Hi Folks,

I'm looking to replace the ignition/lock cylinder for my 98 Camry,
and wondering the options... should I get JUST the ignition lock,
or should I go for the doors, trunk, etc also.... Have had nothing but trouble since I tried to get a reputable hardware store to duplicate my key!

I just don't want to be one of those with 5 different keys for the car......lol!

Also, my girlfriend just picked up a 99 Corolla, and it only came with 1 key,
(it is a Toyota original key), and she would like a duplicate of it.............
Is there ANY place I can reliably go to get a double sided key cut- RIGHT?!

Thanks to everybody, and especially to Mr. Joey P!!
Sincerely Bob.

 

Call a Toyota dealer and ask if they are able to make a key for the car based on the VIN number. Making a key from a worn key can be trouble.

It will cost more but may solve some of your problems.

 

Thank you kind sir, we will do that for the 99 Corolla.
Also, what would you suggest for my 98 Camry lock(s)?

I'm leaning towards getting the ignition, doors, glove and trunk key/lock sets.
Its about $450+ from the dealer, OR would you just get the ignition lock cylinder-
(about 100$) and go from there as needed......??

Thanks again kind sir!!
Sincerely, Bob.

 

What is the problem with the Camry key? If the problems started after having a duplicate key made, again a dealer key made from the VIN may solve them. You can also try lubing the ign key lock with a dry film LOCK lube. Don't use WD-40 or other products besides dry lock lube.

Of if you prefer and your are OK with tools, you can change the locks yourself including ign key cylinder. Inserting the ign key, rotating to switch to ACC then pressing a pin on the side of the ign key barrel will allow the cylinder to come out. The pin is accessed by removing the covers on steering wheel console, easy enough to do.

For the drivers door the door panel would need to be removed.

There are after market ign and door lock cylinders available on Ebay or the internet. Plus if wanting a Toyota product, there are discount $$ Toyota parts dealer on the net.

If not wanting to change all locks on the Camry, might change the drivers door and ign key. The drivers door lock allows turning the key twice to unlock all doors. The trunk can be opened from inside the car. I have done this in past with cars and was never bothered that the key I was caring did not work on the other door or trunk.

However take note, it has happened the passenger compartment inside trunk opening system can fail, the result being you need to use the key to open the trunk to fix it. Keep the original key(s) in a safe place in case this happens.

As to the Corolla, cutting double side keys is common now and available in hardware stores and other locations. If the original key is not worn, you can try to make a dup. You might go to a lock smith just because they deal with locks only, and not hardware, light bulbs and keys.

Also take note if either the Camry or Corolla had or have both a Master key and Valet key. Typically the plastic on the Master key is black, the valet gray. The master key opens all locks, the valet key on works on the ign key and perhaps drivers door. This stated, test any keys you intent to make a duplicate from on each lock to make sure it works.

If having the Toyota dealer make a key, it will not matter. Then you want a master key.

 

I just had two keys made for my 2000 Camry at the local dealer.
$10 each. Just showed them my Vin number.

 

Thanks Toyomoho and SnoopyD!!


Toyo,

when I got the "copy" made at a reputable hardware store about 1+rs ago,
I had trouble with the key working correctly withing 3 weeks or so. At that point,
I went back to one of the factory keys I had, and within about a month or so,
the factory key started malfunctioning from time to time. The key only turns a
very short distance- and wont go any further, until I take the black topped
Master key, and insert it once or twice, then the ignition key works fine 100%.

I put some PB blaster in it from time to time, and will get the dry lube as you
suggested! I will also try to get a duplicate of the Camry and Corolla at the
dealer- will advise from there.... Thanx!!

Snoopy,

I am going to try that with my girls, and my car- that would be GREAT!!!!


Thanks again and again people, much MUCH appreciated!!!!!!
Sincerely, Bob.

 

Hey Toyo, SnoopyD, everybody...

I tried the powdered graphite, and it made the old key work a LOT better!
Say maybe 90% of the time better.... but I still wanted to get it *fixed*!!
Got a new key cut from the dealer ($21) a few days later, and was really
amazed at just how worn the old keys were!!!

The new key has worked 100% of the time, a huge thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely, Bob

 

Glad to help.

Thanks for posting back with the fix.