picture for all the wires down there so I can at least compare to my car

 

Here are the steps for removing the column, and the connectors you should have had to deal with. Does this help at all? If not, maybe you can post some photos of connectors that you left loose.

REMOVAL
1. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL PAD
NOTICE:

If the airbag connector is disconnected with the ignition
switch at ON or ACC, DTCs will be recorded.

Never use airbag parts from another vehicle. When
replacing parts, replace with new ones.
(a) Place the front wheels facing straight ahead.
(b) Remove the steering wheel lower No.2 and No.3 covers.
(c) Using a torx socket wrench, loosen the 2 torx screws.
HINT:
Loosen the 2 screws until the groove along the screw circumference
catches on the screw case.
(d) Pull the pad out from the steering wheel and disconnect
the airbag connector.
CAUTION:

When storing the wheel pad, keep the upper surface
of the pad facing upward.

Never disassemble the wheel pad.
NOTICE:
When removing the wheel pad, take care not to pull the airbag
wire harness.
2. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL
(a) Disconnect the connector.
(b) Remove the steering wheel set nut.
(c) Place matchmarks on the steering wheel and main shaft
assembly.
(d) Using SST, remove the wheel.
SST 09950–50012 (09951–05010, 09952–05010,
09953–05020, 09954–05020)
3. REMOVE UPPER AND LOWER COLUMN COVERS
Remove the 3 screws.
4. REMOVE COMBINATION SWITCH WITH SPIRAL
CABLE
(a) Disconnect the 4 connectors.
(b) Disconnect the airbag connector.
(c) Remove the 3 screws.
5. REMOVE SPIRAL CABLE (See page BE–34)
NOTICE:
Do not disassemble the cable or apply oil to it.
6. REMOVE NO.1 UNDER COVER
(a) Remove the 3 screws.
(b) Disconnect the OBD II.
(c) Disconnect the connectors.
7. REMOVE FINISH PLATE AND END PAD
8. REMOVE NO.1 SAFETY PAD
(a) Remove the 2 screws and disconnect the hood lock release
lever from the panel.
(b) Remove 4 pad set bolts and screw.
9. REMOVE HEATER TO REGISTER DUCT NO.7
10. DISCONNECT INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
(a) Place matchmarks on the intermediate shaft and control
valve shaft.
(b) Loosen the bolt A and remove the bolt B.
11. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
(a) Disconnect the connectors.
(b) Remove the brake pedal return spring.
(c) Loosen the hole cover clamp.
(d) Remove the 4 column assembly set nuts.
12. REMOVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
Remove the bolt A.
13. REMOVE DUST COVER

 

thanks for your advice. But I did remove the steering column and disconnected all the connectors. When I install the new one, there seem to be three connectors that do not connect to anything. Any idea what's going on?

thanks !

 

You'll get more help by posting pics of the wires. It's a pretty straight forward swap so not sure what your running into that is extra?

And the new key that came with the new column isn't going to start your car without installing the guts of your old keyfob into the housing of your new keyblade first as the board is married to your ecu.

 

Check your old column and compare it to the new one. From what I recall everything should be on harnesses and plug right up if the column is from the same year. As mentioned above your no start issue is probably the key mismatch. Get the new key reprogramed to your ecu.

 

Just got back from vacation so a little late to reply. As others have mentioned all of the old and new connections should line up; you should not have any "extra" connections or wires. Post a pic if you're not sure what goes where. The key won't work because it's for another Lexus vehicle, you will need to pair it with your ECU.

 

Hope this helps

 

I know this post is pretty old but I have a quick question about this I got a 1995 Lexus ES300 all right so my ignition cylinder is shot I need to get it out so I have gone to the point of removing pretty much almost everything except for the lovers steering wheel is off the bolts to lower down the column or undone right now I am stuck because I can't get enough room to get to the security bolts to undo the ignition switch or ignition cylinder whichever you want to call it. Is there any way to be able to drop the column enough to be able to get to the security bolts?