Ignition "locked" while trying to start

ErikJeanna · 02-03-2006, 04:24 PM

Every once in awhile, I go to start my truck up and when I go to turn the key... it won't turn. It's basically stuck. I can remove the key easily, turn in over and try that way, but usually nothing. I try playing with the wheel and the shifter, but nothing (usually). It's hit and miss how many times and how long I try. Sometimes it works after a few tries (like today), other times it takes a good 5 minutes of trying. Anyone experience anything like this? If so... what's the fix? It's kind of annoying.

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msw0085 · 02-03-2006, 04:33 PM

I had the same problem in my old 3rd gen.. I think that it has to do with the innards of the ignition..def search cuz I know theres an answer somewhere..

Elton · 02-03-2006, 05:33 PM

may be try using some lube to free it up

***midiwall*** · 02-03-2006, 05:41 PM

This can happen if you park with your wheels cranked to one side, or when there's some force pushing against the wheels (like when you park next to a curb). To free it up sometimes requires more than just playing with the steering wheel - you have to crank on it fairly hard. Be sure to try turning both directions.

ErikJeanna · 02-04-2006, 07:10 PM

Nope... this will happen while parked "normal" on my driveway or in a parking lot. Completely random when it happens. Sucks.

jwbehm · 02-05-2006, 10:52 AM

Happens in my dad's 97 Jaguar. If you move the steering wheel around it will usually be able to turn.

gapguy · 02-05-2006, 11:04 AM

The SAME thing happens in both of my 97's and my roomate's 97. As far as I know, there's no easy fix, my roomate had to replace his cylinder.

ErikJeanna · 02-05-2006, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gapguy

replace his cylinder.

This is what I figured... and from what I have read, this isn't an easy task either. Oh well.

MTL_4runner · 02-06-2006, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gapguy

The SAME thing happens in both of my 97's and my roomate's 97. As far as I know, there's no easy fix, my roomate had to replace his cylinder.

I'd agree, you'll probably need to chnage the ignition lock cylinder to fix that problem because the tumblers are worn.....annoying for sure! It is no joke to replace, but it certianly can be done and it's just detailed work to do it (pull off the steering column cover and you can see what you'll need to do to change it).

DrBeau · 02-06-2006, 03:36 PM

Honestly, I think it may be inaccuracies with the cylinders and the keys. I have this problem occasiaonally, but it can effect any and all the cylinders on my truck (ignition, driver's door, pass. door, rear hatch). Usually I can giggle it to get it to work, but most of the time I take out my key and put it in again. It doesn't sound as bad as your problem, but it effects both my keys and all locks.

**waskillywabbit** · 02-06-2006, 04:37 PM

Try spraying some graphite into your lock (cylinders). My 87 locks were all stuck and hard to turn like that, some of them frozen it seemed...a couple shots of graphite powder and a few turns and they are right as rain. I'd sure as heck try that before I put in new tumblers.

phorensic · 02-07-2006, 12:38 AM

I had this exact same problem. I used to have to violently shake the wheel like I was trying to steal my truck or something. Sometimes it would take 10 minutes to get it to turn. After a month of doing it, it just went away. I think it had to do with the insane amount of dust that goes into my cab at the off-road races.

phorensic · 02-07-2006, 12:40 AM

Come to think of it, my doors started doing it, too. And then that went away. And then my gas tank door lock started doing it until one night I had to get gas to get home and I ended up prying the door open and throwing it away. Damn Toyota locks. So far they have been the only thing to fail on my truck without expecting it from abuse. I guess Toyota had to count beans somewhere!

boriswebs · 02-08-2006, 01:54 PM

I had a similar problem with mine. I used WD40 and fixed the sticking tumblers problem. It has been about a week now and I have a new problem that at first I though was related. One day after coming back from town I found that it wouldn’t let me turn the key all the way back to the point were it lets me pull my key out. Pissed off after trying to get my key out for 10 min I decided to unplug the wires leading to ignition it let me turn the key all the way and I could take my key out. It’s like it’s not recognizing the truck is in park. I live in dorms so it makes it hard for me to really work on my truck in the parking lot and mid-terms are coming up so I haven’t found out what it is yet. Thinking it’s a loose wire somewhere. Works fine I just have to unplug it every time I want my key back.

