toyota4x4907

I think the key cylinder to start my truck is frozen! I go to start it earlier today and I can't turn the key! I know there is some security device that locks stuff when you turn the wheel a certain way, but it wasn't locked when I first tried it. I then locked the wheel to see if that would help. I know if you turn the wheel while trying to turn the key, it should pop and go to ACC, but it will not do it! Its not the keys. I have three keys and they all unlock the door, but won't turn the start cylinder. My fingers hurt from trying to turn the key so much. I heated up some water in a thermos and held it under the cyclinder for about 10 minutes. still didnt work. I dipped one of the keys in the water and held it in the cylinder for a minute. Still didnt work. Its colder than -40*F because the thermometer in my truck reads -40.00F and it only goes down to -40, and there was a job I really wanted to apply for but I cant go there because I cant get my truck to start! help? I don't have a blow dryer, otherwise I would try that.

ozziesironmanoffroad

mine is doing the same thing, though if i jiggle it it will move over. do you have a cylinder from vatozone or something?

toyota4x4907

No. As far as I know, its the original. I bought it with 87K miles on it, so I doubt the PO changed the cylinder. I have never had a problem in the cold like this before.
Man I've been jiggling and joogling for 15 minutes at a time. Just can't get it. its difficult to stay outside that long in sub -40 temperature.

ozziesironmanoffroad

id say try replacing it... or if u want to get thru the winter, take the cylinder out and just start it with a screwdriver

corax

have you tried shooting WD40 or PBBlaster in there yet? If it is a matter of frozen water in there, penetrating oil should prevent it from happening again

toyota4x4907

No I haven't tried that. My WD-40 is in my 4runner which is at my sisters house which is 12 miles from my apartment.heh.....Would that help it now? Or only help prevent it from happening again?
The wheel lock is all mechanical, right? Yesterday when my friend was jump starting my truck, at first the cylinder was locked, but once the battery got a little more charge, I was able to turn it with a little 'elbow grease', so that leads me to believe perhaps there is some electrical mechanism within the lock and since its so cold, its not getting enough electricity.....

toyota4x4907

I got it to turn finally. I took some old BIC lighters and heated the cylinder and the key. It turned with a slight jerk of the wheel like normal but WHOA! It was billowing ugly brown exhaust and was running on what felt like 2 cylinders. lol Its running fine now, it was just cold. The weather report said around -50*F in some places. WOOHOO!

aviator

Good to hear you got it going... I have 5 words for you... Block heater and Cab heater... 2 items that should prevent the problem from happening again and keep everyone and thing toasty warm as well lol... just a thought...
besides you know what we northern types say, "Ice and snow, 50 below makes a happy Eskimo..."

toyota4x4907

I'm glad too!
I Have a battery heater (new on tuesday), oil pan, transmission and block heaters, but the block heater has a short or bad ground. t kept tripping the breaker in my apartment, but not at my sisters house. It would be nice to get a cab heater of some sorts, but I'm selling it soon and a little short on cash so I'm trying not to spend too much on it.

LOL! I have never heard that saying before! Thats a really good one

corax

both . . .it should melt any small amounts of freezing (not sure how great it'll work in your temps, but a warm bottle of WD will get the heat into the lock quicker anyway) and prevent refreezing (WD = Water Displacement formula 40)