Cure for tired keys & ignition tumbler?

[PDPerry]

When my daughter attempted to start the vehicle yesterday, the key turned one click and no further.

Today -- after giving it a squirt of WD-40, and blast of canned air, a couple of taps with a hammer, and a bit of jamming/wiggling & twiddling the key -- the key went past the first click and started the vehicle.

This happened to me once before a few years back. Problem is, my daughter is at TCU in Ft Worth TX while her ol' Daddy is back home in Sacramento, so I'm feeling somewhat helpless.

Altho she did good by successfully doing what I asked her to try...

First of all; Is there an accepted method to rejuvenate what must be somewhat tired & worn keys & tumbler, or is replacement the only option?

And, in either case since I'm out of range, is this a dealer deal or a locksmith job?

Any local, Ft Worth area recommendations?

While the vehicle is operational again, it's the kind of problem that might reappear in a less hospitable situation than in her college apartment garage, so I'm figuring it needs to be taken care of.

1998 LC w/ about 240K on his clock.

Thanks!

 

[super90]

My first attempt would be with dry graphite powder and not WD-40. It's available at the hardware store where blank keys are sold.

Not sure the best approach to getting the WD-40 out of there. Maybe a shot of brake cleaner ? Then let it dry out again....

Then put a couple puffs of graphite in and maybe a bit on the key itself and work things back and forth for a bit.

 

[marshotel]

It is amazing what a good locksmith can do.

My advice is take it to a reputable locksmith and have him cut a new key.

It might help to give him the 5-digit keycode, which the Toyota dealer should provide for free.
The dealer can look up the key code based on the VIN number.

The locksmith should test the key in all of the locks and ignition.
They might try a couple different cuts in order to get one that works in all of the holes.

They can then clone the RF chip in the factory key to make you a new key.

My advice is take it to a reputable locksmith and they should be able to make you a new key that works every time for <$100. They will also lube all the locks on the truck.

The guys that I use are Able Locksmiths in Anchorage, Alaska.
They are great. http://www.ablelocksmith.net//

I have no experience with Fort Worth, but I'm sure they have a good locksmith in that city too.

If you take it to the dealer, they will just sub the job out to their locksmith and you will pay a lot of money, probably for lots of things that you don't really need.

In summary: Call the Toyota dealer and get the 5-digit key code.
Then find a good locksmith outfit in Fort Worth and tell your daughter to take the truck and the key code to them.

Also: make sure that it's not just the steering wheel lock preventing the key from turning.
Hope this helps.

 

[re_guderian]

And search on broken /busted ignition...

 

[PDPerry]

It is amazing what a good locksmith can do.

My advice is take it to a reputable locksmith and have him cut a new key.

It might help to give him the 5-digit keycode, which the Toyota dealer should provide for free.
The dealer can look up the key code based on the VIN number.

The locksmith should test the key in all of the locks and ignition.
They might try a couple different cuts in order to get one that works in all of the holes.

They can then clone the RF chip in the factory key to make you a new key.

My advice is take it to a reputable locksmith and they should be able to make you a new key that works every time for <$100. They will also lube all the locks on the truck.

The guys that I use are Able Locksmiths in Anchorage, Alaska.
They are great. http://www.ablelocksmith.net//

I have no experience with Fort Worth, but I'm sure they have a good locksmith in that city too.

If you take it to the dealer, they will just sub the job out to their locksmith and you will pay a lot of money, probably for lots of things that you don't really need.

In summary: Call the Toyota dealer and get the 5-digit key code.
Then find a good locksmith outfit in Fort Worth and tell your daughter to take the truck and the key code to them.

Also: make sure that it's not just the steering wheel lock preventing the key from turning.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the good info.

Are we talking about cutting a new key or tumbler?

I ask because she also tried the valet key, which - because of its lack of use - is like a new key. It made no difference.

Hence my suspicion of the lock tumbler. Are locksmiths capable of rebuilding those? Do we need the 5-digit code or do they just use the existing key(s)?

And I know WD-40 ain't the "right" stuff to use, but getting an overwhelmed college sophomore to troubleshoot for daddy requires one to take certain allowances...

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD

 

[marshotel]

I reckon a good locksmith will fix it.
The trick is finding a locksmith who really knows what they are doing and will come outside to fiddle with it while you wait.

From what you describe it doesn't sound like the shaft behind the cylinder is broken, which this thread describes.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/57050-busted-ignition.html

Like you said, it just sounds like the internal teeth on the tumbler are worn. If this is the case, then the locksmith will do. Maybe try these guys:
http://www.locksmithsfortworth.net/automotive.html

Let us know what you find out.

 

[mgilvan]

My key broke in the ignition and I took to dealer they made a fresh set of keys, that being said dealer can put in new ignition and reprogram your chip to work with new keys. (my friend car’s got stolen and dealer changed the keys, ignition and whole nine yards)
Conclusion , I would take it to dealer and have them work on them.
Good luck man

 

[BonS]

The removal of the lock cylinder requires the ignition switch to be in the ACC position for a release button to be pressed thus releasing the cylinder. Don't wait until you can't get it rotated there. I removed my cylinder and took it and my keys to a local locksmith and was pleasantly surprised how little it cost to make things work great. You've just have to find one that has a key cutter that works for Toyota/Lexus.

 

[Muddy Bean]

This might be a far out response, but if this ever happens to me, I'm installing push button keyless ignition. I'll install a hidden flip switch to disable/enable it but I honestly love push button start. Having to find the hole, shove a key in it, and turn the key to start the truck...push button would just be so nice.

 

[OregonLC]

This might be a far out response, but if this ever happens to me, I'm installing push button keyless ignition. I'll install a hidden flip switch to disable/enable it but I honestly love push button start. Having to find the hole, shove a key in it, and turn the key to start the truck...push button would just be so nice.

But you'd still need to put a key in close proximity to the anti-theft antenna... I wouldn't hide it AND go push button or it would be a very easy steal. Or an inconvenient hidden switch.