Key stuck in ignition, Computer Shift Lock Control help!

[Tylersanders]

Hi,

I have seen several threads on here about people who have had the problem of the key not turning to the off position, but instead getting stuck in the ignition.

I have a 1997 4runner, SR5. The key keeps on getting stuck in the ignition, and will not turn past the acc position to the off position. I have taken off the plastic piece that is around the 4wd gear selector, and the regular gear shift selector, and have found a box that says "Computer Shift Lock Control." This number, 85933-35150, is on the box, but after a search on the internet, I can find no real match.

I would like to know if anyone else has had the same problem with their 1997 model 4runner, and if they have, how they fixed it. Any help or suggestions would be of great help!

thanks!

Also, I have unplugged the shift lock control and then the key comes right out, but I don't think it's safe to have the shift lock control unplugged.

 

[THEREALTOR1]

Maybe try spraying some electrical contact cleaner into the connecting plug on the shift lock control and connect/disconnect several times to insure clear contact. My guess is (and its only a guess), but sounds like maybe you're not getting clear contact between the connectors and the system thinks its still in gear when its not.

 

[trdrun]

yah i had the same problem with my 4runner like half a yr ago. it happened sporadically for a period of time, and planned on replacing the shift lock control module. but i never got around to going to the dealership to buy one, and the problem eventually went away itself

 

[t4r4life]

It's ur ignition tumbler, most of the time is the security system unless you have a really worn out key, trying shaking the key

 

[Tylersanders]

I have tried jiggling the key, but nothing happens, still stuck in the acc position. however, i did read where it could be an electrical problem so I took off one of the battery cables and the key came out fine.

if i take one of the wires loose from the computer shift lock control box, the key also comes out fine, so I'm thinking it's in the computer shift lock control box where the real problem lies. I'm gonna call the toyota dealership tomorrow and see what they can do.

 

[kball]

Sounds like it's definitely your shift interlock that's the problem. I swear I've seen a good write up on fixing it but I can't find it now. Maybe someone else has seen it. I thought it was on Yotatech but not sure.

 

[cobiker]

Try this if its not an electrical problem with your shift interlock switch.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/87168-cobikers-96-ltd-build-2.html

 

[BrianSD_42]

but i never got around to going to the dealership to buy one, and the problem eventually went away itself

Me too!

 

[kball]

Try this if its not an electrical problem with your shift interlock switch.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/87168-cobikers-96-ltd-build-2.html

That's the one I was thinking of... guess it wasn't on YT!

 

[trulli3300]

Believe it or not...

This happened to me too. The car is in "park", its off but the key doesn't turn all the way back. It turns out that the release button on top of the gear shifter was not completely engaging the trans into park. There is a white plastic piece that goes inside a 1 inch coil spring( almost like a retractable pen) in side the shifter handle. If the spring and plastic piece are too far apart, it will not push the pin far enough to indicate to the ignition that the car is in park and will not release the key( refer to Cobiker's 96 LTD post for images. The only way the ignition will release the key is if it is in "park". There is a simple screw that holds the shifter mechanism on the shifter. Try up and down for any play. IF you are able to move the shifter downwards, try turning the key back. ITS IN THE HANDLE! The difference in adjustment is very minute. It works or it doesn't work. It must have been a moron who designed this instead of a simple switch. I know cause it was messing around and took it apart once...for no reason. It took me a couple of hours in a hot garage but IT COST ME NOTHING!

 

[alan_2011]

How did it begin?? Did u have truck up in hoist or jacked up working underneath?? I'm just adding my 2 cents. It happened to me right after i changed my CV shaft. Car would turn off and on but key wouldn't. Try to push the shifter a bit further when is is P position and engine is off. So when u are ready to get the key out just push the shifter - lever towords the dash a bit further and check if that makes difference. It always hapen to me when I lift the 4R up or in jack steands. I would say is smth to do w suports underneath. It does that 4-5 days in raw and when car is setlled everything is normal.

 

[rbdhd]

Ok, I have a 99 SR5 and have been having the key stuck problem for some time now. It dod come and go but now it has gotten so bad I have to do something about it. I've taken it to a few shops but everyone I talk with says I need to replace the ignition. All along I never thought it was the ignition but something to do with the shifter or the shifter lock.
Now, to fix this can someone please tell me how to get the shifter open and the steps to go over to ensure I get it correct. Do I need to replace any parts when I have the shifter open?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[BrianSD_42]

SEE THIS

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

:hello:

Having had enough of my key getting stuck in the ignition this past week, I opened up my shifter cover and took a look at what was causing the problem. It seems that the shifter wasnt "catching" the key lock switch properly when in Park.

Here it is in Reverse. The little black metal stud from the shifter lever should engage the white C-shaped plastic catch on the shift. With the switch down, the car thinks the shifter is not in park and will prevent release.

Here it is properly engaged in Park. Switch up- key releases.

Over time, the parts have developed looseness or wobble. My shifter cover was also missing one bolt out of three total. This allowed the shifter lever too much sideways movement, which eventually led to the stud not catching on the switch.

While at it, and although I had no real problems shifting, I also took out and checked the shift interlock switch. Seemed ok to me.

I snugged up a new bolt, tightened some screws and tried to push the metal stud further to the right. The key hasnt been stuck since then. Hopefully, this very minor procedure will solve this key stuck mystery, at least until I can think of a more permanent solution .

 

[jonwilly2]

I had a problem with the key not turning at all and once it started i kept it there. Then one day I pulled the key out and out came some tumbler chunks. As far as the steering lock goes; its controlled by a camshaft between the key cylinder and ignition switch. So if you use the same key over and over there is a chance for it being the key cylinder. With my unlucky experience I dont know how having it in park just so it will shut off works. I have always been able to shut mine off in any gear.

 

[rbdhd]

I can turn off the 4Runner in any gear but the key will not come out unless I'm in park.

 

[Michigan4runner]

The same thing happened to me on my 99 limited 4runner. I just pulled the shift housing apart and found the exact same problem with mine. Thank you for posting your photos. It took me about 15 minutes to correct the problem by tapping the pin on the shifter and bending the steel that holds the plastic piece towards the shifter by a couple millimeters.

 

[4everRUNNER]

The pic help THANKS A LOT no I can take the key out !!!

Thank you all for your info I found the shift lock switch and after unbolting the shifter cover it started working something was just twisted or stuck around it I don't know or care it works I have not had my dash all togather for like 6-8 months thanks all of you. 4runner 4 life

 

[Cruzingtime64]

I have a 2000 Tacoma , same problem. My gearshift is on floor . I took the cover off and found at the bottom of the shift handle it pivots on a shaft I found that the bushings on each side where completely gone , went to the dealership bought 2 new ones for 3.80 installed them my self it's a tight squeeze but I got them in put it back to gether and Wala key hasn't got stuck once :banana::banana::banana::boink:

 

[Cruzingtime64]

I a can say it's not the igntion . Do not spray stuff down the key hole you will just make a big mess !

 

[Cruzingtime64]

Hate to prove any one wrong but the Cover is not the problem it's made of plastic it would ware out in less than 6 months just sayingop2:op2: