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

[jtdunc]

Used and abused. It's not just the stealerships but many businesses. Try getting a water heater installed for a real $1000. Doing it myself! All of are huge profiteers!

 

[Hacker]

Used and abused. It's not just the stealerships but many businesses. Try getting a water heater installed for a real $1000. Doing it myself! All of are huge profiteers!

Not everywhere.

One of the "benefits" of a military career has been the opportunity to live in all different parts of the country.

In some states/cities, there are plenty of great businesses that do good work for a fair price. In my town, even the Toyota dealership has been quite honest in my dealings with them.

The best places that I've lived with respect to honest businesses: Georgia and Oklahoma.

Worst: Nevada and North Carolina.

Western Washington, IMHO, is somewhere in the middle.

 

[airmax233]

This happens to me as soon as I turned of my truck and then wanted to put the windows up it the key in the ignition did not want to turn and tomorrow I have to go to work :/ can't decide which route to go with...I want to go with the least expensive. Should I try getting a key at the dealer maybe the key is worn out :shrug:

 

[MyHigh]

You can try a few things,

1st. Try inserting the key and removing the key while putting gentle pressure like you would if turning the cylinder.

2nd. Insert the key 9/10 of the way gently turn to on position, now we kno nothing will happen at that point, but next take the end of a screw driver( handle) and lightly tap the key. . .repeat a few time.
Basically you are trying to give a little jolt to the wafers allowing them to slip back into place and turn the cylinder.

VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!

If it turns do not, I repeat do not turn back to off position. At this point either remove the. Cylinder, very easy and take to locksmith or drive to locksmith.

Also call AAA they send a locksmith and pay to have them fix it........

 

[ylimor]

For those whose key would turn did the starter engage and crank the engine but it would not start? I have that problem and I think it is the ignition because I have ruled fuel and spark out.

 

[kolelt]

Happens to me here and there. I have two keys on my key chain. I try switching keys, if that doesn't work for me I flip the 180 and that usually does the trick.

 

[Rudy97]

Same issue. I carry a little squeeze bottle of graphite lubricant. It's designed for locks and does wonders. It's not a permanent fix, but it will keep you from being stranded...

 

[MyHigh]

Lol....until it doesn't work anymore and strands you!

 

[ylimor]

I pulled the ignition lock tonight and will get It rekeyed tomorrow.

 

[MyHigh]

[MENTION=48939]ylimor[/MENTION],

Make sure you request to have the split wafer either removed, or replaced with single wafer. This will eliminate any future possibilities of being stranded.

 

[ylimor]

Well after all that it turned out that my key has a chip in it that tells the ECU to operate. So while I was cranking away with a copied key the ECU was dead. Used the original key and it works great. At least I took the opportunity to give it a full tune up.

 

[newoldwave]

1999 limited , ignition locked up (couldn't turn key) and steering wheel locked up. Also clicker would only open the driver's door. Went to Toyota dealer, talked to head mechanic and he only suggested turn key while jerking steering wheel. That didn't work. After a fustrating 2 hours, I tried jumping the battery and behold everything worked OK. My 4Runner has a new battery now and is just fine.

 

[Takuanda07]

What if it stuck in lock? What can I do?!

 

[ylimor]

Finally had enough and pulled the ignition lock assembly today. Both keys did not work and the valet key did work. Locksmith redid the tumbler for $50 bucks and all keys work perfectly.

 

[ylimor]

You can pull the lock and take it to a locksmith. If you can't pull it they will probably charge around $100 to do that for you. It is 4 10mm bolts and one Phillips head screw. I watched a YouTube video and learned how to do it.

 

[CStreetDave]

Stuck in

I think I am having a similar issue. My key is getting stuck in the ignition. Had to sit there and go back and forth until it would release. I replaced the cylinder and the problem persists. However, I discovered that the problem completely disappears once the battery is disconnected..... There is what looks like a small solenoid on the bottom of the cylinder housing but no idea what it does. Any ideas??

 

[willie655]

This is really good info. I had a similar problem. Removed the cylinder. Took to my local locksmith, and he rebuilt it for $20. It's working like a charm. With the help of YouTube, removal of the cylinder took less than 15 minutes. Re-installation took about 5 minutes. Thank you for all of the helpful information.

 

[4runnerutah]

I'm having a similar issue with mine. Was stuck at Wells Fargo at the atm last night for 5 hours because of it. Had to have the car towed home. Firsy, the key cylinder locked and the key wouldn't turn. AND then I turned the steering wheel while turning the key to see if that would turn it and the steering wheel ended up locking so now both are locked and I've tried everything and nothing has seemed to unlock them. I have not had any problems with the key cylinder at all until last night. What should I do? This thread is somewhat useful, but I don't quite think it answers all of my questions.

 

[lurch]

Great info!

I also have had ignition probs, but the WD-40 did nothing, nor did tugging on the wheel. I decided to replace the tumbler and thanks to you guys, had it out in 10 mins. After calling my parts house and finding it to be 208 CDN, thought I'd try the locksmith, but it was 95.93 CDN and might take a day or two, if busy. I can't be without my runner so the 208 seemed the better option. You guys down there may have Trump, but your prices beat our pants off. Thanks for the great guidance!

 

[infamousRNR]

Anyone have experience with replacing the entire cylinder itself...
While still maintaining the original key compatibility?

We had to drill it out to get it to start. Now all I need to start the truck is a flat head screw driver & the chip key close to the ignition

But seriously, what could I do to fix this?

.