2012 4Runner locked and key won't insert fully

Hey there 4Runner forum experts!

I am new to owning a 4runner as I inherited it in February when my father passed. It's been an amazing vehicle except today.

I have 2012 that is locked and the dome light is blinking while it's clicking under the hood. The key fob will not unlock the vehicle nor does the key fit fully into the front driver door. The key did fit into the tailgate and turned but it did not unlock the vehicle.

I installed a remote start system on it that utilizes the original key to start by pressing the lock button three times, not sure if that matters or not.

Here are links to the two videos I took of the issue, the first is the clicking and second video is the done light blinking.

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TT72rtNs6vGXXzuDgNq-apzDeLHQcgur/view?usp=drivesdk
   
2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TSxEuJaX5FksgHmXLVLbBYmkmrxxmyER/view?usp=drivesdk

Has anyone encountered this before and/or heard about this issue?

Thanks!

 

What happens if you uninstall the remote start?

 

Sorry, those videos don't show much. Do you happen to have a second fob? Or checked the fob battery? Also, I see the truck is pretty snowed in...when was the last time you could get in with the fob or key?

 

I cannot get into the vehicle to uninstall the remote start.

The vehicle auto started using the key fob at 2:00 pm on 12/9. Then after work I could not get into the vehicle and heard it clicking. It clicks roughly every two seconds and the dome light blinks at the same time. I'll swap out the fob battery tomorrow and see if that does it. Still unsure why the key wouldn't go all the way into the door though or unsure why it turned in the tailgate but didn't open it.

Thanks gentlemen!!

 

The key fob red light does blink when I press the lock and unlock buttons so maybe the battery in the remote is good but I'll still try that tomorrow morning.

 

Kinda sounds like the remote start system got confused and is stuck in some sort of lockout mode. The remote start manual may have some troubleshooting help. One question though, did the remote start ever work correctly, or is this happening right after install?

In the meantime, keep trying to use the key to unlock the drivers side door. Also try the passenger door. When keys get old, they wear out. They end up only matching up best to the tumbler in the ignition, especially if the door tumbler is never used. Happens a lot since remote unlock has been a thing. It works in the hatch, which is a good sign. Maybe spray some wd40 on the key and keep gently trying to get it to turn.

Otherwise, open the hatch and crawl inside to the back door and unlock it.

 

The remote start has always worked since I installed it 5 months ago but I'll double check the manual to see if it has any troubleshooting. I was thinking maybe it somehow was causing the vehicle not to open but wouldn't think it would impact the door and hatch cylinders.

I am unable to get the hatch to open as the only key lock cylinders are on the driver door and hatch. I'll bring some wd-40 tomorrow in the AM along with a new battery

 

Is the key not working in the door because it physically cannot unlock the lock via the tumbler mechanism, or is the remote start system commanding the door to lock as you try to open it?

Also, I could have sworn you could unlock the hatch via the key. But since it opens through an electrical actuator, the remote start may be interfering with the hatch.

 

Could some one maliciously have pushed something into the lock?
I once was told a story about cold weather car unlocking and starting by putting a key into lock then heating it with a lighter,
I too like the idea of removing the remote start device completely.

 

The key doesn't seem to be going all the way into the driver door cylinder but unfortunately it doesn't turn. Unsure what is the exact culprit. How would I determine if it's the tumbler mechanism or if the remote start is preventing it from turning? Gonna try some wd-40 tomorrow am.

I honestly haven't ever used the key to unlock any of the doors as the fob unlock has always worked. I'll post a photo tomorrow of how deep the key goes into the cylinder.

 

I suppose it is possible that it's malicious but regardless I cannot remove the remote start as I can't get into the car as mentioned. This is the first time I've had issues with the remote start and ya this is a pain in the neck that's for sure.

 

If it doesn’t insert in the cylinder, lube it a little and gently insert, while moving it up and down slightly, like you’re picking a lock. Once in, try turning it and if doesnt go, then wiggle again gently, pull and push slightly on the key while you try to turn without actually pulling the key backwards…basically jimmy it around hoping it will engage all the little bits in the tumbler. It’s trial and error. Just don’t put so much force on it while you turn that you break the key off the plastic fob, or break the key itself.

You’ll only be able to tell if the remote start is keeping it locked if you can manage to turn the key first. If you turn the key and feel the power lock actuating against the key (or you hear the power lock actuate to keep it locked)…that’s the remote start preventing you from getting in.

 

It's gonna warm up a little tomorrow here in Denver so hopefully it may be a little easier. Thanks for the tips!

 

key turned in tailgate lowers tailgate window, if key turns but nothing happens it's probably something electrical, I would check battery first. I had issue when key didn't turn on the lock, I poured BreakFree CLP in the keyhole, waited for couple of hours and gently worked the key so finally lock started worked again. I guess there is some rust after not using it for long time. WD40 probably will do it too.

 

Hey gang the wd-40 worked to unlock the door and after checking under the hood there is some corrosion on the battery terminals.

Side note my father spent a ton of time driving on dirt roads so just assuming that coupled with the lack of use had caused quite a bit of debris to collect in there.

Thanks everyone for the ideas!

 

I use my tailgate key to lower and raise back window. I never paid any attention to what effect it has on lock.
Your difficulty is a big reminder to me to DIY a mechanical tail gate release posted a few years ago. I do not remember which 4runner forum had his photos "how to", but I printed some of the pics.

 

If you find a link, please post it, thanks.

 

Great news, thanks for updating the results. FYI, WD-40 tends to attract dirt. They do make lock specific lubricants that dry after application, and don't attract dust and dirt.

 

I have used graphite lubricant before on locks at my car wash but i had found that wd-40 had worked a bit better.

Cheers!

 

I do not know how to post an actual link, but here is a screen pic of a video of a DIY . Tie a cord/line to a lever in the latch mechanism.