Key does not open door

[gyz1893]

When I originally purchased my '92 camry back in 1998, the key would open the two front doors without any flaws. A couple months after, I took the car to get an alarm system installed, and never used the keys to open the door ever since. Now (11 years later) I tried to open the door with the key after my battery went dead (left lights on ) When I try to turn the key to open the door, it wont even budge to turn at all. According to the cars manual it seems that I don't have a "Master key" which is supposed to open the doors, trunk, glove compartment, ignition etc... Can anyone please tell me whats going on?

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by gyz1893

When I originally purchased my '92 camry back in 1998, the key would open the two front doors without any flaws. A couple months after, I took the car to get an alarm system installed, and never used the keys to open the door ever since. Now (11 years later) I tried to open the door with the key after my battery went dead (left lights on ) When I try to turn the key to open the door, it wont even budge to turn at all. According to the cars manual it seems that I don't have a "Master key" which is supposed to open the doors, truck, glove compartment, ignition etc... Can anyone please tell me whats going on?

if worst comes to worst, most Toyota dealerships can cut you a new master key for the 92-96 models for about $8 or so. you just need to show them proof that you own the vehicle. maybe thats worth a try..?

[Strum]

If you are using the same key, it should work. It might have some wear on it that is preventing it. You might go to the parts store and get some lubricant to inject in the lock (they usually have a top that allows you to get intot he slot). I also use a graphite powder to keep my locks working.

[zoni]

unless the connecting rod that joins the key cylinder to the lock mechanism is off...

is the key impossible to turn, or does it turn easily...

but yeah i think the valet key works on the doors... i just thought it didnt open the glove box and trunk... i could be wrong though...

[gyz1893]

is the key impossible to turn, or does it turn easily...

The key is impossible to turn. I dont want to force it before I break something and mess up anything.

if worst comes to worst, most Toyota dealerships can cut you a new master key for the 92-96 models for about $8 or so. you just need to show them proof that you own the vehicle. maybe thats worth a try..?

Sounds interesting. What kind of proof do I need? Title and registration?

[carsrus]

Its probally not the keys fault. My 98 has the same problem ever since i started using the remote.

Spray wd40 and graphite fluid into the lock cylinders and they should free up and start moving. All of mine are stuck now after i got them working a couple years ago.

They stop turning after a year or so of no use...

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by gyz1893

Sounds interesting. What kind of proof do I need? Title and registration?

My dealer did it without the title....just the registration and such. I think you need the registration and photo ID. Call your dealer and ask. Doesn't hurt to spend $8 on a master key if you don't have one.

[gyz1893]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

My dealer did it without the title....just the registration and such. I think you need the registration and photo ID. Call your dealer and ask. Doesn't hurt to spend $8 on a master key if you don't have one.

Lol true. The dealer I bought it from didn't give me a master key at all, just the valet key. I will call up a toyota dealership to see how much they will charge. How do they make the master key btw? Would they also require the valet key in order to make the master key?

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by gyz1893

Lol true. The dealer I bought it from didn't give me a master key at all, just the valet key. I will call up a toyota dealership to see how much they will charge. How do they make the master key btw? Would they also require the valet key in order to make the master key?

they just have a computerized machine that can cut the key based on your vin number. its pretty cool. you dont need anything. and they usually have blank keys on site.

[gyz1893]

wow cool With the master key, will i finally be able to unlock my trunk and glove compartment with it?

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by gyz1893

wow cool With the master key, will i finally be able to unlock my trunk and glove compartment with it?

yesssssssss sirrrrrrrrrr. i was pretty excited when i got mine. you can also lock the trunk so the pull handle on the inside doesn't unlock it.

[fenixus]

hmmm ... i have a stupid question. since my car was rebuilt (front passenger body mostly) and i bought is as a second hand vehicle ... I never had the master key nor the original Toyota remote. I only have a valet key and actually I use a Home Depot copy of it to open all locks (front doors, trunk, ignition, glove box).

how is that so? I also seem to have only audible alarm that can engage from remote only (3rd party, not toyota remote). I assume the original Toyota immobilizer had been disabled during rebuilding the car 8 years ago (prev owner never had the master key either), so all locks can be opened using valet key.

now, if i get the master key with transponder and (somehow, dunno how yet) enable the Toyota immobilizer, I will not be able to use the valet key to start the car, or I'm getting it all wrong?

Planning on bringing the original Toyota security device back to working order (if it wasn't damaged). would like to know what to expect. thanks for sharing info.

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by fenixus

hmmm ... i have a stupid question. since my car was rebuilt (front passenger body mostly) and i bought is as a second hand vehicle ... I never had the master key nor the original Toyota remote. I only have a valet key and actually I use a Home Depot copy of it to open all locks (front doors, trunk, ignition, glove box).

how is that so? I also seem to have only audible alarm that can engage from remote only (3rd party, not toyota remote). I assume the original Toyota immobilizer had been disabled during rebuilding the car 8 years ago (prev owner never had the master key either), so all locks can be opened using valet key.

now, if i get the master key with transponder and (somehow, dunno how yet) enable the Toyota immobilizer, I will not be able to use the valet key to start the car, or I'm getting it all wrong?

Planning on bringing the original Toyota security device back to working order (if it wasn't damaged). would like to know what to expect. thanks for sharing info.

it could something as simple as that someone made a home depot copy of the master key.

[fenixus]

so an exact copy of the master key is another master key? it would mean that my only key with toyota logo is actually a master one, because i was the one that made a Home Depot copy of it
that would explain why both keys open all locks hehe.
I thought that master key has a built-in transponder, just thought that the security module is disabled in my car (still may be).

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by fenixus

so an exact copy of the master key is another master key? it would mean that my only key with toyota logo is actually a master one, because i was the one that made a Home Depot copy of it
that would explain why both keys open all locks hehe.
I thought that master key has a built-in transponder, just thought that the security module is disabled in my car (still may be).

i'm not 100% sure on the transponder in the key....not sure what year they started using them. but other than that, yes you got it down. A copy of a master key is well..... a master key.

EDIT: 1992....there's no transponder.