The ignition crank shaft is broken inside the Steering Column Lock Assy. VERY CHEAP Design considering it’s a LEXUS… B) what happened to PURSUIT TO PERFECTION!!! :o 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 :D (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. :D 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.
Ignition: Key Turns But Does Not Engage
in 98 - 07 Lexus LX470
Posted
The ignition crank shaft is broken inside the Steering Column Lock Assy. VERY CHEAP Design considering it’s a LEXUS… B) what happened to PURSUIT TO PERFECTION!!! :o 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 :D (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. :D 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.