f1sherman

Hi there! My wife was almost stranded last night when she wasn't able to turn the key in the ignition. The steering wheel was not locked, car was in park. She was eventually able to get it to turn by applying extreme force (I know this isn't usually advisable). I should also mention that it was cold, around 20F, though it has been much colder and we haven't had any issues before. I just went out and tried it and the key turns fine in the ignition this morning.

I've read that a little graphite sprayed in the lock cylinder can help free up the tumblers, but my understanding is that the LS430 lock cylinder is a little non-traditional. Any suggestions?

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

You say the steering wheel was not locked. But, when the car is off, it has the "potential" to lock given a tug or two.

There is a known glitch dealing with steering wheel lock in that the ignition switch does not turn due to "Check steering wheel lock" warning message in the instrument cluster.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-3rd-gen-2001-2006/801686-steering-lock-warning.html

The workaround is to insert blunt end of key fob into ignition switch, turn while wiggling the steering wheel back and forth.

f1sherman

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

When it happened to me, it didn't appear right away, or I might have missed it as I was looking at the ignition switch trying to make it turn.