key wont turn to start or lock,need help!
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: nc
key wont turn to start or lock,need help!
I parked my lexus 2000 rx 300 on a slight incline,and pulled the key out before the lock,now im unable to start it or put it in lock,and pull it out,it is stuck, i thought maybe i put it only half way in park,but i can put it in neatral and slam it back in park,and still nothing,i can pull my key all the way out and the radio still plays,and it wont lock,if anyone can help me i would greatly appreciate it
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,407
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by crxjim29
I parked my lexus 2000 rx 300 on a slight incline,and pulled the key out before the lock,now im unable to start it or put it in lock,and pull it out,it is stuck, i thought maybe i put it only half way in park,but i can put it in neatral and slam it back in park,and still nothing,i can pull my key all the way out and the radio still plays,and it wont lock,if anyone can help me i would greatly appreciate it
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,630
Likes: 280
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
As a new poster, welcome to CL. 
Ordinarily jiggling the wheel side-to-side while you lightly twist the key back and forth frees it up, but the fact that you say the key comes all the way out and the radio still plays suggests a defective or worn-out igniton switch. You may have to get a tow to the dealership or repair shop.
Ordinarily jiggling the wheel side-to-side while you lightly twist the key back and forth frees it up, but the fact that you say the key comes all the way out and the radio still plays suggests a defective or worn-out igniton switch. You may have to get a tow to the dealership or repair shop.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Originally Posted by mmarshall
As a new poster, welcome to CL.
Ordinarily jiggling the wheel side-to-side while you lightly twist the key back and forth frees it up, but the fact that you say the key comes all the way out and the radio still plays suggests a defective or worn-out igniton switch. You may have to get a tow to the dealership or repair shop.
Ordinarily jiggling the wheel side-to-side while you lightly twist the key back and forth frees it up, but the fact that you say the key comes all the way out and the radio still plays suggests a defective or worn-out igniton switch. You may have to get a tow to the dealership or repair shop.
I was told by AAA NOT to have it towed - could ruin the trans since I couldn't shift into neutral. A locksmith came to the parking lot and replaced the ignition mechanism - I had him key it to my current keys and I was able to drive home.
Just a thought on this situation - he mentioned something about pulling the key out too soon. Is it possible some anti-theft mechanism kicked in and needs to be reset???
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,630
Likes: 280
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by SilverLady
I had a similar problem with my Explorer last year - I was able to get the key in the slot but it wouldn't turn. Tried an alternate key, but it still wouldn't work.
I was told by AAA NOT to have it towed - could ruin the trans since I couldn't shift into neutral. A locksmith came to the parking lot and replaced the ignition mechanism - I had him key it to my current keys and I was able to drive home.
Just a thought on this situation - he mentioned something about pulling the key out too soon. Is it possible some anti-theft mechanism kicked in and needs to be reset???
I was told by AAA NOT to have it towed - could ruin the trans since I couldn't shift into neutral. A locksmith came to the parking lot and replaced the ignition mechanism - I had him key it to my current keys and I was able to drive home.
Just a thought on this situation - he mentioned something about pulling the key out too soon. Is it possible some anti-theft mechanism kicked in and needs to be reset???
As far as towing goes, I agree don't do it if not necessary but if there is no other choice, a front-drive RX can be towed PROPERLY with the front wheels off the ground and in neutral. An AWD RX ( the vast majority of them ) should have all four wheels off the ground, although I'm not sure if the AWD RX has a mechanism like on Subarus that allow you to disconnect AWD by pulling a fuse...the vehicle then acts like a FWD car.
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Well I had the same kind of problem in my LX 470. When I took the key out and got out of my car I hit the steering wheel out of its parked position. So I had to force the key to turn and I was lucky it worked. Wierd story but it happened.
Play with it a little or call the Lexus dealer.
Play with it a little or call the Lexus dealer.
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