Keys stuck in ignition and engine fails after starting...... whatt?

[trdrun]

Please advise me guys....

After driving and turning off the engine, my keys started to get stuck in the ignition at random times (can't get key to turn into OFF position). Now it happens almost all the time, and suddenly, today, my engine starts up and immediately dies. My engine continues to start up and die, and my ignition keeps on getting stuck.

Are these two problems relating?

So I can rule out a few things: I recently cleaned the MAF, and very recently (within a week) changed spark plugs and fuel filter. After reading some threads, perhaps this is the Idle Air Control Valve (IAC or IACV) that causes the engine to fail after start up. What do you guys think?

As for the ignition, I have no freaking clue. I know there is a safe feature that doesn't allow you to turn the key to the OFF position if you're in any other gear other than [P]. But I am in [P]. Any advice here? Also, I shot in some PB Blaster in the slot; it didn't help.

 

[Jon]

I'd say they are related if they happened at the same time considering the ignition switch supplies power to the ECU and all. I had the same problem in a 96 Dodge Ram. Only option, new ignition switch. So I hope someone else has a quick fix of some sort. Good luck.

 

[atokin]

mine doesnt shut off if i start it back up but my keys do get stuck. my key got stuck like 2 times in the last six months... today it got stuck 3 times .... did you find a way to get it from getting stuck yet? i have a feeling mine is gonna start doing it all the time now...

 

[trdrun]

I decided i'm gonna dismantle and clean the throttle body and IAC. Following these instructions: Re: 3.4L V6 Hard Start "hot" Cleaned IAC (Pics) - YotaTech Forums

As for the ignition, I haven't found any solution to that. I did, however, find a write up on how to swap out ignition switches on an old toyota truck: 4x4Wire - Ignition Switch Replacement

 

[trdrun]

Cleaned out the IAC. There was a good amount of carbon buildup around that valve. 4runner starts up and stays on like the champ it is now. Pedals are a tiny bit more responsive also.

Advice: Water (coolant) hoses will be difficult to take off if pulling by hand, use pliers instead. Also, a little coolant will leak when you pull the hose, very little though, like 2-3 tablespoons.

My stuck ignition problem also seem to have went away... for now at least. Perhaps because I cleaned up the IAC? Unsure about that. But I highly recommend everyone to dismantle their throttle body and give it and the IAC a good scrub and wipe if they haven't done so in a while.

 

[atokin]

glad to hear your 4 is back.... and my key getting stuck issue went away also lol

 

[trdrun]

Atokin, the my keys are getting stuck again. I found an old thread regarding this issue: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/9213-key-stuck-ignition-98-4runner.html.

Apparently, it might be caused by a faulty switch that detects the shifter's position. I might go to the dealership and get a new switch.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

Yep, that is usually due to a faulty Neutral safety switch. Might try checking it out b4 buying a new one.

 

[MikesToy]

Back in the day when my keys get stuck, i squirt wd-40 in keyhole. Prob solved.

 

[trdrun]

Yep, that is usually due to a faulty Neutral safety switch. Might try checking it out b4 buying a new one.

Yeah, I will.

Back in the day when my keys get stuck, i squirt wd-40 in keyhole. Prob solved.

I sprayed some PB Blaster in there. Better than WD-40. But still didn't fix it.