Ignition cylinder issue?

RPTFE00

New member
So I have a 2000 4Runner that has this issue that just started yesterday, I went to get in my truck and start it, but it wouldn't go all the way in the slot and wouldn't turn, almost as if the tumblers inside were stuck. Anyone else have this problem, and have a fix for it?? Or am I alone here? Any help would be appreciated.! I park it in a garage so it's not like someone tried to start it with a screwdriver or something. Thanks guys!
 
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Mine did the same thing several years ago. I called a mobile locksmith, who said it either needed a new cylinder (expensive) or he could 'fix' it by snapping the stuck parts out for a whole lot less ($50), i went that route.

He told me it would have a 'new' feature afterwards - the key can be removed at anytime - so that is super handy when needing other keys on the set - no need to shut engine down. Luck. :cowboy:
 
Mine did the same thing several years ago. I called a mobile locksmith, who said it either needed a new cylinder (expensive) or he could 'fix' it by snapping the stuck parts out for a whole lot less ($50), i went that route.



He told me it would have a 'new' feature afterwards - the key can be removed at anytime - so that is super handy when needing other keys on the set - no need to shut engine down. Luck. :cowboy:


That's what I'm afraid of. Cause I don't want my Toyota to be like an older GM where you need two keys. One for the doors, and one for ignition. Haha but I might have to go option 2 because I know one day it just not gonna fit and not start.
 
Oh didn't mean to confuse - it still uses the same keys - he just 'fixed' it by breaking out the stuck parts. It still requires the correct (original) keys to start and turn off, just that the key is now removeable while the engine is on, everyone seems to like that feature! He said it was fairly common on those toyo years....
 
Oh I understood haha I was saying that I don't want to go the new cylinder route because of the key mixup. So I'll probably just go the route that you did with the "new" feature. Is it still only able to turn with the correct key, or is it that you can stick any key shaped object in there and start it? Thanks!
 
... Is it still only able to turn with the correct key, or is it that you can stick any key shaped object in there and start it? Thanks!

Yes, you'll still need the correct keys (same ones) you use now; another key will not work so no worry's about becoming easier to steal. Now you can leave it running while you go grab the mail or something...
 
Oh I understood haha I was saying that I don't want to go the new cylinder route because of the key mixup. So I'll probably just go the route that you did with the "new" feature. Is it still only able to turn with the correct key, or is it that you can stick any key shaped object in there and start it? Thanks!

No, no, no

You can have either your old cylinder fixed with new wafers and be pretty much brand new or you can get a new cylinder and have the locksmith change over the wafers to match your old set of keys, lol, no need to carry two sets of keys!
 
Yes, you'll still need the correct keys (same ones) you use now; another key will not work so no worry's about becoming easier to steal. Now you can leave it running while you go grab the mail or something...


Haha that does sound like a useful feature! I lock my head unit to my radio in my glove box, but forget it sometimes when I start my truck. Lol
 
No, no, no



You can have either your old cylinder fixed with new wafers and be pretty much brand new or you can get a new cylinder and have the locksmith change over the wafers to match your old set of keys, lol, no need to carry two sets of keys!


Oh! Well you learn something new every day! Thank you! Guess that's why I'm not a locksmith.
 
One thing you might want to check out is "split wafers". More so then not, that is what your problem is, they are notorious for misalignment within the cylinder when age is a factor. They will be the one thing that strands you 20 miles in a trail run and no way to get around them once they fail. Good news is, you can just ask your locksmith to leave those wafers out, they will not cause any problems once removed. And any thief worth his weight knows these trucks have split wafers and so it would be pointless to try and pick the ignition over, you just can't pick the split wafers, so you need not worry that they would try. Splits would still be used today in new vehicles if not for the poor performance, they just fail wat to easily.
 
One thing you might want to check out is "split wafers". More so then not, that is what your problem is, they are notorious for misalignment within the cylinder when age is a factor. They will be the one thing that strands you 20 miles in a trail run and no way to get around them once they fail. Good news is, you can just ask your locksmith to leave those wafers out, they will not cause any problems once removed. And any thief worth his weight knows these trucks have split wafers and so it would be pointless to try and pick the ignition over, you just can't pick the split wafers, so you need not worry that they would try. Splits would still be used today in new vehicles if not for the poor performance, they just fail wat to easily.


I'll probably just do that, and then just for safe measure (cause I'm sickly in love with my runner) I'll just install some kill switch. It's amazing that they couldn't update the design, had anyone tried? It sounds fool proof considering when it goes out, the key won't even make it work haha
 
Yeah the split wafers are. Very effective, it's just electronic immobilizers came into the picture so the need for a mechanical immobizer became old news. Search kill switch there is a very easy method using wires that run along the lower door jam on driver side.
 
Wonder if the Toyota dealer would re-key the new ignition lock cylinder to your existing key via vin number if you bought the new ignition cylinder from them?

I had to buy a new key from the stealers, and the stealer cut the new key via vin number. Easy and simple.
 
Wonder if the Toyota dealer would re-key the new ignition lock cylinder to your existing key via vin number if you bought the new ignition cylinder from them?

I had to buy a new key from the stealers, and the stealer cut the new key via vin number. Easy and simple.

It depends, some just send it on to a local locksmith, it's very easy to take the cylinder out if it's still functioning. Then it's considerably cheaper to have new wafers installed by a locksmith 15-25 big ones. Our keys only have four depths for the cuts, if you take a picture of the key I could more then likely tell you what your key cuts are. Also if you take the glovebox cylinder out there will be a stamp on it with a couple numbers and a locksmith can find the key code out that way as well. Then what I do is write it down on a sticky not attached to your title that way if ever you loose a key you can go anywhere and get one cut real quick. Or save it on your phone.
 
Also, it's pretty much a waste of money to get a new ignition lock. The device it's self is a piece of pot metal and doesn't get very much wear and tear. If you just have your old cylinder replaced with new wafers it's as good as new.
 
I called the dealer before this happened to get another key made from the VIN, but they have to have my registration, and insurance to make sure I really own the vehicle, then it gets sent to upper management for approval, and then it goes to parts for cutting. He said it's a long process. I think I'll call a locksmith, and see what I can do. When I do I'll let you all know his/her findings and remedies. And I'll probably still install a kill switch, just for good measure.
 

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