Key won't turn.

[proudrunner]

Has anyone had this happen before? I have the viper 5901 with remote start, the car turns on but I can not move the runner because it needs me to turn the ignition switch. I have google and it appears to be the ignition switch also it might be the ignition lock cylinder. I have tried to wiggle the key in the ignition, also I have been moving the steering wheel left to right but key does not want to turn:shrug: Please help! I have a trip pending this weekend and would like to solve this issue.

 

[Elton H]

i had a key that would do that i just swapped it for anther key and its been working fine

 

[drmorbius]

Has anyone had this happen before? I have the viper 5901 with remote start, the car turns on but I can not move the runner because it needs me to turn the ignition switch. I have google and it appears to be the ignition switch also it might be the ignition lock cylinder. I have tried to wiggle the key in the ignition, also I have been moving the steering wheel left to right but key does not want to turn:shrug: Please help! I have a trip pending this weekend and would like to solve this issue.

Try a shot of graphite in the keyhole.

 

[blk runner00]

this has happened to me before also. you can try to flip the key over this has worked for me it would be a good idea to put some lube in there as stated above. make sure that your steering wheel isnt locked because that will lock the ignition. if none of that works put the key in and LIGHTY tap on the back of the key with a hammer with one hand and try to turn it with the other. what happens is that the little tabs inside the cylinder get hung up. when i say lighty tap i mean not swinging at it but u can be a little forceful just becareful.
best of luck.

 

[proudrunner]

Thanks guys I am going to try again this morning hopefully I can get it to work. If that does not work do you think It may be the lock cylinder? I would not want this happening to me when Im out this weekend.

 

[essadv]

Have a new key made from the VIN. This worked for me.

 

[LINY4Runner]

lock cylinders rarely go bad, but it's not impossible...try the recommendations above first

 

[jamess]

Hey, I just got done with dealing with this exact issue in my 4Runner. 1997 SR5 140,000 miles. Mine started acting up a few months ago. I went and got a new key cut from the key code and this worked a little only that the key was almost inpossible to remove from the ignition. I kept using my old key that was easy to push in the ignition and remove from the ignition, but it would not turn most of the time. As time went on it got harder and harder to start / turn the ignition. It was to the point I thought it would not start and leave me stuck somewhere. Anyway, to get to the point, the ignition cylinder was worn out and needed to be replaced. The local dealership wanted $250-280 to replace it. They dont even do the work themselves, the sub it out to a lock smith. I ended up buying the ignition cylinder key set from the dealer for $104.62 before tax, you can find this part cheaper at Auto Zone or some other parts dealer, and I replaced it myself. If you have a Hanes or Chilton repair guide it will give you step by step instructions to replace it. It is very easy though. It took me about 10 minutes.

Step 1 - disconnect the battery so you do not risk setting off the air bags since you are workin gnear the steering column

Step 2 - remove the 4 bolts from the lower portion of the dash and drop the panel.

Step 3 - put the steering wheel in the lowest position

Step 4 - pop off the little bezel around the ignition

Step 5 - insert key and if possible turn it to the acc position

Step 6- insert a small screw driver in the hole in the underside of the ignition and pull out the entire assembly with the key.

Install of the new cylider is just the opposite.

Now, with the new ignition cylinder you will have new keys and it will not match your old key. The lock smith here in town told me he could rekey the ignition for $25. So, instead of being out $250-280 it cost about $113 for the ignition and $25 to rekey. `

 

[steezemcqueen]

i had the same problem and getting a new key cut from the key code fixed it. do that first. they're like $5 for a new key if you don't have the immobliser

 

[jamess]

In my case a new key did not work. So, last option was new ignition cylinder.

 

[juiceboxer]

It could also be your steering wheel lock, try pulling the steering wheel to ether side while trying the key.

 

[rbdhd]

I have 1999 and I’m having the same problem with my key sticking. If I work the shifter and turn the steering wheel I will get the key out after playing with it. It seems like the shifter lock is the problem but I've been told by my mechanic the problem is the key cylinder needs replaced and it would be more than $200. To me it seems like the shifter lock is the problem. How do I find out what is the problem or should I get a new key first then try the shifter and if that isn't the problem get the cylinder replaced.

Help help help before I locked down by my key.

dhd

 

[steezemcqueen]

disconnect the battery and try it

 

[Pikeman]

One of the reasons ignition key cylinders go bad is from having a bunch of keys or stuff hanging from the key ring as you drive down the road. The additional weight swings back and forth causing undue stress and wear. So the best advice is only have your key and key fob in the ignition and a second key chain for house and other keys. This is also a good safety measure in case you ever get car jacked or whatever then they only have your car keys and can't get address off your registration and go clean out your house too.

 

[rbdhd]

That's funny because I do keep my keys on a second keychain because I didn't like having my house keys and car keys together.

Dylan - you said to disconnect the battery and "try it", try what?

dhd

 

[steezemcqueen]

Try turning the key

:thumb3:

 

[rbdhd]

I can turn the key but sometimes it will get "locked" so I can't get it to turn pass the accessories setting on the ignition stop. If I keep shifting the shifter and turning the key I will eventually get the key out. Because it’s not only one key with the problem I know it’s something else. I was told by mechanics that it’s the cylinder but I’m thinking it’s more to do with the shifter lock. What do I know!??

Thanks for all the help.
Dave

 

[Pikeman]

disconnect the battery and try it

The reason he is suggesting this is to help troubleshoot and eliminate the shift lock out as the problem. The steering wheel lock is mechanical between the ignition key cylinder and the steering wheel and can bind up being the problem. The gear position sensor lock out is electrical. So if the battery is disconnected it wont tell the ignition to lock out.

RBDHD- in your situation it sounds more likely to be the gear position sensor and not the ignition, so I would agree with you and not your mechanics.

 

[4wdGunner]

Have a new key made from the VIN. This worked for me.

Worked for me as well. What a relief!

 

[djbrand1]

Mine is starting to do this as well. I found that if I put the key in and turn really quick it will work. If I am slow about it I can't get it to turn even to accessory. Sounds a bit different then your issue though, so probably not your key or ignition switch. Do try a little graphite lube in there, I think white lithium won't hurt anything either.