Key won't turn in ignition, wheel is NOT locked

[JMichael23]

2002 4Runner V6 SR5 automatic.
Love it! It is my dream car, had it for 8 years now.

My key won't turn on the car. It will turn almost to the first click, but no more.
The wheel is free, and when I force the wheel to lock, I can unlock it with the key in the ignition.

Any ideas?
I would have to have it towed to an autoshop and would prefer to save the expense!

Thanks,
-John

 

[jreask]

Put it in park.

 

[JMichael23]

Heh, it is in Park and because I cannot turn the key I cannot move it out of Park.

 

[alpine]

Maybe your key is worn out? Or maybe a new key?

 

[nissanh]

There is a tiny plastic cap right next to the P position, gently lift it and then you should be able to use a screw driver to move the small leaver inside it to shift the lever from park to other gears. See how this does. If not, I guess your key and ignition cylinder is jammed. try with a different key

 

[Kryptoroxx]

There is a tiny plastic cap right next to the P position, gently lift it and then you should be able to use a screw driver to move the small leaver inside it to shift the lever from park to other gears. See how this does. If not, I guess your key and ignition cylinder is jammed. try with a different key

That's actually meant for your ignition key to get it out of park for towing iirc. But a screwdriver works just was well.

Sounds to me like your tumblers are worn out. The lucky thing is your key is not stuck in the ignition. Then you need a locksmith. You can either change ignition out which just means you will have a different ignition key or you can get a dealer to order you the exact one. I will let you guess which costs an arm and a leg. After that it's a simple repair of removing the lock cylinder and replacing it.

Locksmith will charge right at 300 bones to do the job.

 

[genmarks]

happened to my 97 4runner intermittently, I believe it was my ignition so i swapped the whole ignition and worked like new.

 

[JMichael23]

Maybe your key is worn out? Or maybe a new key?

That is a good point. It does have trouble working in my door, though I have never had any issues with the ignition.
I do not have (or rather can't find) the extra key.

 

[alpine]

That is a good point. It does have trouble working in my door, though I have never had any issues with the ignition.
I do not have (or rather can't find) the extra key.

Dealer will make you a new copy in couple mins for around 10 bucks if you go with your registration. I would try that before diving into something that would require a lot of time and money.

 

[JMichael23]

Hooray! New key from home Depot costs a whopping $1.87 and did the trick!
The key master (no, I do not know the gate keeper) noticed my key was not only a little worn, but slightly bent.
Perhaps in my rush to get out (jazz rehearsal) I inserted my key crooked.

Anyway, all resolved.
I want to say how impressed I am with this forum, and the quick and helpful responses from all of you!
Thanks, you made me feel a whole lot better!

-John Michael

 

[alpine]

Hooray! New key from home Depot costs a whopping $1.87 and did the trick!
The key master (no, I do not know the gate keeper) noticed my key was not only a little worn, but slightly bent.
Perhaps in my rush to get out (jazz rehearsal) I inserted my key crooked.

Anyway, all resolved.
I want to say how impressed I am with this forum, and the quick and helpful responses from all of you!
Thanks, you made me feel a whole lot better!

-John Michael

Or that

We are glad you are back in business.