Key stuck in driver side door

[thebigad]

When I insert the key in the driver side door, it won't turn. The lock works from the inside and the key works on the passenger side.

Same behavior on my neighbors' camry, but on the trunk lock.

What's the deal?

P.S. - thanks to you guys for answering my window regulator questions before!

[Quicksilver300]

I've got the same problem. I think I just need to oil the lock, but I dont have one of those little tubes that comes with wd40 and such.....no excuse.

On mine, I have to turn the key twice to unlock, like double clicking a mouse, the key wont lock the door but the lock work besides that incl the pass side key. However today, after working on the car all day, I go to open the trunk and it wont turn at all.

So I'd love to here the answer as well. Hey, here's a question what's your key look like, mine's really worn down and I think that has something to do with it, just remembered that.

I went to toyota to get a new one, I explained the problem and the guy copies the key off the worn out key, that's like inbreeding. that doesnt work. Anyone know how much it costs to get an actual new key? (the old regular type of key)
sorry for the ramble.

[thebigad]

I did the WD-40. No luck.
The key is fine - not really worn at all.

I think there is some internal problem - with the lock assembly.

Anyone?

[DrewsCam]

Once you get it out, get an alarm. Keyless entry is the best, I never use the key.

[RningOnFumes]

To both of you: You know there is two different keys, one master/general, another for valet. The only thinkg the valet key can do is open the doors and turn the ignition. No access to the trunk or glove box for the valet key.</p>
thebigad: this is the same with all your keys? If so, then I just may be that mechanism as you've said. And to your friend with the un openable trunk: You sure they didn't try to acesse it witht the valet key?</p>
To quicksilver: not sure of the cost, maybe or at lest 40 bucks at the dealors for a fresh one. Will need the registration papers, or deed, give it to them for proof of ownership and they should be able to make new one from your vin.

[Quicksilver300]

I should have gotten key less entry. I put a remote starter on the car a while back, obviously should have done it then, but it was an extra 100 to do it. I only have one key, the black one. My car has a new VIN, well heck where there's a supposed to be a VIN in the windshield, it's empty. lol The car has been totaled before, I'm hoping that's not an issue. Oh and I only have one regular key, it used to work on everything.

[wtftoy]

Use GRAPHITE instead of wd40 on locks to lubricate. They should have them at autzone, advance auto parts, home depot, lowes....etc.


For the trunk not turning problem, spray some wd40 to clean up the inside of the lock, then slide the key IN and OUT for a few times, then trying turning. If thats a still a no go, insert the key, and hit the key towards the lock (don't use alot of force). Try turning now, remember to spray wd40.

Once it turns, remember to use graphite to lube it, it last much longer.....you should use it on all your locks, I do.


Source: I've had a lot of key/lock problems in the past and talked to several locksmiths.

[touringcamry]

Do not use WD-40 on locks. WD-40 is horrible stuff. The only real use I've found for it is cleaning rust and removing stickers and such. I don't know why people look at it as this miracle spray. The oil or whatever lubricant contained in WD-40 is horrible for lubrication. It tends to attract sand, dirt, and other nasty stuff and then turn into this dense grease that's difficult to remove.

Always use graphite lubricant for locks. Napa sells this spray stuff called Lock Ease which is graphite lube designed for locks. A 1/2 sec squirt is plenty for most locks.

[Quicksilver300]

for the record, I dont think it a miracle spray. I hardly ever use it, but I thought it would work for locks. Thank you both for the graphite suggestion

[marc780]

If thats a still a no go, inside the key, and hit the key towards the lock (don't use alot of force). Try turning now, remember to spray wd40.

Could you please explain what you mean by banging on the key, the paragraph isnt quite clear to me.

I have the wont-unlock problem with the passenger side lock. It will lock the doors but not unlock them. Wont turn to the left. For a while i would jiggle the key up and down a couple times and then it would open, but now it wont even do that.
im thinking if the driver side lock goes out, i could always crawl through the trunk and lower the seats somehow??!!

I have lubed the living H out of the lock with tri flo, silicone spray, graphite powder, graphite liquid. I even flushed all this stuff out with seafoam spray can and started over. No joy.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by marc780

Could you please explain what you mean by banging on the key, the paragraph isnt quite clear to me.

I have the wont-unlock problem with the passenger side lock. It will lock the doors but not unlock them. Wont turn to the left. For a while i would jiggle the key up and down a couple times and then it would open, but now it wont even do that.
im thinking if the driver side lock goes out, i could always crawl through the trunk and lower the seats somehow??!!

I have lubed the living H out of the lock with tri flo, silicone spray, graphite powder, graphite liquid. I even flushed all this stuff out with seafoam pray and started over. No joy.

Sounds like either the key or pins in the lock are too worn out to open properly. Try getting a new key cut at the dealer that isn't a copy of your key.

[Quicksilver300]

Thought I'd let you guys know the graphite worked. Fixed all my locks

thank you

[RningOnFumes]

Nice!