key removable without shifter in park position.

[Odyseuss]

The other day, I realized that I could remove my ignition key from my 2001 LX470 with the transmission selector in the Drive position. It seems like the key should only be removable with the transmission in park. I heard that this was a somewhat common problem, but I havent found anything about it in my searches. I probably missed something. Could anyone point me in the direction of some information about this issue if it exists.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Slickspawn]

If you find out how it happened let me know, I like that feature.

 

[JOFS]

My 06 LX does the same thing. I was wondering if it was programmed that way or something was done to make it that way as my 05 is not that way.

Curious to hear about others.
John

 

[hankinid]

Looks like something is wrong with the emergency latch...normally, it allows you to move the lever out of park without a key in the ignition.

Steve

 

[Odyseuss]

The shift lock appears to be operating properly. With the key removed from the ignition, the shifter/gear selector will not move out of park unless the shift lock override button is pressed. ( I assume this is what you mean by the emergency latch). If I turn the ignition on and press the brake pedal, the shifter is free to move as it should. My problem appears to be the other direction and maybe someone with a properly operating unit can confirm it for me. With the sifter out of park, I do not believe that I should be able to turn the ignition key back to the lock/off position. If I cannot turn the key to the lock position then I should not be able to remove it. I will have to dig into it to see what exactly allows that to happen as it seems to be nearly the opposite of what the shift interlock is designed to do.

I just though that there might have been a thread or something about this that I missed if it is a common problem. I will post my findings but it may take me a bit before i get around to it.

 

[Odyseuss]

I decided to look into this issue a bit and do the pin 17 mod while I was at it the other day.

I think that the problem of being able to remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is not in park is related to the key interlock assembly. The repair manual describes a method of checking the resistance of the key interlock solenoid and the spec is 12-17ohms. I tested mine at 14. However, I looked at the shift lock wiring to the key interlock solenoid which is located on the top right of the ignition cylinder closest to the key(it appears that there is more than one solenoid on the ignition key cylinder). I confirmed the proper connector with 2 wires a light blue/white and a white/black on the vehicle and according to the EWD. I tested the wires and I get battery voltage or very near to it at the blue wire as soon as the shifter is removed from park. I also get ground on the black wire. I do not hear any movement from the solenoid 3" away even if I give it 12volts and ground separately. This leads me to suspect the Key interlock solenoid.

I contacted a Lexus Parts dept and the employee was unable to find the solenoid that I am looking for, however he calls me back as states that a technician in his service dept states that this is a common problem related to the housing/bracket that holds the key cylinder and not the solenoid. I am a bit suspicions of this diagnosis. I am told that there is no TSB that he is aware of and that the part is not superseded or redesigned that he is aware of.

This problem isn't a major inconvenience for me, and I'm not out much trouble yet, but i would like it to work right. I am not particularly interested in buying a housing until I remove one that is obviously damaged from my vehicle. This assembly is mounted with the tamper resistant sheer bolts so I'm not ready to pull mine out just yet. I have contacted a local Toyota parts dept that I deal with regularly and they haven't been able to provide me with much other information.

So I'm trying to describe this as best I can in case there's someone familiar with the issue and bumping it back to the first page. In any case maybe it will help someone else out when I get this all sorted.

 

[muzza01]

My old 75 series landcruiser had the same problem. My key was quite worn and it was able to be removed whilst driving. I took the Cruza to a locksmith who said if he cut another key off the original it would so the same thing but if he cut the key slowly and made all of the bumps and the ripples a little bigger than the original it would work. Anyway, he spent about 20 minutes cutting the key and checking that it would start the car and couldn't be removed while driving. He cut another key the same as the new one and told me to use the old key as a spare.

 

[Odyseuss]

My old 75 series landcruiser had the same problem. My key was quite worn and it was able to be removed whilst driving. I took the Cruza to a locksmith who said if he cut another key off the original it would so the same thing but if he cut the key slowly and made all of the bumps and the ripples a little bigger than the original it would work. Anyway, he spent about 20 minutes cutting the key and checking that it would start the car and couldn't be removed while driving. He cut another key the same as the new one and told me to use the old key as a spare.

Good point. Thanks for the input. I have seen that with older keys.

I am using a brand new key cut at the Lexus dealer using the key code obtained by the Vin. I will try using all of my other keys just in case that makes a difference.
Again, thanks for the idea.

 

[muzza01]

Good point. Thanks for the input. I have seen that with older keys.

I am using a brand new key cut at the Lexus dealer using the key code obtained by the Vin. I will try using all of my other keys just in case that makes a difference.
Again, thanks for the idea.

Good luck, hopefully this is the answer as it is a much cheaper option than changing the ignition mech.

 

[Odyseuss]

I tried all 4 of my keys with the same result so Ill keep working towards a solution for this issue when I get the time to look back into it. I think I will try and track down this Key Interlock solenoid from a parts department.

 

[Odyseuss]

I spent a little time working on this today. I wanted to see an actual failed part if possible and at least remove the key interlock solenoid before ordering a new one, as I suspected it was the issue. After removing the solenoid, I confirmed that all the other components in the ignition cylinder assembly were working properly. Then I realized that the solenoid had not been contacting the proper spot on the key cylinder housing. I installed it the other direction as it can be installed 2 ways. Then walla'! it works.

So, long story short. THE KEY INTERLOCK SOLENOID WAS PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN.

This vehicle is pretty new to me, so I don't know how it came to be that way. In any case, I'm happy that it was a free repair and is now working as desired.

 

[JOFS]

How hard was that to do

I am a bit nervous about messing something up in there

 

[Odyseuss]

It wasn't too hard but it was a bit tight. I was able to remove the solenoid after taking down the lower dash panel and the metal plate that sits behind it. 2 Philips screws hold the solenoid in, and can be removed with a creative arrangement of 1/4" ratchets, drivers, and bits.

In this picture, the solenoid is just to the right of the ignition cylinder closest to the top. The wires are coming over the top of the cylinder and down the other side. This is how the cylinder was when I found it installed upside down. The wires should come out he bottom of the solenoid towards the key.

 

[Odyseuss]

Quick update, my LX is still working properly after reinstalling the key interlock solenoid.

A bit of info for anyone having this or a similar condition. refer to post #6 for some diagnostic info. Check to make sure that the Key interlock solenoid is not installed upside down and that the pin of the solenoid is contacting the rubber button on the key cylinder housing.

The part number for the solenoid should be 85432-60050. I cross checked the part with Toyota and Lexus parts dept and am told that the same part should be listed for both Land Cruiser and LX470 98-07.