This is different than the "stuck in ACC position" which I also have already had a few years ago, and replaced the entire ignition set. Now, I just had to have it towed because when i turned the key, it just sort of spins past everything, car doesn't start. Radio won't go on. Lights inside the car and headlights will go on. Seat warmers will not go on. Windows will not open. It feels like the key is simply not engaging anything when you turn it.

I had it towed to my driveway in San Francisco. Any troubleshooting ideas??

Thanks!

the linkage behind the key cyclinder is broken

Any suggestions about what i need to do to fix? Lexus is saying to replace the entire ignition cylinder & key which was REALLY expensive last time. I've had it do the "stuck in ACC position" TWICE already! This is the third time this ignition has failed. Doesn't that seem outrageous for an 01? And they keep making me pay for it which also seems insane.

I'd rather not have them replace the whole ignition cylinder if i don't need to.

Thanks
Laura

I had the same thing happen to my '97 LX470 in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere about 2 years ago. The cam shaft that extends from the ignition switch to the electrical contacts broke. It cost me about $600 to get it fixed at the Toyota dealer.

If i say the linkage behind the key cyclinder is broekn what do you think you need to do?

the point of my reply which was obviously not clear is that it sounds like there are a few possible outcomes for that issue. My question, ill framed, was whether i have to let Lexus replace the entire ignition cylinder etc. for $1200 like last time, or if the "linkage behing the key cylinder" is a smaller issue.

So far I dont feel very comfortable with lexus so I want to make sure I understand the issue as well as i can before I hand it over for this issue for the third time in 4 years.

thanks Nuken Geek..that's helpful, I'll check it out with Toyota.

Take a look yourself to see where it is broken.
Also a few searches may show where others have previously fix it with JB weld with pics, it is common.

The ignition crank shaft is broken inside the Steering Column Lock Assy. VERY CHEAP Design considering it’s a LEXUS… what happened to PURSUIT TO PERFECTION!!! I think the Engineers dropped the ball on this one…the shaft should be a machined part not CAST ALUMINUM(easily breaks). You will need to buy a new assy. (Bracket Assembly P/N: 45280-60510 cost appr. $302.21 CDN ) at Lexus Dealer and 2 Cap Screw bolts (it has a Allen key head on it – size M8 x 1.00 X 20mm) to replace the breakaway bolt so its easier the next time you have to replace it (cost appr. $0.96 ea at Canadian Tire/Hardware store).

To replace you'll need to remove the black snap-on panel below speedometer then remove the screws securing the dash panel below the steering wheel. Behind the dash panel is a steel plate. Remove that and remove the steering column covers by turning the steering wheel to access the screws. You'll see that the SCLA is secured by 2 break-away bolt (this is an anti-theft feature—I don’t think a thief would take 15-30 mins to disassemble the lower dash assembly to get access to the ignition switch... even then he can crank the engine but wont start due to the ELECTRONIC anti-theft on the Key cylinder, thats why i replaced mine with the Allen head bolts). Use a straight awl to make a dimple in the 2 bolts and then drill it out starting with a small drill 5/32” then 3/16” then 7/32” about a ¼ “ deep or a bit more till the head of the breakaway bolt snaps off…allowing the SCLA to be removed. The use of a 90 Degree angle Drill works the best since there is not much room and short drill bits. The notch in the screw head to remove with a flathead screwdriver is NOT GONNA WORK…the bolt is in there really tight.

If you prefer you can remove the whole steering column (MAKE SURE TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG—see your owners Manual for SRS fuses about 6 of them (under dash and under hood and disconnect the battery and wait 2 mins) to get more access when drilling…by removing the bolt at the bottom on the U-Joint and the 4 Nuts holding the column to the dash…but make sure to put the steering back in the same position…remove it with the wheel facing straight forward…also remove the wiper/light/tilt steering switches to avoid damaging them if you’re going this route. Remove the broken SCLA and remove the ignition switch & key fob electronics; Ignition Cylinder (this comes off with the key in ACC position and pushing down on a pin on the casing and pulling the cylinder out); and install into new SCLA. And install back onto column with the new cap screw bolts…so much easier with the Allen head on it. And finish off with the re-installation of all the wiring and panels. If your mechanically incline this should take about 2-3 hrs. and save you $300-400 in labor cost.

- Part numbers are same at Toyota and Lexus dealers.

Braket assembly/Steering Column Lock Assy: 45280-60510

If you prefer OEM Steering Lock Bolt: 45897-12020 (qty. 2)

Aftermarket Cap Screw Bolt (Allen head on it) M8 X 1.00 X 20mm (qty. 2)

I know this will help because i just finished the job on a 2001 LX470.