[greenhills]

I have a 2000 Camry LE. I use the remote FOB to open the door all the time. I tried one of my keys in the door (camry logo on key) and noticed it did not open the door. I tried the other three keys I have (one key with camry logo) and they did not open the door either.

Is there some setting that prevents the key from working with the door lock. I thought I remember using a key to open the door maybe 10 years ago but that may have been another car.

I bought the car used about 15 years ago, so maybe the owner just gave me two trunk keys originally (the keys do open the trunk).

 

[norm356]

Interesting.
Because all 3 keys don't work in the doors that tends to rule out key wear (usually only one of the keys wears badly enough to not work anymore). But it is unusual for both doors to not work, with all 3 keys.

I suppose it could be possible that your key cylinders have rusted and seized after so many years without excercise?
If the keys work in the ignition, and if the keys had worked in the doors at one time then that would be my guess.

If you are unaware if the keys had ever worked in the doors then it could be possible the previous owner changed the cylinders but forgot to give you the new key that fit them.


I had a trunk cylinder that stopped working. Took it out and took it apart to find two of the tumblers had rusted badly enough to not slide anymore. I removed those two bad ones and that fixed it (the rest of the tumblers still were present to lock the trunk when needed, though it was slightly less secure against being picked than before).


Another used vehicle I owned, one of the key cylinders didn't work (PO had only used the remote so it hadn't bothered them). I took the cylinder out and found a piece of toothpick jammed in it. Cleaned that out and lubed it well and has worked fine for the last 8 years.

You could try spraying key cylinder lube into them to see if that helps.
Next step would be to take them out and inspect closely, for evidence of corrosion or of foreign matter.
A locksmith could confirm if your key actually fits this cylinder or if you have the wrong key for it.

 

[98LE2.2LCamryUS]

So none of the keys work on any locks except ignition switch?

 

[Strega315]

Perhaps the ignition cylinder had been replaced in the past ergo it’s the only key that doesn’t work in the door locks? If all the keys start the car and none open the door, then you’ve had the ignition cylinder changed out most likely due to wear. I’d often repair the ignition cylinders but the customer didn’t want to pay for rekeying the door locks to match, instead opting for carrying the two keys, one for the doors and one for the ignition.

 

[98LE2.2LCamryUS]

Is not the Toyota Dealer able to get keyed ignition switch to match car based on VIN?? Perhaps this was some aftermarket keyed switch than yes you would need two keys or just one key to start the car and a working key fob.

 

[BMR]

Is not the Toyota Dealer able to get keyed ignition switch to match car based on VIN??

Yes they can. I’ve done it many times. They charged anywhere from zero to $10.

Although I read somewhere that as time passes they are stopping that for older models. It would be one way to figure out if any of the OP’s locks have been changed.

Edit: but I think a lot of the 2000’s had security keys with a chip in them? So it’s not a simple task to use a new key?

 

[stvotw]

I had that happen on my 2017 Camry. Locks wouldn't turn. Lubed the key up and started jiggling it in the lock and after a few minutes the keys worked. Locksmith said it was mostly caused by not using the key.

 

[greenhills]

Lots of good responses.. A few comments:

1) The keys do open the trunk
2) The keys start the car
3) There are two door locks (driver and passenger door). None of the keys work in either door.
4) It is unlikely that someone would replace both door locks and have to carry two keys to operate the car. Maybe one door lock possibly, but the key does not work in either passenger or driver door.
5) Since the key works in the ignition, and the trunk, it is unlikely the ignition was replaced.

I would guess the lock may be stuck. I will spray the cylinder and see if that is the cause. This is likely since the key lock has not been used since I bought it (maybe one time). Not sure if there is a way to uncease it easily. I don't think opening the door from the inside would do anything. I'll just spray and see what happens.

 

[norm356]

Note that using something not meant for delicate mechanisms, like WD40, will tend to make things worse (BTDT).
What you will want to do is buy a dedicated key cylinder lubricant and work it into the cylinder and gently wiggle the key back and forth. It may take time and patience before it beings to pay off, which will all depend on why they are stuck (for instance old WD40 is like glue, but may dissolve if enough solvent and new lube is introduced to rinse it off, but on the other hand rust might not respond to even the best lubricant depending on how far progressed it is, etc.).

If this gentle approach does not work the next step will be to remove the key cylinders and work on them on the workbench under strong lighting to be able to see just what is going on.

 

[greenhills]

I sprayed a silicon lubricant in the key whole yesterday. I went to the car today to try out the key. Surprisingly it opened as if it was a new car. Not sure how the lubricant was able to fix the situation, but I didn't have any friction trying to open. Before, the key would not even turn as if the lock was seized.

The main concern was if the battery died, than I would not be able to open the door with the key. I would have to crawl through the trunk. Luckily my car battery has not died recently, though it has happened in the past when I opened the passenger door and the front lights would turn on during the day. The auto light feature is a bit tricky to remember. The auto lock feature has always been a concern but I have not locked my keys in the car yet.

 

[norm356]

Awesome news!

Glad the lube worked.

 

[1990Toyota]

the key locks get frozen with time and debris because people get lazy and rely on the fob.

you'll want to lube the lock cylinders every once in a while to prevent them from seizing up again.

 

[paulbot]

Nice thread. Great solution, just have a question about door lock lube. Most everywhere says to use a graphite lube, but in a case like this, my mind says something penetrating without leaving a residue that could gum up down the road seems more likely to free up stuck cylinders.

I have a graphite poof tube been having for ages, have used it, but when I run across stuck cylinders, I'm more likely to use a silicone spray or white lithium spray, more because i always have them on hand.

 

[norm356]

Using a lube designed specifically for key cylinders is best because it was made to prevent gumming up the delicate works. The idea is it dries to a fine graphite powder so that it is not sticky or attracts dust and grit.

 

[surgeon0]

I remember getting a yellow color tube of power-like graphite in homedepot. At least I think it was and I lost that tube in a car I sold. Tried using the WD40 dry lube spray. It dries in a few seconds and has been dry so far in car locks, home locks... but Triflow or Silicone/Teflon based would work. Just not Penetrating oil and wd40 is just a brand name.