just to let you know if you eventually do replace it....it costs about $50+ (depending on year) for a new cylinder and key directly from toyota.....prices seem to be about the same from all the local and national auto places. i stupidly lost my key and toyota couldn't come up with a new one and locksmith around here wanted the same as a new cylinder just to get a new key. i got impatient so a big ole screwdriver worked to get the old one out. anyway...i'm babbling...just glad you didn't have to go through the aggravation i did. have fun <img border="0" alt="[Hillbilly]" title="" src="graemlins/notooth.gif" />