Key stuck in ignition fix

[jmoatesTR4]

little actuator box...

Hey guys, just reviving this older thread. I wanted to first thank tejasrunner01 for the thread, because the safety pins in these older ignition mechanisms does indeed get stuck in the out position. That’s why mine was all fawked up. What I wanted to add, however, is that the REASON it gets stuck is simply because these mechanisms are getting old, and the original lubricant has broken down after thousands of cycles, and there is likely also gunk / dust built up. I took mine apart and identified the problem, but you know what? Just a quick spray of WD-40 takes care of it. In fact you can squirt the stuff in there without taking apart the mechanism.

So, all you need to do is squirt WD-40 in around the margins of that small plastic box, and you’re good to go. I also squirted some into my key hole directly and around the ignition mechanism and the whole puppy works WAY smoother now.

Just wanted to add my 2 cents.

Happy 4Runnering everyone! And happy 2019. -russman

Can this little actuator box be removed and replaced? I tried...but having a lot of trouble. Or does the entire ignition lock assembly need to be replaced?

 

[wkosmos]

Didn't work for me. Allowed me to get the key out, but the truck wouldn't start with that connector disconnected (99 limited). Thankfully I found my problem (misassembly of the shifter assembly after replacing the bushings).

Could you give any info about how the shifter assembly was assembled wrong? I have the same situation at the moment

 

[Bad Luck]

I went to do this to my 4Runner today, but the ignition housing looks very different from what everyone is showing on here. The little box that people are removing isn't present for me. There's a similar looking little box on the top of the ignition housing near the keyhole, but removing it didn't allow me to remove the key while the engine is running. 2000 SR5/v6/manual/4wd. Has anyone done this mod on a newer ignition housing style?

 

[BrianSD_42]

[MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION]

When I had this issue and read this thread, all i eventually accomplished was getting it to work a few extra months by spring silicone lightly on my key.
Eventually I just took it to the mechanic who installed a new toyota ignition and drivers side door lock.

 

[jgue467]

I went to do this to my 4Runner today...it didn't allow me to remove the key while the engine is running. 2000 SR5/v6/manual/4wd...

My '01 did the stuck key thing about 10 years ago, called a mobile locksmith, he said it was either a really expensive ignition switch or he could 'fix' it on the spot but said he had to snap a piece off. Told him to proceed ($75), working great ever since.

It does have a new Feature I really like, the key can be removed with ignition On. I can lock it while running to keep dog comfy in 100+ heat here. Or simply take it out while off-roading so I don't here the keyset clanking back and forth. Luck all.

 

[Bad Luck]

My '01 did the stuck key thing about 10 years ago, called a mobile locksmith, he said it was either a really expensive ignition switch or he could 'fix' it on the spot but said he had to snap a piece off. Told him to proceed ($75), working great ever since.

It does have a new Feature I really like, the key can be removed with ignition On. I can lock it while running to keep dog comfy in 100+ heat here. Or simply take it out while off-roading so I don't here the keyset clanking back and forth. Luck all.

Any idea what he snapped off? That's the feature I'm trying to get here.

 

[Bad Luck]

[MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION]

When I had this issue and read this thread, all i eventually accomplished was getting it to work a few extra months by spring silicone lightly on my key.
Eventually I just took it to the mechanic who installed a new toyota ignition and drivers side door lock.

I replaced the ignition cylinder last year for an intermittent key not rotating issue. I'm trying to get it to where I can remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running.

 

[brillo_76]

I replaced the ignition cylinder last year for an intermittent key not rotating issue. I'm trying to get it to where I can remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running.

The old warn out ignitions in the Toyota trucks in the 1980s would do this automatically.

I have an ignition cylinder here if with key if you want me to send it to you to experiment on [MENTION=8262]badluck[/MENTION].

Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk

 

[Bad Luck]

The old warn out ignitions in the Toyota trucks in the 1980s would do this automatically.

I have an ignition cylinder here if with key if you want me to send it to you to experiment on [MENTION=8262]badluck[/MENTION].

Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk

I appreciate the offer, but I'm not sure I want to get that involved. I feel like there should be something on the ignition cylinder housing that can be modified to achieve what I'm after.

 

[95Z28A4]

I had difficulty removing the key from the ignition in our recently purchased 1997 4Runner. I jiggled the key and moved the shifter back and forth and was able to remove the key.

The 4Runner came with 3 keys. All 3 work most of the time, but none have the same shape. None work in the passenger door. After reading this thread, the best approach for permanent repair is to replace the 2 door locks, the ignition switch and have the new locks keyed to the liftgate lock. Or is there a better way?

 

[brillo_76]

I had difficulty removing the key from the ignition in our recently purchased 1997 4Runner. I jiggled the key and moved the shifter back and forth and was able to remove the key.

The 4Runner came with 3 keys. All 3 work most of the time, but none have the same shape. None work in the passenger door. After reading this thread, the best approach for permanent repair is to replace the 2 door locks, the ignition switch and have the new locks keyed to the liftgate lock. Or is there a better way?

Try graphiting the cylinder lock. Also have a new key made off rge keycode from a dealer. Maybe the keys are Slightly warn.

Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk

 

[95Z28A4]

Try graphiting the cylinder lock. Also have a new key made off rge keycode from a dealer. Maybe the keys are Slightly warn.

Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk

Thanks for that information. I've googled the location of the RGE keycode. I'll be pulling the door panels next week to install new speakers. I can check the locks then.

 

[brillo_76]

If the key-code is original. You can get them off your build sheet from a dealer.
if not, your key code is on the front passenger door lock.