Experiencing issues with your 2013 Toyota Highlander Key Fob and mechanical key, especially after a vehicle collision, can be frustrating. This article delves into a peculiar problem encountered by a Toyota Highlander owner following a deer accident and subsequent body repairs. We will explore the symptoms, potential causes, and troubleshooting steps related to key fob and mechanical key malfunctions in this specific Toyota model.
The owner of a 2013 Toyota Highlander LE reported a strange issue after their vehicle underwent $6500 worth of body repairs at a Toyota dealership due to a deer collision impacting the front driver’s side. After getting the Highlander back, a series of electrical and access problems surfaced. Initially, the rear hatch failed to open using the exterior button. Subsequently, after turning off the vehicle to troubleshoot the hatch, the battery seemed to drain completely, preventing the car from starting.
Upon attempting to manually unlock the doors with both the master key and the wife’s master key, neither mechanical key would work in the door locks. However, the key fob still functioned, successfully unlocking the doors remotely. A new battery was installed, and the vehicle started, showing a healthy charging voltage of 14V. However, after a brief run, the engine shut off with a “turned engine off, steering will be harder” message, before restarting and running normally again. Despite these electrical quirks being resolved, the mechanical keys stubbornly refused to unlock or lock the doors, while the key fob, remote starter (Viper), and door switches all continued to operate the locks correctly.
This situation raises several questions about potential causes. Could the deer accident have physically damaged the door locking mechanisms, even with body repairs completed? Is there an underlying electrical issue stemming from the accident or the battery drain that is affecting the mechanical key system specifically? Or could this be a peculiar electronic glitch triggered by the dead battery event?
Troubleshooting this issue requires a systematic approach. While the key fob relies on electronic signals to control the door locks, the mechanical key should bypass the electronic system and directly operate the lock cylinder. The fact that the key fob and door switches work suggests the door lock actuators are functional. Therefore, the problem likely lies within the mechanical linkage between the lock cylinder and the door lock actuator, or potentially within the lock cylinder itself.
Here are some potential areas to investigate:
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Mechanical Damage from Accident: Even though body repairs were performed, it’s possible that the deer impact caused subtle damage or misalignment to the door structure or the mechanical linkages within the door. A thorough inspection of the door lock mechanism, both internally and externally, is warranted. This includes checking for any bent rods, loose connections, or obstructions within the door cavity.
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Lock Cylinder Issue: It’s less likely, but the lock cylinder itself could be damaged or malfunctioning. Perhaps debris or damage from the accident is preventing the key from properly engaging the cylinder mechanism. A locksmith or Toyota technician could inspect the lock cylinder to rule out this possibility.
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Electrical System Anomaly: While the mechanical key system is designed to be independent, it’s not entirely impossible for an electrical issue to indirectly interfere. The initial battery drain and subsequent engine shut-off incident suggest potential electrical fluctuations. Although the key fob works, a deeper diagnostic scan of the vehicle’s electrical system might reveal fault codes or abnormalities that could be related.
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Aftermarket Remote Starter (Viper) Interference: While the owner states the remote starter still functions correctly, aftermarket systems can sometimes introduce unforeseen issues, especially after vehicle repairs or electrical events. It might be worth temporarily disconnecting the Viper system to see if it has any impact on the mechanical key operation, although this is less likely to be the root cause given the symptoms.
In conclusion, the 2013 Toyota Highlander experiencing mechanical key failure after a deer accident and body repair presents a complex situation. The fact that the key fob and electronic locking mechanisms are functional points towards a localized issue with the mechanical key system itself, potentially stemming from physical damage or misalignment caused by the collision. A detailed inspection by a qualified mechanic or Toyota service technician is recommended to diagnose the precise cause and restore full functionality to both the electronic and mechanical key access systems of this 2013 Toyota Highlander.
