vman_dman

The ignition switch was stuck just to the right of the off position on my 2000 RX300. The radio/etc monitor screen stayed on and the warning beep kept sounding like the key was still in the ignition. I cold not turn the key to start, or turn to off, shift lever was stuck in park and the doors would not lock with the remote key. Before researching on this site, I had the plastic removed down to the bare heavy metal key/ignition assembly, even tried to remove the innards but could not get it to free up. Was pondering the lock smith route and wondering how much this was going to cost. Then I researched the issue on the internet and was amazed that this is a common problem. Blessed be the hammer trick. I sort of did not do it right the first time, and pounded more than was needed because shallow penetration did not work, I could not get the key in to the full depth so shallow penetration with a screw driver was useless. What I had to do, and it was risky with a $400 key, was put the key in as far as it would go, then tap with the hammer gently until it inserted deep, all the way, then it all freed up like a ice jam in the spring. Just to help loosen things up I squirted some graphite in and worked it a little. I am going to carry a hammer as a precaution, because if this would have happened some where else besides in the garage, and I didn't know what I know now, it would have been a tow and big bucks for a stupid design flaw.