Oh and as far as other locks, sometimes I can’t even get my driver side door to even allow me to turn the key. Have to mess with it for a few sec or enter through the passenger side to unlock it from inside.

Swede · 11-17-2006, 02:27 PM

So "ErikJeanna" did you ever get this key issue resolved? I started having the exact same problem lately! Nice rig BTW, I want those wheels!

jimbob · 11-17-2006, 06:37 PM

Since this old thread was revived, i'll ass my $.02 ----
I had this problem with my 91 mr2 --- it turned out it was the key that had worn. Go have another key cut and give it a try - if it works, its a $5 fix.

ErikJeanna · 11-17-2006, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob

Since this old thread was revived, i'll ass my $.02 ----
I had this problem with my 91 mr2 --- it turned out it was the key that had worn. Go have another key cut and give it a try - if it works, its a $5 fix.

The key is actually only 2 1/2 years old. I had 2 new keys cut when I bought the truck used because the original owner only had 1 key left and the top part that conncts to a key ring was busted, so I had 2 new ones made. I wouldn't think that a 2 1/2 year old key is getting worn. Or would it?

ErikJeanna · 11-17-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swede

So "ErikJeanna" did you ever get this key issue resolved? I started having the exact same problem lately! Nice rig BTW, I want those wheels!

Yeah, the problem still exists... but it's in semi-remission right now. Usually turning the key over and trying again seems to work just fine. Thanks for the compliment. I put alot into this truck... compliments are always welcome!

Here is a link to the rims if you're in the market for some:
http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse....ue&SnipID=3018

**rocket** · 11-18-2006, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikJeanna

Yeah, the problem still exists...

Quote:

Originally Posted by waskillywabbit

Try spraying some graphite into your lock (cylinders).

Thats exactly what i did when i had the same problem that got continuously worse....so bad that it sometimes took many attempts to turn the ignition and/or pull the key out. So i bought and squirted a $3~ tube of dry graphite lubricant into the cylinder and at the same time, i got new keys (dealership) that were computerized cut via my VIN number. Bingo! Problem has been solved for 3+ months now. That dry lube was key...pun intended.

rcars4life · 11-18-2006, 03:07 AM

I'll jump in here, I bought my truck and it only came with 1 key. I go to unlock it at the dealership and spend a good 5 minutes jiggling it to turn, finaly it does and i'm in and start the car. I bought the car and put graphite in the holes, no luck. Well i couldn't live with that so I got keyless remote. Now probably 1 out or 5 times i can't turn the ignition, i just pull the key out and put it back in and turn at the same time, it works after a couple trys. I had a new key made at walmart, nope no luck, infact that key won't even open the door at all! well i'll live with it i guess, definitely not worth replacing the lock and tumblers!

**waskillywabbit** · 11-18-2006, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket

Thats exactly what i did when i had the same problem that got continuously worse....so bad that it sometimes took many attempts to turn the ignition and/or pull the key out. So i bought and squirted a $3~ tube of dry graphite lubricant into the cylinder and at the same time, i got new keys (dealership) that were computerized cut via my VIN number. Bingo! Problem has been solved for 3+ months now. That dry lube was key...pun intended.

x3

I wouldn't trust someone at Walmart to cut me out of a paper bag, much less a key to my ignition. :pat: Pay the extra $$$ and get one cut off the VIN at the dealer and use the graphite.

I have seen several vehicles that had "discount" places cut keys for the ignition, one Honda in particular, and the owner had to wind up changing out the whole ignition cylinder cause he was too cheap to pay up for a proper key.

Swede · 11-18-2006, 10:11 AM

After looking carefuly at my keys, I've noticed that the shank is a bit twisted compared to the handle part. I twisted it back so that it lines up with the handle and haven't had a problem since! Hopefully this cures it.

Machine · 11-21-2006, 08:26 PM

Had the same problem sometimes 20 mins to get it to start... I was all about finesse if you softly turned it and pulled up it would catch and crank... I got sick of FINESSE so I spray some dupont teflon in there and It has seem to fix the problem for the time being... If it does it again I'm rewiring the ignition system to run off a keypad system and just use a code to crank it!

