Key - keyhole (ignition) locks up - won't turn

[ZionXIX]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents. I just had this happen yesterday. I couldnt get the ignition to turn but I was able to get almost to the ACC position. It was just enough so that I could depress the pin underneath and remove the ignition cylinder. For the passed 2 day Ive been starting the vehicle using some needle nose pliers. I found a locksmith on my tiny island and handed him the ignition lock cylinder. He read a number on the cylinder, punched some keys on his computer and then went over to a cutting machine and produced 2 brand new keys right before my very eyes. It took all of 10 minutes. I was quite impressed.

On another note he was using a synthetic lubricant called Lokshot on the ignition and my door locks. He brought back to life a lock that I had written off as dead and never coming back again. I might have to add a can of this stuff to my tool box, I think 1 can will last a person many years. LokShot (692781) Lubricant -by Strattec

 

[erikw9]

I'm currently having the same issue as 4runnerutah and newoldwave, can't turn the key to ACC and my steering wheel is locked. I have tried just about everything listed here (moving the steering wheel left and right and up and down, WD40, spare key, tapping with a hammer, jump starting) and still no luck. Is there another way to unlock the steering wheel? I'll try turning the key as far as possible and hopefully it's enough to get the pin depressed. If that doesn't work can the pin just be drilled down?

 

[ScotYates]

Egnition switch

My friend just had to change out hid ignition switch and he also found out it resolved electrical problems with his accesories. Running lights, stereo, fog lights, etc.

 

[erikw9]

Problem resolved

Ended up calling a locksmith to come out and fix my issue, he first tried turning my spare valet key a bunch of times and used vice grips, broke the key and tried that several times with keys that he cut. He ended up drilling out the lock pin and pried out the ignition cylinder with a screw driver. Once he had it out it only took him a couple minutes to replace the wafers. Ended up costing me $250 total.

 

[Cogs87]

This locked key cylinder happened to me a month ago. It kept getting worse. I'd have to insert key, turn it, locked up and have to repeat up to 20 times until I could start the car. I took it to a place who's seen this before and tried the cheapest option first...which ended up working. They cut a new key from my Vin number. The new key works perfect and I haven't had the problem since. Comparing old to new, the original was super worn down and certain features were literally gone.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[ksSteven]

This solved my issue

I was having issues with my truck starting. In the last year I had replaced an old battery, replaced a bad alternator, and replaced a bad starter (which had been poorly repaired by a previous owner, which left me stranded for a bit in Western Kansas. Our fuel stop turned into an adventure in fixing things on the fly. But that's a different story). I went from everything working well to not even a click, in a day. Occasionally I would have to turn the key a couple of times to get power, maybe having to take out the key and turn it, but only on occasion. This time, I would turn the key to ACC and have power for a moment, but then it would cut out for a moment and come back on. The power would continue flickering indefinitely, but at a constant rate. It was weird. I narrowed down my guesses to the ignition. I used this thread to figure out how to remove the tumbler, did so, and took it to a locksmith. They replaced the tumblers and cut me a brand new key. $25 later, my truck starts and my wallet remains as heavy as it ever was!

 

[Honig]

Key won't turn to lock position

I have a 2002 4-runner. I have a similar problem but my key will not turn off my car. It will easily turn to the ACC position but I have to do magic for it to turn to the lock position.
Another fun fact is that when my key turns to ACC, i am able to remove the key easily even when it's still on.
Would this be a similar solution? My main concern is that it has something to do with the Automatic Transmission i had replaced a couple of years ago. Could there be any link?

Thanks for any guidance.

Sam