Ignition lock cylinder

JACOB WEED

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
260,000 MILES

My key will not go all the way into the lock position so my car will unlock automatically when I try to lock it when the doors are open. In order to lock my car I have to shit my doors and lock it from the outside with my key. This started happening after I replaced my old ignition lock cylinder

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,572 POSTS

It sounds like the cylinder wasn't installed with the lock rack in the correct position. When you remove it, it has to be in the ACC position. Then you install the new one in the same ACC position. If the internal parts move then the steering lock can jam the switch or the shift interlock solenoid can as well. Both will keep it from going all the way back to off.
To repair it you would need to remove the lock cylinder and rotate the rack in the bottom back to ACC, then reinstall the cylinder with it in the ACC position.
You did reprogram the system to use the new keys correct? If not then you may want a mobile locksmith to come out and check the system (or drive it to one) They can check to see if it is the cylinder or something else as well.

Image (Click to make bigger)