YotaFun · 11-21-2006, 09:06 PM

I'l put in my .02

I had this problem and ended up getting a new key cause
1) mine was warn...
2) the top platics part butsted...
Good thing I also had the little tag with the numbers so they could make the key nice and fresh at the stealership...

Good thing I had the valet in the glove box at the time...
I got my key out, put the valet in and it worked just fine...
The only time I have a problem now is if I have the wheel turned ever so slightly or I parked it turned twaords a curve (when I have to park on the street at school)
I hope you get your problem fixed...
That sounds really iffy...
I would have gone mad by now...
(to the point i might have actaulyl broken off the steering wheel...)
Good luck....

CJM · 11-21-2006, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machine

Had the same problem sometimes 20 mins to get it to start... I was all about finesse if you softly turned it and pulled up it would catch and crank... I got sick of FINESSE so I spray some dupont teflon in there and It has seem to fix the problem for the time being... If it does it again I'm rewiring the ignition system to run off a keypad system and just use a code to crank it!

Did ya check the starter? A friend of minehad this exact problem in his taurass and bingo starter was no good.

02-03-2006, 04:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
msw0085 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Southlake/Lubbock, Texas Posts: 1,988	I had the same problem in my old 3rd gen.. I think that it has to do with the innards of the ignition..def search cuz I know theres an answer somewhere.. __________________ TOYOTA\|moving forward 1996 3.4 Litre \| 4-Wheel Drive \| 5-speed Manual Transmission \| Magnaflow Exhaust Deckplate \| Intake Silencer Removal MasterDebater

02-03-2006, 05:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,648	may be try using some lube to free it up __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-03-2006, 05:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,078	This can happen if you park with your wheels cranked to one side, or when there's some force pushing against the wheels (like when you park next to a curb). To free it up sometimes requires more than just playing with the steering wheel - you have to crank on it fairly hard. Be sure to try turning both directions. __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

02-04-2006, 07:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
ErikJeanna Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 643	Nope... this will happen while parked "normal" on my driveway or in a parking lot. Completely random when it happens. Sucks. __________________ DON'T SHOOT! I'm an involuntary traitor to the Toyota world. This WAS my Toyota... a loaded 1998 4Runner SR5 2wd Check out my Sound Domain web page to see it in all it's glory!

02-05-2006, 11:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
gapguy Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nevada City, CA Posts: 3,540	The SAME thing happens in both of my 97's and my roomate's 97. As far as I know, there's no easy fix, my roomate had to replace his cylinder. __________________ 2008 Mini Cooper

02-05-2006, 10:52 AM	#6 (permalink)
jwbehm Banned Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 443	Happens in my dad's 97 Jaguar. If you move the steering wheel around it will usually be able to turn.

02-06-2006, 03:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
DrBeau Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: North County, San Diego, CA Posts: 1,249	Honestly, I think it may be inaccuracies with the cylinders and the keys. I have this problem occasiaonally, but it can effect any and all the cylinders on my truck (ignition, driver's door, pass. door, rear hatch). Usually I can giggle it to get it to work, but most of the time I take out my key and put it in again. It doesn't sound as bad as your problem, but it effects both my keys and all locks. __________________ -Beau No, I am not actually a doctor...yet. ----------- 1998 4Runner SR5- 4x4, V6, AT, Factory E-Locker- Mods: Satoshi Grill, Alpine HU, E-Locker Mod -otherwise Stock (for now) To come: Music!, Rear Storage/Audio box/Sleep area, York OBA

02-06-2006, 04:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,548	Try spraying some graphite into your lock (cylinders). My 87 locks were all stuck and hard to turn like that, some of them frozen it seemed...a couple shots of graphite powder and a few turns and they are right as rain. I'd sure as heck try that before I put in new tumblers. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

02-07-2006, 12:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
phorensic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 177	I had this exact same problem. I used to have to violently shake the wheel like I was trying to steal my truck or something. Sometimes it would take 10 minutes to get it to turn. After a month of doing it, it just went away. I think it had to do with the insane amount of dust that goes into my cab at the off-road races.

