Ignition Keylock Jams
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Ignition Keylock Jams
This morning I go to start my '04 GX. I stick the key in the ignition (the tilt & telescope wheel moves into place) and try turning the key. It doesn't turn. I then realize I have the key for our '02 RX300. I get the correct key and now, the key lock does the same thing. It doesn't turn. The exact same thing happened to me last summer after inserting the wrong key. I fiddled with the key and keylock for about 15 minutes trying to turn the key at least a couple hundred times. Finally after about 15 minutes, the key turned as if there was never a problem. And please, before anyone asks, the steering wheel was pointing straight ahead and I did try to turn the wheel back and forth while turning the key.
It seems that the only time I have this problem is if I've tried the wrong key first by mistake. I called the Lexus dealership and asked the Service Rep if there is some kind of timed lockout if you don't use the correct key. He said he's never heard of that before.
The GX is going in for it's 60K service next week and I do have the Lexus Platinum Extended Warranty. I'm thinking of telling them to change the ignition key lock.
Has anyone else ever experienced this? Any ideas?
Thanks.
It seems that the only time I have this problem is if I've tried the wrong key first by mistake. I called the Lexus dealership and asked the Service Rep if there is some kind of timed lockout if you don't use the correct key. He said he's never heard of that before.
The GX is going in for it's 60K service next week and I do have the Lexus Platinum Extended Warranty. I'm thinking of telling them to change the ignition key lock.
Has anyone else ever experienced this? Any ideas?
Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 6
From: VA
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: IL
I had the same problem with my 05 GX a few months ago. My truck has a little over 50,000 miles on it. The ignition wouldn't turn at all (wheels pointed straight). I could get the key to work by taping on the key about 10 - 20 times. It seemed like the tumblers in the ignition were getting stuck. I ended up having the dealer replace the ignition and it solved the problem. The dealer only charged $400 for the work. Haven't had any problems since.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: CA
Same problem on my '06 with 33k. Dealer checked it out and determined I needed a new ignition switch. They charged $375 installed. Seemed a little early for a vehicle with low mileage to have an ignition switch fail. BTW this happened 1 month after factory warranty expired.
I have also accidentally used my GS430 key on my GX and had the same key problem. It does seem like a "lock-out" feature?
I have also accidentally used my GS430 key on my GX and had the same key problem. It does seem like a "lock-out" feature?
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 396
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From: NJ
same thing happened to me. luckily when i cleaned my GX i found the original master key under the front passenger's side seat by the dvd drive that has the DENSO NAV DVD in it. i was jacked when i found the key but i also found a fifty dollar bill!!!!!!! that made it all the more better!!!!!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 6
From: VA
same thing happened to me. luckily when i cleaned my GX i found the original master key under the front passenger's side seat by the dvd drive that has the DENSO NAV DVD in it. i was jacked when i found the key but i also found a fifty dollar bill!!!!!!! that made it all the more better!!!!!
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