2001 Broken Ignition lock

[lbaker28]

2001 Avalon XLS. I have been having trouble turning the ignition lock for several months now, somtimes having to try several times before it would turn to the on position. If finaly has given out completely and won't turn at all therefore I can't start the car. The car has 178,000 miles so I assume the lock is worn out.

Does anyone know how to remove the lock cylinder?

Toyota wants $392 for a new switch and lock. Can it be replaced with the afternarket ones available on the internet for $60 to $70?

Thanks

[toyomoho]

The lock cylinder will come out but you need to be able to turn the key.

Try the following, spray in some key graphite to lube the lock, another key preferable one that is not worn, rotate the steering wheel slightly to relieve the pressure on the steering column lock.

[lbaker28]

Thanks for the info but I had already tried everything you suggested and still could not turn the cylinder at all. If I could have got it to the assesory position I could have pressed the spring loaded release button on the bottom of the cylinder. Yesterday I drilled out the release button and got it out. Then I took the lock apart and foumd the inner cylinder was broken so I epoxied it back togather and removed the worn pins and now can start the car. Of course now the key can be removed in any position but at least I can drive the Avalon untill I get the new cylinder that I ordered from RockAuto for $70 vs the $392 that Toyota wanted..
Thanks
Larry