Hey everyone,
I just picked up a 2001 RX300 and literally just got it home and damned ignition key won't move. Any ideas?

 

Welcome to club Lexus. Please read the sticky threads and use the search. There is lot more to the keys and if you are with only one Master key, your situation can be lot worse than what you are facing now.

You failed to mention what is the position of the key+igintion switch that you can not turn from. They key also needs to be pushed in from standard key in position.
If it is in Lock [the position normally the key is inserted and removed], the steering wheel may need to be jiggled.
Park shift position of the shift lever can interfere with key movement ins their cylinder. Make sure the shifter is in Park .. Shove/jiggle the shift lever.
Can the key operate other locks. Damaged key.

They key shell is pretty delicate so be careful with applying too much force, but some folks have resorted to using pliers to force the key cylinder. Make sure you do not discard any broken pieces as you can loose the immobilizer and electronic remote.

Very least make a duplicate and try to preserve the original key.

Salim

 

I went to youtube university and a video I found helped a lot. I used the shifter override button located under the tab to the top left of the shifter and moved it around the gears and it freed up. My electronic key fob is broken. The electronics work, but the blade is broken out of the plastic. I'm waiting for a new shell from amazon. I just bought the car and am working out the typical used car bugs. This forum has already been very helpful, both in problem-solving and research. This forum is why I bought what I did. I am down to only a couple of hiccups with the RX and they are normal problems that other owners on this forum have written about and solved. Thanks again for the help and advice.

 

Hello Salim,

I have researched this forum and can't seem to find a direct answer to the situation I am facing. I have a 99 RX300 that is stuck in the off position. I am able to insert and remove the key but unable to get the ignition to turn. I tried moving the steering wheel back and forth while turning the ignition but without success.

I read some boards that suggested turning the steering wheel with effort to the very end. This only caused by steering wheel to lock, and now I have key that won't turn and a locked steering wheel.

From what I have read the key has to been in the second position in order to pull out the lock cylinder. Is there any way to get the cylinder out if I am stuck in the off position? May I ask what makes the situation worse by having only one key?

Marc

 

Lets deal with the situation at hand .. Key unable to turn the ignition.
Is the key able to operated front two doors?
Can you insert and pull out the key without any issue.
Is the steering in locked or you can twist it with some effort.
Can you push it in and sense a spring push it back.

The above can all be solved by any auto locksmith.
I am going to be out on the limb and say that the cylinder can be pulled out in any position. The advantage with the key inserted is that the innards do not fall out.

If you provide answers to the above questions some one may be able to guide you.


The other situation about having more than one comes useful if the key gets broken or worse stolen/lost. Without a second REGISTERD key, you will have to deal with ECU and possibly replacing all cylinders.

Salim

 

Hello Salim,

Is the key able to operated front two doors? Yes, but I have noticed some resistance at times when inserting the key into the drivers side door. I added a bit of lubricant but should have probably used graphite.
Can you insert and pull out the key without any issue. I can pull the key in and out but there is a bit of resistance both directions.
Is the steering in locked or you can twist it with some effort. I unfortunately have locked the steering wheel. It has a bit of play one direction and no play the other. I heard it lock.
Can you push it in and sense a spring push it back. I know what you are referring to and I can't say I feel a spring return. That said, I don't that I've felt a spring return prior to this.

I should mention that I have a broken piece of a key from a key FOB. This key has not been used in years. I inserted this key as well and was unable to turn the ignition.

Marc

 

Hello Salim,

Thank you for your assistance. While waiting I disconnected the battery in hopes that there was an issue with the security. I left it off for about an hour. After reconnecting the battery the ignition turned and the car started. Is the car's security system designed not turn allow the key to turn if the key is not recognized?

Marc

 

The issue you are referring to is "immobilizer" and the key not able to turn is not electrical in nature at all. That is why I suggested any car locksmith should be able to help.

If you read up old posts, some have suggested the use of force with key in ignition. That has worked for some but since it can be destructive, I cant suggest it.

Salim