Rav 4 Ignition Barrel Replaced & Car Won't Start

[paul15]

Evening all,

Hopefully someone here can quickly answer this for me. My 95 Rav 4 key was becoming harder and harder to start due to the key not turning in the ignition barrel. Usually I could get it turned but the problem was getting worse and worse so I decided to go out to scrap yard and get a ignition barrel with key to replace it. I have replaced the ignition barrel with the new one I got but when I try and start her now with the new key she just wont turn...shes trying to but just wont fire? Is this due to the new key? Any advice welcome!!

Thanks

[Devon Aygo]

It will be the second hand key, it is coded to the immobiliser in the other car and not yours, you will need to get the new key coded to your car which is not going to be easy as you need a working key that will turn in the ignition to be able to programme another key.

[gjnorthall]

The key has an impregnated chip in the head. When this is inserted into the ignition switch it deactivates the immobiliser. The problem now is that the new key isn't mated to the immobiliser. If you hold the head of the old key close to the ignition switch - the car should start. Unfortunately you can't easily programme the new key.

[gjnorthall]

Someone would need to advise but I don't know if it's possible to fit the original chip into the new key. On other cars eg Ford - the chip is easily removed after prising off a small plastic cap.

[paul15]

OK getting worried now!! whats the best way forward? Contact Toyota for a replacement barrel for my car? Is it possible to recode a key or who should I ask that could maybe do it?

[gjnorthall]

A new barrel and key wouldn't help - there needs to be a working master key coded to the car in order to programme other keys. There's a few possibilities:

- Can you get the immobiliser ECU from the car where you obtained the barrel and key? The replacement key will be coded to the ECU.

- Start again and get an ECU, barrel and key from a scrap Rav

- On some cars, an auto lock specialist can extract the immobiliser code from the ECU and programme a key accordingly. I've no idea if this is possible on your car and it would be worth talking to a local auto lock company (many are mobile)

- Get a locksmith to adjust the tumblers in your replacement lock to suit the original key - this is probably the cheapest / best solution - normally charge around £30 to do this. Then get a second key!

- Get a plain key cut from the replacement key and tape the head of the original key to it. Bit Heath Robinson but will allow the car to be used until you find another solution. Don't damage the original key until you've explored the previous solution.

[paul15]

A new barrel and key wouldn't help - there needs to be a working master key coded to the car in order to programme other keys. There's a few possibilities:

- Can you get the immobiliser ECU from the car where you obtained the barrel and key? The replacement key will be coded to the ECU.

- Start again and get an ECU, barrel and key from a scrap Rav

- On some cars, an auto lock specialist can extract the immobiliser code from the ECU and programme a key accordingly. I've no idea if this is possible on your car and it would be worth talking to a local auto lock company (many are mobile)

- Get a locksmith to adjust the tumblers in your replacement lock to suit the original key - this is probably the cheapest / best solution - normally charge around £30 to do this. Then get a second key!

- Get a plain key cut from the replacement key and tape the head of the original key to it. Bit Heath Robinson but will allow the car to be used until you find another solution. Don't damage the original key until you've explored the previous solution.

Thank you for you help I'll let you know resolution when I get it!

[imafifer]

Hi Paul 15, I have come across this problem many a time, And a simple 10 seconds cure

Is a good squirt of WD-40. The stickiness of the barrel is usually Due to dust and grit and heat

The WD 40 washes and lubricates and within 10 seconds you'll find out is like a new lock. I nearly 100% sure this will work. Jock

[Will E Reckit]

Where remote keys are concerned, If your replacement key has the same outer casing as the original then it is a simple matter of transferring the internal electronics module across from one key to the other.

This assumes that the transponder chip is inside the module. However, some keys have a seperate transponder chip which can be transferred independently. The small black transponder chip will always be found as close as possible to the key's blade.

John

[paul15]

Hi Paul 15, I have come across this problem many a time, And a simple 10 seconds cure

Is a good squirt of WD-40. The stickiness of the barrel is usually Due to dust and grit and heat

The WD 40 washes and lubricates and within 10 seconds you'll find out is like a new lock. I nearly 100% sure this will work. Jock

Thanks Jock!