98 Avalon door lock problem

[badbuik]

My sons' 98 Avalon is having trouble with the door locks, when you use the key in the drivers door, it will only turn one way, I think it will lock the doors, and the pass. door will only turn one way, I think unlocking the doors. Both doors the key doesn't turn freely in either direction, why?? I lubed the key and got the pass. door to go both directions, like one time, but that was it, and no difference with the drivers lock. Any suggestions??
Thanks, Gary G.

[BMR]

My keys do this when they first start to get worn down. How are your keys?... been in use for quite a while? If you get new ones made, it's best to make them from one that's nearly new. If you don't have one like that, a Toyota dealership can make a new one if given the VIN. They might require you to show the title for obvious reasons.

[fourwheeler]

These keys are double cut meaning they will turn no matter which way you install them in the lock. Does it improve if you turn the key over and insert it into the lock the other way. If it does, I would suspect the key as well.

[Jigg007]

I had a very similar problem, key would only unlock passenger door, and only lock driver door. It was because the key was worn so far down from age/use. Go to a Toyota dealership and provide the VIN of the car, and let them cut new keys from that. The keys from the hardware store will not be the same, just because the machine will use the old key to "best guess" a new one.

[badbuik]

Thanks for the replies. I picked up a new key from the dealer today, i'll try it when my so gets home school and work.
Gary G.

[badbuik]

Thanks again, new dealer key works great.
Gary G.