ignition switch

jim65wagon · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 03:32 AM

On Wednesday I got in my truck at 4:30 to go to work as usual. Put the key in the ignition and it wouldn't turn...tried all three keys, none turned. Wiggled the gear shift lever....key wouldn't turn. Wiggled the steering wheel....key wouldn't turn. Went to work in wife's car, she called later in the morning said she started the truck, it turned harder than usual but turned and now it seems fine. What gives?

AZ TUNDRA · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-2003, 12:09 PM

You probably had tension on the wheels. Instead of wiggling the steering wheel, apply strong pressure in on direction and attempt to turn key. If that does not work try the opposite direction. Remember to maintain the continuous pressure. You have to turn the wheels without the benefit of power steering. Hope this works for you.

jim65wagon · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 07:40 PM

Thanks, if it happens again I will try that.

S-Man · #4 (**permalink**) 07-21-2003, 11:46 PM

my truck does that sometimes too...it almost makes me panic every time. heeheh. but i eventually keep yankin' the wheel back and forth, and realy apply some torque to that ignition-key, and it eventually turns, but with much effort. And it is because the wheels are in a bind.

marlinmaster · #5 (**permalink**) 07-23-2003, 12:17 PM

Strange a co-worker asked me if I was having this type of problem with my Tundra. He has a 2001 Sienna and this problem started a couple weeks ago. He took it to a shop and they said have another key made and see if the problem is corrected. If not they will replace the cylinder at the cost of 150 or so. He took the key to a locksmith and he said the problem is with Toyota cylinder. It is keyed for 10 but the only use 8. The remaining 2 get loose and or slip. This is what causes the problem. For 45$ the locksmith said he would pull the cylinder and rekey it to 8. I'm not sure if the Tundra uses 8 10 or whatever but it sure sounds strange.

S-Man · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2003, 10:30 PM

how about that. that could be the problem too... hmm...somthing to look into.

CATiger · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-2005, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlinmaster

Strange a co-worker asked me if I was having this type of problem with my Tundra. He has a 2001 Sienna and this problem started a couple weeks ago. He took it to a shop and they said have another key made and see if the problem is corrected. If not they will replace the cylinder at the cost of 150 or so. He took the key to a locksmith and he said the problem is with Toyota cylinder. It is keyed for 10 but the only use 8. The remaining 2 get loose and or slip. This is what causes the problem. For 45$ the locksmith said he would pull the cylinder and rekey it to 8. I'm not sure if the Tundra uses 8 10 or whatever but it sure sounds strange.

Dropped my tundra off at the dealer for a timing belt change and some regular maintenance. He called back to ask if I'd ever had a problem with the key or cylinder. I said, "nope not in 4 years." Well I stopped by to drop off an original key, and try it out. Still no luck... The thing is jammed solid.

Oh and now a whole day is wasted, they couldn't even move it to get it on the rack for service! Luckily they gave me a loaner at no charge...

jim65wagon · #8 (**permalink**) 01-05-2005, 06:52 AM

mine still locks on occasion, but all it takes is a slight turn of the wheel and the switch frees right up and turns. No yanking hard on the wheel just a small turn.

CATiger · #9 (**permalink**) 01-06-2005, 05:00 PM

The dealer installed a new cyliner and ignition switch in my column. Cool. BUT they keyed it to a different key than my doors/tailgate/gas. UG. Now I have to go back and get it done right. Sheesh kind of a bummer. Oh well. They are going to give me a couple free keys. Yippee.

Tundradouger · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 08:43 PM

My key is jammed solid. Won't turn. I am parked on a slanted hill driveway. I tried for a long time and cannot get it to turn. What a drag. I will try moving the steering wheel harder this time. I tried three different spare keys and still won't turn. Wish me luck. Someone told me to tear it a part and start it with a screw driver. I am afraid to do this.

cbb852 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-24-2006, 03:33 PM

Hi,

Is it that difficult to replace the ignition cylinder? My key "lock up" was caused by everything but the kitchen sink on my key ring. So, I either need to get a new ig. cyl - lowest quote was $103 or get the ignition out and get it re-keyed. If I can do the latter, then I'd like the locksmith to configure it to an "8" like in one of the previous posts.

Does a part store have a book that has how to remove the cylinder? I don't care if I have one key to open the door and another to start the car.

Thanks,
Cathy

gsxrsquid · #12 (**permalink**) 11-25-2006, 09:12 PM

hanging lots of junk on a key ring will cause premature wear in an ignition lock. USUALLY though the problem is caused by pressure of the steering wheel lock bar on the cylinder. If you turn the wheel enough to release the pressure the lock should turn. Also if you are in a habit of parking in such a manner as to cause this to happen often it will also prematurely wear the cylinder.

lost_in_california · #13 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlinmaster

Strange a co-worker asked me if I was having this type of problem with my Tundra. He has a 2001 Sienna and this problem started a couple weeks ago. He took it to a shop and they said have another key made and see if the problem is corrected. If not they will replace the cylinder at the cost of 150 or so. He took the key to a locksmith and he said the problem is with Toyota cylinder. It is keyed for 10 but the only use 8. The remaining 2 get loose and or slip. This is what causes the problem. For 45$ the locksmith said he would pull the cylinder and rekey it to 8. I'm not sure if the Tundra uses 8 10 or whatever but it sure sounds strange.

I had to call AAA last night to come out and try to turn my key. Carmichael Towing guy said it is definitely a Toyota problem, the last plate in the ignition gets loose and prevents the key from turning. He got it turned, then took a tool and banged on the end of the key to push the plate back down temporarily and recomemmded getting the ignition replaced. Which locksmith quoted you that price? I would like to call him as well, since replacing the whole cyclinder is a lot more expensive.

abr10dr · #14 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 11:25 PM

Had the same problem tonight, 400 miles on the truck, my wife turned the key over and that worked, anyone have the same experiance?

mostsleek · #15 (**permalink**) 03-04-2007, 10:25 AM

I have the opposite problem, mabey a sign of things to come. I can tun my truck on fine, but sometimes go to turn it off and pull the key out it gets stuck. Not that bad, but bad enough that my fingers slip off. It might be that I am in a hurry and it has yet to spin to the off position. After reading this post, it gets me kinda worried

.