First off, I did a search and didn't find anything. I might be using the wrong words, but this is the best I can do.

I have the "smart" system off. It has been getting harder and harder to make the fob enter and turn in the ingnition slot. I rock the steering wheel, rattle the cylinder, put my foot on the brake and speak nicely to the car. Today I was late to work because I couldn't get the key to go in the lock. After much messing around, it suddenly worked.

I live in the High Desert in CA. It is cool, but certainly not sub-zero or even at freezing.

Somehow, I don't think I am supposed to spray WD-40 in the lock - I'm tempted, but I won't.

Any information on this would be appreciated.

 

No, don't spray WD 40 or anything in there. With the smart key you do not need to put the key into the cylinder but it sound like something mechanical is malfunctioning. I would find an auto locksmith who has experience working on Lexus cars.

 

Thanks. I was hoping there might be a magic "open the door three times and turn on the radio twice" solution.

Of course, yesterday when I was thinking about taking it to the locksmith, it worked flawlessly.