My key won't turn in the ignition

[Tanner]

Hey guys hoping you can help me with something,

Vehicle:
1990 4runner
5-speed
V6
4WD
4-Door

I just bought it last week and now when I try to start it the key refuses to turn in the ignition. I got a new key cut and still no go. It only works here and there and only seems to be getting worse.

Any ideas on how to fix it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated given I can't even drive it right now.


Tanner.

 

[004Gunner]

Turn the wheel back and forth and keep trying. This is a known problem and even carried over, though slightly less severe, into the 3rd generation as well. You will need to try turning the ignition while turning the wheel to find the spot that works. I would suggest using the old key as sometimes new keys have burrs and can be more difficult. Once you get it, make an effort to straighten out the wheels when you park and you should not have any more issues with this.

 

[Tanner]

Thanks a lot for the reply Gunner. I went and tried this with the new key as well as the old and it did work a few times. I got it to turn, started the vehicle up and straightened the wheels, turned it off and tried it again and still had the problem. Is there some way to permanently fix this problem? Or is it just the way it's going to be from now on?

Thanks again,

Tanner

 

[004Gunner]

Usually straightening the wheel corrects the problem. I would suggest you do not take it to a dealership as they will not be able to help at all. I would also try experimenting with having the wheel locked and then unlocked to see if either way has less of a problem. I'm not sure if the cause of the problem has ever been documented and I don't remember ever hearing about a TSB on the issue.

 

[toto]

Sounds like the ignition key cylinder might be wore out. Changing the cylinder isn't horribly expensive, but it will be inconvenient to one key for the doors and another for the ignition.

 

[Tanner]

Gunner: Yeah sometimes while I am turning the wheel back and forth like you said, the wheel locks and I think it's even harder to turn the from there. Took me about 15 minutes this morning in order to get the truck started; it just wouldn't work.


toto: I've been thinking about changing the cylinder today while I was at work; any idea how much it would cost? Would I have to go to the dealership in order to get a new key cylinder? If it means having to have two keys to use my truck then heck I'll do it!

Thanks for all the help!!!!!

Tanner

 

[toto]

Yes, the dealer would be the place to go for the key cylinder. I would guess that it's about $125.

 

[drmorbius]

Gunner: Yeah sometimes while I am turning the wheel back and forth like you said, the wheel locks and I think it's even harder to turn the from there. Took me about 15 minutes this morning in order to get the truck started; it just wouldn't work.


toto: I've been thinking about changing the cylinder today while I was at work; any idea how much it would cost? Would I have to go to the dealership in order to get a new key cylinder? If it means having to have two keys to use my truck then heck I'll do it!

Thanks for all the help!!!!!

Tanner

Have you tried a shot of graphite or WD-40 in the keyhole? I would at least try it before you just buy a new cylinder. What could it hurt?

 

[Tanner]

toto: Alright thanks, I'll give them a call on Monday.

drmorbius: lol, yeah I'll give that a shot before buying anything.


Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated!!


Tanner

 

[Tanner]

Little update:

I went to Toyota and got a price on a new ignition lock cylinder: $162. This is before having it re-coded for my keys; even though I would have just used two keys instead.

Thought that was a bit much so decided on WD-40 or Graphite. WD-40 was about $5 and Graphite (dries nearly instantly and doesn't leave an oily residue which is great) $10; went with the Graphite and sprayed a bunch in the keyhole and after turning it many times it seems to be turning easier and easier so that definitely helped.

P.S While cleaning the truck out today I found the original owners manual for the truck...under the carpet in the back (What a great spot....) and even in there it says that if your key seems to be locked to turn the wheel slightly while turning the key...so I guess it's a normal thing. Though, it can get worse.

Thanks a lot for all your help guys!!!

Tanner.

 

[drmorbius]

Little update:

I went to Toyota and got a price on a new ignition lock cylinder: $162. This is before having it re-coded for my keys; even though I would have just used two keys instead.

Thought that was a bit much so decided on WD-40 or Graphite. WD-40 was about $5 and Graphite (dries nearly instantly and doesn't leave an oily residue which is great) $10; went with the Graphite and sprayed a bunch in the keyhole and after turning it many times it seems to be turning easier and easier so that definitely helped.

P.S While cleaning the truck out today I found the original owners manual for the truck...under the carpet in the back (What a great spot....) and even in there it says that if your key seems to be locked to turn the wheel slightly while turning the key...so I guess it's a normal thing. Though, it can get worse.

Thanks a lot for all your help guys!!!

Tanner.

So it is now reliable? You can start it every time ?


:cheers:

 

[Tanner]

So it is now reliable? You can start it every time ?


:cheers:

Yep, pretty much. Sometimes I don't even need to touch the steering wheel and it'll turn over pretty smoothly...and this is with the new key.

 

[004Gunner]

Glad to hear you got it resolved for little $! Graphite was a good idea and the new key should get easier as it's freshly cut edges smooth out

 

[chaz]

yea, i had the same problem with an older car a few years back, & a mech. friend said to use wd40 or something like it. that fixed it. bet he charged customers big time & didnt tell them what was done.

 

[Tanner]

Yeah the Graphite was definitely a good idea...heck of a lot cheaper than replacing the ignition lock cylinder.

Thanks again!

Tanner

 

[bronchogg]

My '90 had the same problem.

At the time, I also owned a 3rd Gen. RX-7 and regularly added high performance two-stroke oil to the gas. The oil came in a little bottle that had a small opening and the little plastic flap used to assist in pulling off the seal was worthless. Often, I used my 4Runner key to poke a hole in it. After a few oiled-key insertions, I never had a problem again.

In fact, the trick has carried over to some of the stiff locks in the house.

 

[MikesToy]

yea, i had the same problem with an older car a few years back, & a mech. Friend said to use wd40 or something like it. That fixed it. Bet he charged customers big time & didnt tell them what was done.

hahahaha....

 

[Teardroptower]

Had the same problem last Friday on 2018 4Runner (certified vehicle!) purchased ~two weeks ago at Vancouver Toyota. Steering wheel had NO play whereas there's normally 1/4- to 1/2-inch movement available when locked. Called the dealer who initiated roadside service. Before they arrived, I called wife who brought her key which worked fine. Have appointment with dealer next Tuesday and will report results but I'm not expecting much.

John Gram
Portland OR
2018 SR5 4Runner

 

[Teardroptower]

Three hours and ~25 miles on our 2018 4Runner that I'll never get back.

As expected, based on comments on this forum, the dealer's diagnosis: "Could not verify abnormal condition at this time. Able to get steering wheel to lock and not allow key to turn but once wheel is turn off of [sic] locks key turns normally."

John Gram
Portland OR
2018 SR5 4Runner

Had the same problem last Friday on 2018 4Runner (certified vehicle!) purchased ~two weeks ago at Vancouver Toyota. Steering wheel had NO play whereas there's normally 1/4- to 1/2-inch movement available when locked. Called the dealer who initiated roadside service. Before they arrived, I called wife who brought her key which worked fine. Have appointment with dealer next Tuesday and will report results but I'm not expecting much.

John Gram
Portland OR
2018 SR5 4Runner