2005 Lexus IS300

For the fourth time in the past 3 months, this has happened.

Key will go into the ignition, but will not turn at all, not even to the first position. The key can be inserted and removed with no problem.

Primary go-to: wrestling the steering wheel does not help whatsoever.

I tried one foot out the door, to rock the car back and forth while continuously trying to turn the ignition. When I get the card rocking hard enough, the key does finally turn over, engine starts and the car runs fine. Each time, this has been the solution.

I have Lojack installed but that should have no impact on this. It does not inhibit physical key/ignition movement, it only cuts engine off after 1-2 seconds after starting if the correct key fob is not present.

I know if I take it to a shop the problem will not replicate and I'll have wasted my time and money. Any ideas as to the cause?

4/5/2012 11:14:15 AM

Not sure what causes it, but my BMW does the same thing sometimes.

I take the key out, turn it over, and insert it again. I'm assuming your key is the same on both edges?


Also, does NC have lowjack now? I had it installed on my motorcycle about 3 years ago, but i was told it wouldnt work since NC didnt have lowjack.

[Edited on April 5, 2012 at 11:21 AM. Reason : .]

4/5/2012 11:20:13 AM

is your steering wheel locked?

if so try to move wiggle it it some while turning (or wiggling till it turns) the key

4/5/2012 11:33:57 AM

^

4/5/2012 11:46:58 AM

^^

Quote :

"Primary go-to: wrestling the steering wheel does not help whatsoever."

4/5/2012 12:56:07 PM

tap the ignition switch with a hammer or a big screwdriver and hammer

4/5/2012 1:10:04 PM

Regarding lojack, I live in Maryland. Dunno about nc.

Next time it sticks I will try the hammer. If so what does that help to confirm for me? Replace ignition cylinder?

4/5/2012 5:56:52 PM

mine was doing the same thing a few months back. the pins in the lock cylinder were sticking and not allowing the key/cyl to turn over. try lubin' that bitch up with graphite powder. worked great for me.

4/5/2012 6:22:48 PM

iirc, most automatic transmissions require the car to be in park or neutral to start. If Lexus works like that, it sounds like the cable/mechanism that goes between the transmission and the ignition cylinder isn't releasing properly on the transmission end, which is why rocking the car works. As far as fixing it, I don't know right off, but ^ sounds like a decent place to start.

4/5/2012 6:36:14 PM

^+1

I'd suggest the same with the gear shift. Wiggle the shifter and try to slam it into a specific gear or park position when it happens, whether it's manual or automatic. Most cars nowadays have a transmission interlock between the brake pedal, shifter, and ignition.

[Edited on April 5, 2012 at 6:59 PM. Reason : You're probably rocking the car into position where the gear shifter clicks into place]

4/5/2012 6:54:40 PM

^^ droppin' some knowledge

4/6/2012 3:25:12 AM

Yup, your interlock switch is probably going out. My Alero did that intermittently for about 3 years; highly annoying but with enough finagling (and with the occasional good hard slap to the gear selector) it would usually turn over. No insertion problems and the position of the steering wheel had nothing to do with it.

I ended up replacing the ignition cylinder, as I think part of the problem for me was just that the old worn-out key and the old worn-out ignition cylinder were no longer engaging properly. Plus I had to replace the ignition switch (separate part BTW) due to a weird issue where it would lose contact and the car would not fire the fuel pump, causing it not to start or occasionally to cut off after going over a bump.

Quote :

"tap the ignition switch with a hammer or a big screwdriver and hammer"

I don't see what this would do for you. I've heard of hitting the starter motor with a hammer when it's on its way out, but the ignition switch is not the problem here, unless it's part of a unit with the cylinder on these cars. Also how would you get to it? Isn't the switch usually buried in the dash or column?

4/8/2012 1:04:05 AM

I ignite this shit without words

I'm Krallum and I approved this message.

4/9/2012 12:16:10 AM

Quote :

""tap the ignition switch with a hammer or a big screwdriver and hammer""

sorry, i meant cylinder, but this is an issue with Lexus cars and according to alot of the advice online, this seems to do the trick. Knocks the pins in the cylinder back into place.

4/9/2012 8:41:14 AM

No dice. Happened again. Rocking the car, yanking the wheel, tapping the cylinder, nothing workks. Towing to dealership now.

Appears to be chronic issue with this model.

[Edited on May 29, 2012 at 8:44 AM. Reason : ]

5/29/2012 8:43:00 AM

Whoever said graphite lube is an idiot. The truth is, locks packed full of graphite are the number one cause of locksmith service calls.

If you ever have a problem with an automobile ignition cylinder that feels "sticky" squirt some gun lube in there, you don't need much. If it does not help, STOP. Don't keep squirting more shit in there, it isnt a door hinge or a deadbolt.

5/29/2012 1:42:10 PM

^ Okay, for every forum I see "yes, graphite powder solved my problem," I see another poster like yourself saying not to use it. So what product would you recommend that I can inject into the ignition barrel?

btw I tried once more while the tow truck was en route and of course the car started, so I called off the maintenance. Considering WD-40 or graphite powder.

5/29/2012 1:46:38 PM

Read my post again!

5/30/2012 11:34:12 PM

Ok. Done.

.......so what product would you recommend? "gun lube" is non descriptive. No idea who makes it or where to get it. Is it a dry or wet lubrication?

5/31/2012 8:15:02 AM

walk into wal mart
go to gun section
look for can that says gun oil
purchase it


while you are there buy a gun and shoot yourself please

5/31/2012 9:45:50 AM