Ignition Cylinder Broken - Advice on Complete Replacement/Keys (2 Viewers)

[Recovering Rover]

Went to start the Cruiser when I heard a "snap" and the key now freely rotates in the ignition. It can be removed but the key selector is stuck on position II (so battery is on can't be turned off). Had to disconnect the battery and tow it to the dealer.

Dealer tells me the only fix is a complete replacement of the ignition cylinder. The problem is that means a new key is also required to match the new cylinder and talk to the immobilizer.

That leaves me with the old key for the door locks which is a pain, but manageable. My only question is: will having two keys interfere with the immobilizer? Maybe it's a fault in my system, but I feel like the alarm operation was somehow connected to how you interface with the driver side door lock (for example two clicks to the left would initiate the alarm when you open the car the next time).

I guess I could pay an extra $450 for a key with a fob that can be programmed to the locks, and keep the original key as a backup if the fob fails.

 

[2001LC]

You can have cylinders tumbles set to your old key. Any lock smith can do this in a few minutes. Just take your new cylinder w/key and old key, to one.

Search and you'll find cheap fix, without replace IG cylinder. Most times this is a shaft (rod) on back side of IG cylinder, snaps. It snaps, from not releasing steering wheel lock, then force key to turn. Make sure you learn, how to release the steering wheel.

But sometimes cylinders do wear-out. In these, key it gets stuck at different position at different times. Usually when someone hang a lot of keys & toys (weight) on key ring. These cylinder are either replaced. Or can be taken to locksmith for repair. LC cylinders w/key is cheap. LX are not.

BTW: The FOB is removeable and transferable to any master key shell. It has the door control and the immobilizer chip.

 

[smoltz]

You're overcomplicating this.

The new ignition cylinder can be recoded to use your current key. The Toyota dealer should have the skills, tools and parts to do this, if they don't find another dealer or competent local Toyota specialist who can/will or maybe order the new ignition cylinder, bring it to a locksmith and have them recode it and then bring it to the dealer.

 

[3_puppies]

X2 could very well be the shaft versus the tumbler assembly

 

[ranma21]

Most likely your ignition rod is broken, very common issue as 100 is aging.