00Lexus

Hello,

Can I replace my ignition lock cylinder with a 2000 toyota camry lock cylinder? Seems they are a more reasonable price...

I've had a spare key cut by a local locksmith and it wont work in the ignition. Same thing at the dealership, they used the VIN# and cut a key but it wont turn in the ignition lock at all... so I think its time to replace the cylinder.

Would like the cheapest route since the car is high mileage.

Thank you!

HomerJay

Unfortunately no, they are not interchangeable.

00Lexus

Thanks for the reply.

If i'm fortunate enough to find a decent one with a key in a salvage yard, where is the RFID located? Can I simply take apart my transponder and transfer the FOB and have it work in the new cylinder and key? I'm guessing the RFID is in the KeyFob ?

wmj259

You MAY be able to switch out the internals of both keys, however your radio may/maynot need the security code.
If this works for you I would recommend getting another copy of your new ignition key and programming both as Masters. < IF you do this your original key will become the valet key.

Arsenii

Hello,

As I understood, the key that you have worked with your ignition lock at some point, but not now. Am I correct?
If so, those locks were prone to failing due to wear - when wafers in the core start to wear out, the key can no longer align those to the shier line, hence why it won't turn. There are two ways of repairing those:

First is the easiest one - go to the junkyard and get the lock cylinder assembly, just like the one showed below. To take only the core out, there is a little button that can be pressed only when the key is in the ACC position that will allow the core to slide out. After that, install it in your car, and you are done. However, there is one significant drawback with that - you will have two keys to operate your car. To combat it, you can get the whole lock set and replace every single lock in the car. It is one right, yet excessively tedious and expensive job.



With that comes the second method - replacing wafers that got worn out with the ones from this rebuild kit. That way you won't have to replace any other lock or the key in the car. A locksmith should be able to do it, but I have no idea if it will be easy to find someone who is willing to do it for you. I may even do a tutorial at some point, but not before I will find a junkyard Lexus with the key inside, because otherwise, it is really difficult to remove the core.


Credit: Vodila | Club Lexus Russia

And the last note - the lock core does not store or dictate whether to start the car or not, all the key codes are stored in the ECU. So as long as you have a stock key, there shouldn't be any troubles with the immobilizer, even if you will decide to replace the key, since you will be able to use information stored in your old key to program a new one.

Hope this helps and best of luck!