Steering/ignition locked.
 

Ok, my gf parked funny and somehow got the steering wheel and ignition locked. The wheel is turned about 30 degrees to the right but is locked. You can move it easily side to side for about an inch or two . I've tried everything to try to get the key to turn.

I moved the wheel to the right while turning the key and nuthing happens. It's not the key because I went to the dealership and got a new key made from my vin number. So what am I to do?

did you try to move the wheel to right first...hold it there...then turn the key? that is what's most likely the problem...i've never heard of a steering wheel not coming unlocked after doing this

Been trying but nothing happens. Could it be the ignition? Or the Steering Column?...6 other guys even tried.

Sorry man...i've never heard of anything like this before...but i do know one thing for sure.....i bet your gf is never driving your 'runner again! haha
:D

It is normal for the wheel to lock ilke this. I remember way back in the day when my parents first got a new 995 4Runner SR5. My mom drove it for the first time --- and lets just say we were stuck in the mall parking lot for an hour while she tried to figure out how to get the steering wheel "unstuck". Just turn the steering wheel --- and while holding it in a turned position, turn the key in the ignition. It takes a little getting used to .... cause the 4Runner seems to lock pretty hard sometimes.


BTW : A quick read of the instruction manual would have solved your problem .... :)

Well...I got 3 mechanics to come out and look at it. One said to just break the ignition with a screwdriver and drive it like that. Another said he'd change the ignition for $250 but no guaranty that it would unlock the steering wheel. Toyota said to tow it in there and let them do whatever it takes for $250-$400.

I looked, and I couldn't find anything about this in my 06 4Runner Owners Manual. Got this clip from a Tacoma manual:

When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the

Thanx...I tried it...nothing...this is aggrivating because i love this damn truck. I give up...imma let toyota come and get it. Thanx anyway guys!

sorry we couldn't help out man....but post what the problem was just so the rest of us know.

yea its annoying when that happens...but why does that happen?

You should try disconnecting the negative battery cable under the hood for a few hours to see if it resets. This may be an ECU/security system issue. This old trick works often and saves you money from being hacked by the stealership.

Good luck...

Steering column locked
 

The steering wheel column on my 2003 4Runner is locked. Neither the ignition
key nor the steering wheel will turn. The car is parked on a slope with the front
wheels angled into the curb, so the weight of the truck is likely part of the
problem. Is there a release or other way to unlock the steering column?

Worn out tumbler
 

Spray some WD-40 into the ignition and work the key in and out. At that age the tumblers and springs start to wear in the ignition. If still having issues after working in the 40, pound the top of the key while in the ignition should free up the pins. If these work definitely worn ignition, if not still could be issue, but not sure. A lock smith can come to,the car and change the ignition in 30-45 minutes.

switch/starter
 

Got an issue with my 98 runner. I have had some problems with the starter for some time (turn the key completely to the right but nothing happens, have to try it 5-10 times before it turns over) but have put off replacing it for a few months. Now my ignition switch is giving me crap. !I need this fixed to get to class in the morning! I got in my car and turned the switch and it turned about an inch to the right & the steering wheel came unlocked and the switch wouldn't turn to the right anymore. I would lock the wheel back and try it again. Tried it multiple times with no solution. I am parked kind of funny, but I can't move it because I can't put it into gear. I'm in college and so broke that i cant afford a trip down memory lane so I have put off replacing the starter for as long as possible. Now with this issue, i plan on replacing the starter this weekend and now the switch too, if y'all don't have any tips.

Thought i should mention my mom was the last to drive it..........LOL