Avensis 2003-08 Ignition Key Will Not Go Into Barrel

[mka]

Hi

My ignition key will not go into the barrel without a struggle. Lock works fine when key is in, but it is getting more difficult to insert the key and today I was almost stranded because of this problem.

Is there any way of lubricating the lock?

Thanks

[PhilGee]

I've seen a few where the ignition barrel internals fall to bits. Could be the case which means you'll need a new barrel unfortunately.

[mka]

I've seen a few where the ignition barrel internals fall to bits. Could be the case which means you'll need a new barrel unfortunately.

Thanks Phil,

I thought there may be some silicon spray/ white grease available which is supposed to be better than WD40 and not mess up the lock- but if it means a new barrel I may as well try using a bit of WD40 and see what happens - nothing lost.

[Heidfirst]

try some graphite

[mka]

try some graphite

Good one! gave it a go this morning and it has certainly helped - key goes in more smoothly but still seems to stick at the same place, although will go past it now with less force.

Will try rubbing the key with the old pencil every time we use it to get some more graphite in.

Thanks for your help, feel more confident about going off for the weekend now.

[Heidfirst]

have you tried another key?

perhaps that 1 has a kink or something?

[toyotat3x]

Hi

My ignition key will not go into the barrel without a struggle. Lock works fine when key is in, but it is getting more difficult to insert the key and today I was almost stranded because of this problem.

Is there any way of lubricating the lock?

Thanks

[mka]

have you tried another key?

perhaps that 1 has a kink or something?

Yes tried both remote control fob keys and also the extra key without the remote control (which has never been used) and all are the same.

Over the last couple of days using the graphite method, the sticking seems to be getting easier, will keep using the pencil and keep my fingers crossed!!

Cheers

[junebug1701]

have you tried another key?

perhaps that 1 has a kink or something?

Yes tried both remote control fob keys and also the extra key without the remote control (which has never been used) and all are the same.

Over the last couple of days using the graphite method, the sticking seems to be getting easier, will keep using the pencil and keep my fingers crossed!!

Cheers

Go to a hardware store and get a small tube of powdered graphite. It works much better than a pencil, and it's very inexpensive. Insert the nozzle into the lock and squeeze a little cloud of graphite in there. It will get into every nook and cranny and the lock will be smooth as silk.

[mka]

Go to a hardware store and get a small tube of powdered graphite. It works much better than a pencil, and it's very inexpensive. Insert the nozzle into the lock and squeeze a little cloud of graphite in there. It will get into every nook and cranny and the lock will be smooth as silk.

Just a quick update, problem now resolved. The pencil method eased the situation considerably, but I have bought some micro fine graphite powder as suggested and the lock is indeed as smooth as silk - as are the locks throughout our house!!

Many thanks junebug1701 - am a convert to graphite powder now!!!!!

[Crustyoldavensis]

Mine is a 04/05 Avensis T25.

The barrel is easy to get out. I lubed mine a few times from the keyway but it didn't help for long. 

In the end I pulled it out, blew it through thoroughly with electrical cleaner and wd40. (Or whatever it was I had to hand, possibly carb cleaner)

The key needs to be in the barrel to remove it. Just doing that took me longer than removing/cleaning and reinstalling the barrel. Due to this I would recommend doing it now when you can get the key in.

Still fine two years on.

[Guest]

Just thought I'd add to this for anyone in the future, making sure the key is perfectly flat / straight will also help. Sometimes they can get bent from everyday use and this will cause them to be difficult to insert / remove.