'98 4Runner Ignition key won't turn

[Kennysmoke]

Today at work while climbing down a ladder my ignition key which was hanging off my belt loop got stuck in the ladder and got bent. I was able to straighten the key. It works perfectly on the door locks but will not turn the ignition cylinder. I went and had a new key cut from the original and still won't turn. Had a mobile locksmith come out to the job who claimed he could cut a new key using the numbers off the door lock tumbler. Still no joy. I bought a new ignition lock cylinder but in order to remove the old one the key needs to be turned to accessory. I'm at a loss as how to proceed. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Bad Luck]

[MENTION=216444]Kennysmoke[/MENTION] You can try getting a key cut at a toyota dealership off your VIN. They'll be able to pull up your key code and cut it. If that key works you can either program it as an additional key with some fancy footwork or use it to rotate the lock cylinder to get it out.

Not sure what year you have but this is the procedure for mine: 2000 4Runner Key Programming Instructions

 

[dogtail]

Here this may help. Your ignition may be jammed up from initially trying bent key, if the door locks work ok, this may be the case. Its common thing in many cars and they can be un-seized, this is where the steering wheel locks up and ignition wont turn.
You can spray in penetrating oil, (Triflo is recommended but WD-40 too if you cant get any), lightly tap on the key with a hammer and try turning the wheel. I helped a stranger I met on on side of road stuck with this very problem, got him started and he was able to drive away.
Here is a full video on a walk thru on this method, and shows you on cylinder removal as last resort.
YouTube

 

[oldmarsh]

my lock smith took the whole tumbler out and apart because toyota put extra pins not needed and been working for yrs.

 

[Kennysmoke]

Here this may help. Your ignition may be jammed up from initially trying bent key, if the door locks work ok, this may be the case. Its common thing in many cars and they can be un-seized, this is where the steering wheel locks up and ignition wont turn.
You can spray in penetrating oil, (Triflo is recommended but WD-40 too if you cant get any), lightly tap on the key with a hammer and try turning the wheel. I helped a stranger I met on on side of road stuck with this very problem, got him started and he was able to drive away.
Here is a full video on a walk thru on this method, and shows you on cylinder removal as last resort.
YouTube

I tried every trick I could find online last night and finally ended up having to drill out the cylinder to get it out... there was no way to get the key to turn to accessory to depress the hold in pin to slide out the old one. My advise to anyone having an intermittent issue with key not turning because of a worn key and cylinder don't wait until it won't turn to change it.

 

[Kennysmoke]

 

[Vansnxtweek]

Yikes! That'll do it! hahaha Glad you got it out man. I had a key getting really tough to turn the ignition with. Finally it just wouldn't go so I got in your same position. Got lucky and got it to turn once more and I pulled out the ignition. Your's is looking fresh again!

 

[brillo_76]

You can use powered graphite to lube your tumblers and see if that helps the locks. I mostly lube all the locks once or twice a year. That seems to keep the mechanisms good. I did have to change one cylinder because the PO left the tailgate lock rust solid from not lubing it. :]

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

 

[HiLife]

don't wait until it won't turn to change it.

That would be one of the worse situations for me to be in. Thanks for the wise words and warning.