Hello all. Last night I killed my battery accidentally after removing the key in the ACC position and letting it sit overnight.

I'm currently shopping lock cylinders and will probably get a local locksmith to key/program it to match. Before I go down that path, I just want to make sure this is not normal so I'll ask the dumb question:

Is the key only supposed to be removable in the OFF position only?

Thanks in advance.

--Jay

No the key should not be able to be removed in the ACC position. Also, buy a key cheap on ebay and program it yourself. Lots of info on key programming here and youtube. Save yourself some money.

are you sure the cylinder is the problem? is the key worn to the point it could have slipped out?

Already ordered a pair after searching and reading. I only got one key with it so I wanted to go ahead and get a new one + backup. Got FOBs too. Thanks for answering and for the suggestion.

No I'm not sure... The key is hecka worn and looks like it would start a car 30 years old. It has a dot on the blade so it should be an OEM master if I read correctly... It does not work in the door or liftgate, and has to be jiggled BIG TIME to open the glovebox (after locking it fairly easily with the same key).

It is hard for me to believe that this one-owner 4runner would've had the ignition cylinder replaced AND need another new one in less than 9 years. It just doesn't add up, but I've never heard of a worn key pulling out in ACC mode. Not turning I have seen, but not that.

I have a 2002 sport that has a key for the ignition, and a different key for the doors.

i think the key is the problem. i would get new ones cut and stop usingthe old one. also the new keys should work in the doors and glove box just fine. when i first got my 09 last year i could not use the key in the hatch. after a few tries it started to work and now i am able to open the doors and rear window no problem

That's interesting... I have two blanks on the way. Do you recommend just having someone like a hardware store/locksmith cut them or did you have the dealer cut them based on the VIN? I'd really like to avoid dealer expense as they quoted me $165 for a key and as you can imagine that rubbed me the wrong way.

I'll be anxious to see if that solves my ACC key removal "feature".

well if you get a key for cheap on ebay, get it cut cheap, test it and it doesnt work your out a few dollars. if you buy a key and have the dealer cut it and it doesnt work in the doors you just spent to much money. so i would go the cheaper way first its only keys.

My dealer cut the key for free and I programmed it myself. I just told them it was for an extra door lock key. Try the dealer then look up on line how to program it.

Agreed. I'll do one key cheap and see if it works all around and programs first.

I'll try this with the second key if plan A fails. Thanks!

Have a new key cut. Typically the keys wear out and start slipping out of the ignition more than the ignition cylinder failing. I would have a new key cut then see if that fixes the issue before going about a new cylinder. At the dealership I work at we typically have a "cheapo" non-chipped throw-away key cut to verify this and let the customer keep it for unlocking doors if they want.

Thanks for replying. Good to know that on a Toyota it is likely the key in this situation!

be sure to have it cut from the VIN number by the dealer
(don't copy a worn key)

This is absolutely true, you want a fresh key cut from the VIN and make sure you match it up to the old key (you are looking to make sure the ridges and valleys are in the same spots and are mirrored properly) because our key cutting machine in our part's department messes up sometimes, so not all machines work perfectly.

I appreciate what you guys are saying, but virtually no chance of me paying the dealer for that. They wanted to charge $60 ($80?) For a key. $190 for a key, a fob, and $65 in programming to make it work. I think I'll take my chances.

If I take it to them to cut, I'm sure I'll get the "we can't cut it because it isnt OE" spiel, or, "we can cut it for $40 but if it doesn't work you're SOL".

I need that money towards a timing belt.