Key problems

[matthinnant]

Ok so I have been having this issue for awhile now but it has gotten to the point where I cant even get my key out of the ignition and yes its in park and all that good stuff. Has anyone ever had this issue and what have they done im trying to prevent going to the stealership to get a new ignition and key unless I have too.:crybaby:

 

[axel426]

maybe try getting another key cut?

 

[Spish]

Check to see if you just need a new key, they do get work over the years and the edges get rounded off, if that doesn't work, you will probably need a new ignition set.

 

[matthinnant]

Well thats what I thought as well so I started to use the spare key which just sits and collects dust so it has had the same problem so it has to be the ignition.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I cant even get my key out of the ignition and yes its in park and all that good stuff.

YES I HAVE!

I had a similar issue. I could not remove my key, it was stuck IN the ignition. I was only able to remove it after putting the vehicle from Neutral to Park and turning the wheel R/L, at that point it would release the key .... BUT only after I tried 2-10 times would it release it.

I went and had two new keys cut. This made no difference. I considered replacing the ignition assembly and KEY SPINES but that would be $300-$400.

I was plagued by this issue for weeks. Then it went away completely 100% gone for 6 months.

Then it came back all over again. Same fix. Go from N to P, repeat until it releases. Sometimes turning the wheel helped as well.

Then it disappeared and has not come back yet.

MY CONCLUSION --> electrical issue. I am sure it is not the key or the spines because it just went away and then came back randomly 6 months later. I think it is a relay or something electric with the ignition.

 

[matthinnant]

Thanks brian yea I will try that I have looked online but all I can find is ppl telling each other to spray WD-40 or some sort of graphite lube onto the key and then doing it that way but that doesnt seem like such a good idea with dirt and dust getting in there gunking it up, but I will def. try your process first before I go to the extremes.

 

[Edubsam]

Sometimes when I park with the wheel torqued hard either way the key won't turn when I try to leave. It just binds up when the wheel is cranked hard. Possibly the same kind of thing for you? Just turn the wheel a little until it let's you do what you need to do.

 

[matthinnant]

well I tried it all and nothing is working key is still stuck in the ignition so if I ever get it back out I guess imma try the graphite lube and see if that helps anything if not then looks like i wil lbe making a trip to the stealership to get a new ignition switch :moping:

 

[BrianSD_42]

spray WD-40 or some sort of graphite lube

Use silicone lube not WD-40. WD-40 will build up into a thick grease over time vs. silicone.

 

[cobiker]

Check this out.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/87168-cobikers-96-ltd-build-2.html

Or for starters, try to shift down to D or L, then push the lever sideways towards the passenger side as you shift to Park.

 

[matthinnant]

Check this out.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/87168-cobikers-96-ltd-build-2.html

Or for starters, try to shift down to D or L, then push the lever sideways towards the passenger side as you shift to Park.

Hey thanks for the thread it may help the situation

 

[rbdhd]

I'm having the same problem and wanted to know if you had any luck getting your problem fixed? I would love to hear about anything you have done to get it fixed or are doing. All along I didn't think it was the ignition and don't want to spend the $houdreds when I don't need to.
Thanks for an update,
Dave

 

[matthinnant]

Hey DAve,
I tried all the tricks that were stated above in this post but none ended up working I had to take it to a Transmission shop and have them install a new ignition system which now I have 2 diff. keys for my vehicle. SOrry I know this isnt what you wanted to hear. Goodluck

 

[rbdhd]

Hey DAve,
I tried all the tricks that were stated above in this post but none ended up working I had to take it to a Transmission shop and have them install a new ignition system which now I have 2 diff. keys for my vehicle. SOrry I know this isnt what you wanted to hear. Goodluck

That is not what I wanted to hear but I don't understand why you had to go to a transmission shop to have the ignition replaced. Whouldn't that be something that can be done anyplace?

Dave