I own a Toyota Avalon 97. Even its high mileage everything is fine until last night when I couldn't turn my key to ignite. Only about 10 some dgree is turned by the key but the battery never is on. Is this a some kind of lock problem? Is it can be fixed by non-locksmith like me? Thanks for help. Xiaojiang Song

Common problem the lock wears out and wont turn a replacement lock at auto parts store is about 100.00 dollars problem is if you have a transponder key the new lock comes with a plain key so when you change it the car wont start the way around this is what i did 2 months ago to my own car 1998 camry ( same car ) you need to take the bottom cover of the dash under the steering column off there is a little hole in the steering column under the key lock its a button up there your supposed to push when the key is in the on position but the problem is it wont turn so you have to drill it out its a hardned pin to prevent theft use a cobalt drill bit i think its 3/16 or close to it before you do this disconnect battery remove the little box from key lock under dash it has small phillips screws and the electrical ignition switch from the back of the ignition lock than drill till you can pop out the ignition lock you have to pop off the cover around the lock it has the green coil light in it when you turn on the key it lights thats the transponder coil for the computer now turn the key in the new lock on and slide it in reassemble everything connect battery turn key make sure it cranks but it you have anti theft key it wont start cut your old key apart carefully and take out the transponder chip cut a hole in the new key to glue in the chip and car will start now if you have transponder key you are looking at about 600.00 from dealer if you have a standard key its about 400.00 hope this helps