2005 Camry XLE start problem

[patbf]

Anyone have an idea what the problem is where without warning the vehicle will not engage from the ignition key? The instrumentation lights turn on at one point, then as the key is further rotated turn off.

At one point in the key rotation, they lights come on then as the key is turned a bit more they turn off. The battery is fine, the interior lights are bright, but when the key is turned to the full on position, no ignition occurs and the lights go off, with the overhead turning to very dim.

If the key is in the position of rotation where the lights come on, all systems appear to be working. The radio/cd works fine, etc. But touch the brakes, and all goes off without further rotating the key.

At the full on / start position, nothing happens at all -- no clicks, no noise, no action towards ignition. Everything just goes dark. In the dash, the cd changer starts making noise then stops.

I suspect something is wrong with the ignition/key mechanism, or a short of some sort. But this has never happened before and was without any apparent reason.

[patbf]

Update on start problem:
Toyota Dealer says bring it on in!
Explained it would not get out of park without power.
They said they'd send a wrecker right over.
The wrecker upon arriving to pick it up says -- it's the battery!
Wife explained the neighbor checked it over with ohmmeter, lights come on strong, no corrosion on the terminals or cables, battery shows to have good charge, etc. .He said emphatically -- it's the battery! It's probably got a bad cell, and otherwise looks good. Paid him his minimum fee, and took it to get a battery. Sure enough, new battery in, it's good to go. Battery dealer checked and found a bad cell in the original one.
Would have cost $80 for disgnostic and cost of battery and labor and wrecker.

So, to all you helpfull, honest wrecker drivers out there, Thanks!