Replacing the lock is not difficult at all, the harder part is finding one, and getting it keyed to your existing key set.

 

bit late on the response but you can always find them on ebay, not keyed to the original of course.

reaching the release pin is a pain though, either have a long tool prod with a right angle at the end or make one out of coat hanger..

 

Check the key itself first, the ridges could be worn. If it is old try have a
new one made and see it that works.

 

I tried both my wife's key and mine. She's the primary driver. My key seems just as bad.

I looked at 1sttoyotaparts.com There's an "Ignition Lock Cylinder" and an "Ignition Switch" There are no pictures. They list a US built and a Japan built ignition switch. Which part likely needs to be replaced?

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

 

If you go to toyotapartseast.com they have images of the parts, just plug in your car and choose the category

 

Look at your VIN number, if it starts with JT, it is made in Japan. Anything else, it is U.S. built, order accordingly. Or as suggested, enter your VIN and you will get the exact parts for your car listed.

BTW, before you replace the lock, you might consider getting a new key cut by a Toyota dealer. The original key set came with a key code, if you don't have that, you can get the code from the passengers door lock. Unfortunately, that means removing the door panel and lock to get the code. But if you give that code (and proof of ownership depending on the dealer) they will be able to cut you a new key.

Another option is to remove the ignition lock and clean it. I found that PB blaster cleans it up really well, I then lubricated it with synthetic grease. After I did this, the lock no longer sticks, and they key does not fall out of the ignition anymore when the car is running. I did dismantle the lock to clean it (requires drilling out a pin and two nubs), but you don't have to do this, spraying it with lube will still help. I don't know if doing this in the car is a good idea though, quite a lot of excess oil comes out of the lock along with all the old grease, you don't really want that oozing everywhere in the steering column.

 

I bought a new lock cylinder from amazon for like $30. That was for a first gen though. My door keys are already different so I just have one ignition key and one door key. Not a big deal to have one extra key on my key ring.

 

My suggestion is to first try a fresh cut key by code to see if the keys are just so worn that they are not making contact with pins inside the cylinder. Many times, this is the case and is the least expensive route to take first . If that doesn't do the trick, then you'll more likely than not have to replace the IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. If you do, shoot me your VIN and I can get you a price for an OEM one.

 

I just called my local toyota dealer what the key would cost and was quoted $60.00+ for the key and $40.00+ for coding it. Is that the cost of a key or what?

Thanks

 

re: Key

Aloha Paul-
All good suggestions above.

I followed members advice here and went into my local Toyota dealership to have a new key cut as well. I did not have the original key and did not take off the passenger side panel to get the code off. They told me to give them my VIN number and with that they were able to cut me a new key! Boy it looked different than the key I had (grooves in places and not in places that my old key never had) and it worked much better too!

So, maybe you could call your local Toyota Parts Dept. and see if they can cut you a new key using your VIN number as was done in my case. Take care and good luck.
Mahalo

 

Thanks for your help everyone! I tired our little used "valet key" and it seems to work better. We'll try that for a few days and see what happens. I have the original key code tag, so should be able to have a dealer make a key w/ no problem.

Paul

 

The first thing I did after buying my Alltrac was get new keys cut... It fixes 90% of the difficulties of the lock cylinders on these cars... And for $12 or whatever (each) its worth it.

-Charlie

 

re: Key

Aloha Charlie-
Very true. Just came back from our local Toyota and picked up 2 new keys today, original Toyota keys! My friend at Toyota a few weeks ago had cut me a new key with a non-Toyota blank using my VIN number and said to come back when the Toyota blanks were in and that was today. Good luck Paul I hope it works for you too.
Mahalo,
glen

 

Interesting that they were able to cut a new key from the VIN. My dealer told me they only go back to 1993, must be different in Canada. Good to hear the newly cut key works properly.

 

re: Key

Aloha 71Corolla-

I was surprised myself and that is why I thought I would mention it to the original poster, Paul, in case he did not have the code and did not want to have to take off the door panel to get to it.

My friend at Toyota said he recently did a key for I believe a 1984/85 Celica. He was surprised too that the VIN number worked and they were able to cut a new key for that car. Maybe as you said, it is only here in the US?

All I know is that I am very happy they were able to do this. I had 3 keys made: myself, wife and a spare! Will be cutting up the old keys and throwing them out!

Mahalo.

 

About 10 years ago my local Toyota dealer had a guy in the parts deparment that could look at your existing key, write down some numbers, and then cut an new Toyota key from those numbers. He did this for my niece's 87 Camry. Too bad he's been gone for some time now.

Mike

 

About 10 years ago my local Toyota dealer had a guy in the parts deparment that could look at your existing key, write down some numbers, and then cut an new Toyota key from those numbers.

I think I know how he did this. There are several types of tumblers, three, I think? Different tumbler corresponds to cut on the key. So I can see that with practice, you could just look at the key and know which tumbler would be for each key cut position, write down the sequence, and cut the key. There are markings on the tumblers, but I forget what they are.

This page shows a BMW lock disassembled, a Toyota lock is basically the same as far as the barrel and tumbler components go.

 

I have the same problem more and more with my Camry.

I had new keys made at the dealer, but it didn't make a bit of difference.

Sometimes it will turn more easily with the key halfway out. For me it is a matter of messing around with it until it turns.

I would like to modify the cylinder and just make it so that it doesn't matter what's in there. It isn't secure anyway, my key works in my coworker's car and his works in my car.

All of the keys I have had develop a twist because of the torque needed to turn the cylinder.

 

Do you have your VIN? Are they quoting you for a lock cylinder or the key?

 

I always appreciate it when the original poster follows-up with the solution so here goes.

I first had a locksmith make a key from the key number. It helped a little, but not much. I then had them order a new lock cylinder and rekey it to match. Problem solved.

I was surprised at the variation in price to have a new key cut. The dealer I frequent would charge $10 (seemed fair) but didn't have a blank. Another dealer wanted $30! (I'm serious). The locksmith charged $6.

I found this post extremenly helpful in providing a step-by-step to remove the cylinder: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...m/forum/102-1st-2nd-generation-1983-1986-1987-1991/194696-key-lock-rebuild.html