Need help with 2000 Avalon ignition switch - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sailouterbanks · 05-03-2010, 11:35 AM

I've seen how to replace pre 2000 switches but nothing on a year 2000. My girlfriends switch won't turn and the key appears worn so it seems a new switch is in order. Is there an immobilizer issue? is it easy to remove life the older ones?

Thanks for the help!

Schuy · 05-03-2010, 03:16 PM

2000 AVALON can come either way with or without immobilizer depending a trim level or build. The dealer could tell with the VIN. If you look at the keys did the car come with a metal key that allows the car to start? If it has an all metal key that will start the car it does NOT have imb. With imb. new the car came with 2 black plastic top keys and 1 grey top sub key. I can get directions but in pdf form, not sure how to attach it in this forum

sailouterbanks · 05-03-2010, 07:48 PM

Gave them the Vin but it was wrong part, so it has imb. Can I do this or is it dealer only?

thanks

Schuy · 05-04-2010, 07:58 AM

If you gave them the VIN they should have got you the right part. Imb. systems are kinda trickey. You need a master key to be able to program another key. The new cylinder comes with its own set of keys, so you have to decide to run with two different keys or have the new cylinder recoded to th old key code. You would have the extra expense of the imb keys (about $60 each) and recoding of cylinder. There might be independants out there that can do this kinda of work but they need a scan tool that would allow them. The dealer is probably the better choice. You could put the cylinder in but the keys need to be matched to the car before it would able to start.

sailouterbanks · 05-04-2010, 03:15 PM

So you can't bypass the imb? The only key we have is one with a black top with a remote fob. Sounds like it has to go to the dealer, an hour away....

Schuy · 05-04-2010, 03:40 PM

Did they get you a non imb. lock cylindert? You would to take the old cylinder out and match it to the new one to see if it is physically the same. If they are you could install it and "cheat" the system. The car is looking for a signal from the head of the key. If the key is near the ignition cylinder it's all you need. So if the non-imb. cylinder will fit in the column properly, to turn the car over the old key just has to be nearby.

josephmartins · 07-12-2011, 09:15 AM

I now have the same issue (need a replacement cylinder lock on a 2000 XLS). I'm hoping it is ok to post here rather than start a completely new thread about the same topic.

I would like to purchase a new cylinder lock for a 2000 Avalon XLS that is equipped with the immobilizer system. I'm a bit confused about which hardware should be recoded...is it the new key that requires recoding (to the car) or the cylinder (to the old key), or either one? Is one less expensive than the other?

Someone mentioned that a key can cost $60, but what does the recoding typically cost? Thanks.