1999 Es300 - Key Wont Fit All The Way In The Ignition

[Kort Schubert]

Last night I went to start my 1999 Lexus ES300 and the key wouldn't fit all the way in the ignition. It would go in about half way and then get stuck. The steering wheel is locked and the brake pedal seems firm when I press down on it. Could this be an issue with the pins in my ignition column? Do I need to get it towed or are there ways to troubleshoot to get the key to insert properly? I drove the car just a day ago and everything was working fine.

[lenore]

Try some graphite powder on the key and insert it in and out...see if it loosens things up....

[pj8708]

Last night I went to start my 1999 Lexus ES300 and the key wouldn't fit all the way in the ignition. It would go in about half way and then get stuck. The steering wheel is locked and the brake pedal seems firm when I press down on it. Could this be an issue with the pins in my ignition column? Do I need to get it towed or are there ways to troubleshoot to get the key to insert properly? I drove the car just a day ago and everything was working fine.

Welcome to the LOC.

If the graphite doesn't work, check first with your dealer for a reputable lock-smith. It could be a problem with the brake-ingnition iinterlock that locks up the steering wheel, or the tumblers in the key lock.

Paul