tamicalhou

More than likely you bent a wafer in the ignition. Why the dealership had to replace all of the locks is beyond me. If they would have subbed out the work to a locksmith they could have just had the ignition lock recoded to match your current key or the locksmith could have unstuck the wafer.

But since it is under warranty they went for the big money fix because that means more money for them.

Take care,

Tami

additude

[QUOTE=
But since it is under warranty they went for the big money fix because that means more money for them.
[/QUOTE]

Thats exactly what its about. The Money.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Do you think a locksmith can actually successfully work on the ignition lock? Or is it likely that there's something that a Lexus dealer would need to do?

tamicalhou

Yes, I know Automotive Locksmiths can work on Lexus ignitions. They can make keys when yours have been lost, they can reflash the ECM and they can program in keys with their own scan tool that doesn't require a SEED CODE from the dealer.

Did you know if you lose your keys you do not need to replace all of the locks in your vehicle like the dealers like to do. They can come out to your vehicle and generate a new key to your existing locks.

If you have an immobilizer equipped vehicle (the ones where the dealers replace the ECM) they can reflash your ECM and program in additional keys. (same thing when you only have a valet key.)

Do a search on Yahoo for Lost Lexus Keys and see what you find. I think you will be surprised.

Take care,

Tami

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I agree. While I didn't know a local lock smith could reflash the ECU, I do know they can recode the locks when needed. They did this to a car that was sloten where the ignition and drivers lock was damaged. The body shop replaced the ignition and damaged door lock, then recoded the trunk, passanger, glove box and trunk release locks all to the new keys. It saves use a bunch of money. I'm not sure if they did it or if they sub contracted it out to a lock smith. They just said it will be done and it was done when the car was ready.

mikey00

I think your problem is mechanical and nothing to do with the electronics or ECU. The reason I say this is because you can't turn your key, which is mechanical. If it was the ECU you would be able to turn your key, the dash would light up and you could even engage the starter but the engine won't start. I bet using the wrong key moved a pin in a position that it never moved into with the right key and it stuck there, so now the right key won't work. I would spray a little WD40 in the keyhole and work the key in and out a number of times and maybe free up the pin. WD40 is 97% cleaner with very little lube so you don't have to worry about gumming up anything. I would also try taping the switch area with the palm of my hand in hope that the pin will fall back into position. If all that fails, I would contact some of the locksmiths from the Yahoo search recommended above and get their suggestions. I think you are going to need a locksmith that comes to you and removes the ignition lock to repair it.
If you just call the dealer and let him tow it in and then say how much? The dealer will have $$$ in his eyes. There is nothing wrong with using the dealer but I would question what he will do and for how much before he tows it in.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Mikey, I agree with you. Just an update, the key has been working again, but I'm now never sure if or when it's going to lock up again. There's definitely a TSB on this, but it basically tells the dealer to replace all the locks, which might be OK if you're under warranty, but my warranty expired in Jan uary '05, for cryin' out loud.
I wonder, if I spray WD40 in there and then kep inserting the WRONG key, whether it will cause the offending pin or pins to remain free...

mikey00

That may work. But I don't think anyone can really answer that question. Now that it's working I guess you can just be careful and not put the wrong key in again and everything should be fine. Or you could spray and use the wrong key to see if you can correct the problem for good. I would go for it, but thats me. Did you actually get to view the TSB content? Do they say anything about using the wrong key causing a problem or is it just change locks if key won't turn.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I read the TSB on the AllData site as you suggested (after paying for the subscription fee). There was nothing about wrong keys - it was just change locks if key won't turn.

Lil4X

WD-40 is a great product with many uses, however it can leave behind an oily, gummy residue that will collect dirt and cause additional problems in the future.

For locks, try using a special lock lubricant used by locksmiths containing either Teflon or graphite. Some products use just a dry powdered lubricant, while others suspend the powder in a very light (evaporating) solution. Products like Houdini claim to use neither Teflon nor graphite. Dry graphite powder is the traditional lock lubricant, but can be a little messy and you have to be careful when using it on ignition switches (graphite is an excellent electrical conductor). A compound like Poxylube using a Teflon powder can also be sprayed via a needle jet into the lock cylinder through the keyhole.

After application, insert your key several times, then rotate the lock cylinder back and forth to spread the lubricant into the lock pins. When you are finished, remove the key and wipe with a clean white paper towel - repeat until the key comes out clean. This will keep you from spreading excess lubricant (particularly graphite) onto your hands and pockets from your ignition key.

If you live in a cold climate, it is particularly important to lubricate your door locks and your ignition regularly. If you use liquid or spray lock de-icers, you can flush the lubricant out of your locks and render them prone to sticking. Yes, it is possible to tramsfer that solvent to your ignition from the door locks!

tamicalhou

Using the wrong key is what caused your problem in the first place. Why would you do it again? Just be careful and don't insert the wrong key into your ignition.

You can clean out your locks with WD-40. Tri-flow is good as well. Just pick a product and use that same product. Don't mix graphite and any other lubricant unless you want a substance close to cement in your locks. Don't use graphite. I've seen more locks messed up from graphite than anything else. Actually, it isn't the graphite itself that messes up the locks it is the amount of graphite put in the locks.

Dust, dirt and grime will collect inside your locks. Just perform routine maintenance on them (like you do with the rest of your vehicle) and you will be fine.

Take care,

Tami

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Tami, thanks for your input. Easier said than done, unfortunately I'm just a miserable imperfect human. The reason this happens in the first place is that I have two nearly identical Lexus keys in my pocket and about every 2 years I'm not paying enough attention and the wrong key comes out of pocket and into ignition, shortly followed by wife screaming. The only reason I'd consider re-inserting the wrong key is that it was that key that caused the normally inactive pin(s) to move in the first place and get stuck, so I figure that if I insert it with lubricant added, it will tend to lube the offending pin(s).

tamicalhou

Actually, that is incorrect. All of the wafers (they aren't pins, pins are cylindrical and wafers are flat) in the ignition are used with your correct key. Each wafer is sized to fit your properly working key. They are not sized for the key for your other vehicle. No amount of lube with your wrong key will do what you want it to do.

What will end up happening is that you will add wear on those wafers (if you don't bend them up first) and your lock cylinder will malfunction a lot quicker than it should. Its not so bad if it is covered under warranty but what are you going to do when your warranty runs out and the dealer suggests replacing all of the locks again?

I suggest finding a different way to code your keys so you can tell them apart. Colored nail polish high up on the key blade works well.

Take care,

Tami

Rockville

I am more than a little impressed with your posts. Are you a Master Tech or a Diagnostic Specialist or possibly a Locksmith? Whatever dealership or shop that you work for or own is lucky to have someone as smart as you. Please contribute your expertise as often as time permits. Club Lexus needs your sound advice. Thanks for helping.

Rock

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for clearing that up with detailed info, Tami. Sorry though, I don't use nail polish. HAHAHAHAHA.
I'm afraid that I may need to rig up a system that electrically shocks me if I try to put the wrong key in, 'cause it has only happened when my attention is on something else. When I get in the RX occasionally, my habit of grabbing my GS key is sometimes too automatic. Sucks having 2 Lexuses, doesn't it... Maybe I'll hang a stuffed animal from the RX key.
BTW, the RX warranty ended in January, and the GS extended warranty ended just yesterday, at 100K miles. NOW the party starts!