Key wont unlock/lock door

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

I purchased a second hand prado in January and have been unable to get the key to manually unlock the door. As the fob works fine it's not been an issue... until today when a fob battery was too flat to unlock. I tried the key again without success... am i doing something wrong? I check the manual and tried everything, but I just cant get the door to unlock with the key.

Anyone else experienced this?

[MacroP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MacroP]

You had me thinking if I mine worked so I tried it. Mine worked. Clockwise to unlock but I noticed that is was very notchy when turning. The key turned maybe 30 degrees but I had to turn it past a sticky point a little further with more force to unlock. Barrel was obviously sticky. I've never used it to be honest. Do note if you use the key with a flat battery in the fob there is a special procedure to disable the security. It's in the manual but I remember you have to place the fob up against the start button or something.

[ryzee Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ryzee]

When I brought my prado I noticed 1 of the fob remote keys was uncut, this caught me out with the spare wheel lock when getting new tyres, has your key got jaggered grooves in it or just a single groove down centre.

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

Ive turned it all the way (and then some) I get nothing... and definitely cut (just double checked, always second guessing myself!). There must be a problem with it... have to put it on the list for its first service (since I bought it). Can't wait to here how much it'll cost to fix from Toyota...

[Hogey66 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hogey66]

Had much the same problem with my 120. Graphite powder in the door lock and work the key a bit and it freed up.

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

It was mentioned to me that you have to turn it, then turn it again and hold... seemed odd, but this didnt work either (just incase it is a method you are supposed to use). Can't imagine the barrels have been changed or anything, knowing the history of the car (rough history), its flawless appearance on purchase and its very thorough service history - beautiful example of a second hand car - but obviously something i will need to look into a little further.

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

Ill try the graphite tomorrow, it doesn't feel sticky (in fact, quiet the opposite - it doesn't grab at all), but worth a shot!

[Guest Close Guest]

Maybe the barrel is disconnected inside the door if you're not feeling some resistance.

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

Looks like some panels are coming off... That does sound like it could be the issue. Im assuming the cut key wouldn't even turn id it wasn't the correct key (which was my initial conern). Has anyone had the door trim off to see inside the drivers door (and locking mechanism)? Is it hard to get to?

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

I had the same problem. I could get the key in but turning it did nothing. The lock was jammed up with dust, they fixed it during a service.

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

OK, I've tried the Graphite and no change. I popped off the little grommet on the door and took a look, I could see the barrel turning when I turned the key but couldn't see anything else without taking all the door apart, I think I will leave it for Toyota to deal with. Ill have a chat to the dealership where I purchased the car, they are in Coffs Harbour, and see what they can recommend as the best course of action.

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

I've taken the whole door trim off and had a good look. The locking mechanism is in such a location, that access is very very difficult. I can see the barrel rotating fine, I can feel around it and can feel anything at all attached to the barrel - so it can turn itself stupid, but its not moving anything at all. AMTS theory seems to be what it is;

Maybe the barrel is disconnected inside the door if you're not feeling some resistance.

It looks like I will have to get Toyota to take a look, I don't want to break anything which will end up voiding any dealer warranties in regards to getting it corrected. It's in such a tight location, that Im not even sure how the hell they are going to fix it. Ill post back once I have it fixed.

[antd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close antd]

I forgot to post back... Toyota fixed it, the barrel was disconnected... learned quickly that by opening with the key, the alarm goes off... shouldn't have tested it at midnight.

[DoorsOfGuf Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close DoorsOfGuf]

If the key is not unlocking the door, the issue could be a faulty key fob battery, or a problem with the keyless entry antenna or wiring. It's possible that the key fob is broken or that the unlock button is broken. Use the lock, trunk release, or panic buttons if all else fails. If all of the other buttons function properly, the issue is most likely a faulty unlock button. If it doesn't work after changing the battery, then only with the help of a locksmithing service like locksmithsingapore.sg you will be able to unlock the door.