QuestionWOW! Thanks for the quick response Ted, but the problem with that is I bought the car as a Salvage due to Theft and I had two sets of keys, one for and another for the ignition itself-leading me to believe that the ignition lock was most likely damaged in the theft and replaced. Is there any other way to get the ignition lock out without the key?
In another of your answers to someone with a similar problem, you stated that the lock could be drilled out...is this something I could do myself since I'm a college student with an EXTREMELY tight budget?
Thanks, Hans
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Followup To
Question -
Hi, The key to my 1997 Rav 4 was recently stolen and I want to replace the key and tumbler part of the ignition since I suspect that whoever has the key might come back and try to steal the car. I read in another of the questions you answered that the only way the assembly can be pulled out is to turn the key to ACC, then depress the pin on the underside of the ignition and pull the whole assembly out. How would I go about getting the tumbler out with no key?
Answer -
There is a very simple solution to your dilemma, get the VIN# from the label on the door, take it to the toyota dealer parts department, they can get the key code from the vin# and then should be able to cut a key for the ignition lock cylinder, after that you can turn it to the acc position and remove it.
You may have to have some sort of proof that you are the owner so bring ID and anything else that will identify you as the owner of the vehicle,like the registration papers.
Answerdrilling the lock cylinder out is messy and tedious and you have to do it exactly right or you can render the entire lock useless, I recommend having the toyota dealer do this or a locksmith, I know it will cost you some money but unless you have experience doing this I would not recommend doing this yourself,time to call your parents for some financial assistance?
