Help! Ignition key won't turn. Rig stuck across town

[Arv]

Keys will turn enough to unlock steering wheel but won't get to ACC so I can't push on the pin underneath to release the cylinder.

Can I drill out the pin that you push in? Will this ruin it? I' ve seen posts where people drill out the cylinder itself does this mean I have to get a new cylinder instead of getting the tumblers re-done?

I've WD-40 and hit with rubber mallet key in and without.

Back story, old key was catching so I decided to have Toyota cut a key via VIN. They didn't have an OEM key so they cut me an Ilco generic key. That worked great. They when they got the OEM key in I got another one. That one got stuck at first that I had a hard time pulling it out. Apparently the moron cut the OEM key from the other new key and not by VIN. Lazy bastard, he had to get approval to cut a key from VIN so he took the easy way. So I had to go back and he had to re cut the key using the VIN.

Time to call a locksmith? I'd rather get the thing out and bring it to them but if I can't get the thing out then I don't have a choice.

edit: tried original valet key (didn't have the old master with me that's worn out), new OEM and Ilco VIN master cut keys.

 

[Arv]

Plan B how to drill out cylinder to get car home

In case there is no inexpensive way to get the cylinder out. I'm guessing calling a mobile locksmith would be expensive. Do I start will a small drill bit and go bigger and bigger until I can turn the cylinder with a screw driver?

Still hoping for a non-destructive solution so I can just have the cylinder re-keyed.

 

[jgue467]

Mine did the same years ago, called mobile guy, he said he'd 'break' it (small pin inside causing issue) instead of replacing whole lock (cheaper) for $75, it added a new feature. Now the key can be removed in any position, running or not. He did not drill anything, stuck a tool inside an snapped to one side.

I'd call a Pro, it's easier, will only happen once. Luck.

 

[Devbot]

Have you tied wiggling the steering wheel back and forth? I have an aftermarket key and this happens to me somewhat frequently, though I'm not sure if it's to the same degree.
Might be a stupid question but it's something not many think of.

 

[plcfcng]

Jgue is right I had this happen to a Honda Accord get to a Automotive lock smith or have them come to you. i had purchased a new lock from napa I could have switched it out myself but then I would have two keys and did not want that. The lock smith said he could have fixed the old one but he just re-keyed the new one. :surfer:

 

[kyrin]

If wiggling the steering wheel back and forth doesn't work probably the shifter. Slam the shifter in park a couple times and should come unstuck.

 

[Arv]

Mine did the same years ago, called mobile guy, he said he'd 'break' it (small pin inside causing issue) instead of replacing whole lock (cheaper) for $75, it added a new feature. Now the key can be removed in any position, running or not. He did not drill anything, stuck a tool inside an snapped to one side.

I'd call a Pro, it's easier, will only happen once. Luck.

Do you know what he called this procedure ? I will call around this morning and see how much they charge. I wonder if my friends' AAA would cover this?

I ordered an OEM cylinder last night and should be here Tuesday. Now debating between drilling the cylinder or the pin to get the old one out.

 

[Arv]

If wiggling the steering wheel back and forth doesn't work probably the shifter. Slam the shifter in park a couple times and should come unstuck.

We were at it for a few hours 1st with the Ilco key then the other two keys so yes we wiggled the steering wheel.

I think I will try to jack up the front to take the load off the front wheels and try moving the shifter too.

 

[Arv]

pull key slightly out while turning

Thanks for all the suggestions!

So I brought all my tools, drill, and my freakin heavy floor jack. First thing I did was lube it up with more WD40. Dropped the steering wheel like someone suggested on another thread here, which makes no sense since the ignition is not on the steering column lol. Tried a 4th key, the worn out master key and used it to move the tumblers by pulling it in and out swiftly multiple times. No go.

Tried my old valet key and I think the quick sliding it in and pulling the key out while turning did the trick!

I noticed the cylinder looked like it was pushed in a little bit that's why I tried to pull the key a bit while turning. What a difference working during the day vs night.

But I think the WD40 working overnight and the 90+ degrees during the day helped loosen things a bit! good thing I have Husky liners because there was a ton of WD40 that dripped on it.

 

[4flyer]

I have a similar issue sometimes. If the car does not detect that you are properly in park (due to bad electrical contact), then the key will not turn from ACC. When this happens to me, I put the truck in reverse and then very gently and slowly put it into the park position. Works for me 100% of the time 70% of the time.

 

[Devbot]

Mine did the same years ago, called mobile guy, he said he'd 'break' it (small pin inside causing issue) instead of replacing whole lock (cheaper) for $75, it added a new feature. Now the key can be removed in any position, running or not. He did not drill anything, stuck a tool inside an snapped to one side.

I'd call a Pro, it's easier, will only happen once. Luck.

I used to think this was a major security concern, but after riding in my buds clapped out Pathfinder (that can be started with a screwdriver), being able to lock your truck and walk away while still running seems like an unexpected "luxury" for sure!