02-07-2006, 12:40 AM	#13 (permalink)
phorensic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 177	Come to think of it, my doors started doing it, too. And then that went away. And then my gas tank door lock started doing it until one night I had to get gas to get home and I ended up prying the door open and throwing it away. Damn Toyota locks. So far they have been the only thing to fail on my truck without expecting it from abuse. I guess Toyota had to count beans somewhere!

02-08-2006, 01:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
boriswebs Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 164	I had a similar problem with mine. I used WD40 and fixed the sticking tumblers problem. It has been about a week now and I have a new problem that at first I though was related. One day after coming back from town I found that it wouldn’t let me turn the key all the way back to the point were it lets me pull my key out. Pissed off after trying to get my key out for 10 min I decided to unplug the wires leading to ignition it let me turn the key all the way and I could take my key out. It’s like it’s not recognizing the truck is in park. I live in dorms so it makes it hard for me to really work on my truck in the parking lot and mid-terms are coming up so I haven’t found out what it is yet. Thinking it’s a loose wire somewhere. Works fine I just have to unplug it every time I want my key back. Oh and as far as other locks, sometimes I can’t even get my driver side door to even allow me to turn the key. Have to mess with it for a few sec or enter through the passenger side to unlock it from inside. __________________ VERONICA 91 l X-Cab l SR5 l 3.0 l Auto l 35's l 4 inch Pro-Comp lift l 3 inch body lift l Chevy springs l Custom Air Intake l Custom Rear Bumper l Custom interior l several other mods. Project Satan 86 Mazda B2000 l Slammed l Tower Notched l Shaved l Custom Interior, Relocated Gas Tank, Headers, Straight pipes, Flowmaster Super 44, Cam, Webber Carb, Electric Fan, Optima Yellow Top My yotatech Profile

11-17-2006, 02:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
Swede Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Prince Rupert, BC Posts: 311	So "ErikJeanna" did you ever get this key issue resolved? I started having the exact same problem lately! Nice rig BTW, I want those wheels! __________________ '98 4Runner SR5, V-6, 5-speed, 35" Baja Claws, 17x9 Eagle Alloys, E-Locker, 3" Susp Lift, 3" Body Lift, Elbow mod, Deckplate Mod, "D" gasket mod, Silverstars, Headlight Film, 67" TG Sliders, 8500lbs Portable Winch, Magellan GPS... Next on the list: 4:88 gears

11-17-2006, 06:37 PM	#16 (permalink)
jimbob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 106	Since this old thread was revived, i'll ass my $.02 ---- I had this problem with my 91 mr2 --- it turned out it was the key that had worn. Go have another key cut and give it a try - if it works, its a $5 fix. __________________ 2002 Sport Edition - Thunder Cloud Grey TRD SC/7th Injector - OME 880/906 - SS Panhard Bar & Brake Lines - 265/75 REVOS - WAAG Center Gaurd & Rear Gaurd

11-18-2006, 03:07 AM	#20 (permalink)
rcars4life Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Phoenix,AZ(home) Rexburg, ID (school) Posts: 134	I'll jump in here, I bought my truck and it only came with 1 key. I go to unlock it at the dealership and spend a good 5 minutes jiggling it to turn, finaly it does and i'm in and start the car. I bought the car and put graphite in the holes, no luck. Well i couldn't live with that so I got keyless remote. Now probably 1 out or 5 times i can't turn the ignition, i just pull the key out and put it back in and turn at the same time, it works after a couple trys. I had a new key made at walmart, nope no luck, infact that key won't even open the door at all! well i'll live with it i guess, definitely not worth replacing the lock and tumblers! __________________ Not my STI '96 Limited 4runner -ISR, Deckplate mod, Diff breather mod, upgraded headlight harness, TrueFlow -comealong, 20' recovery strap, toolset, tireplugs, tirefixer/inflater, flashlights, warmclothes!

11-18-2006, 10:11 AM	#22 (permalink)
Swede Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Prince Rupert, BC Posts: 311	After looking carefuly at my keys, I've noticed that the shank is a bit twisted compared to the handle part. I twisted it back so that it lines up with the handle and haven't had a problem since! Hopefully this cures it. __________________ '98 4Runner SR5, V-6, 5-speed, 35" Baja Claws, 17x9 Eagle Alloys, E-Locker, 3" Susp Lift, 3" Body Lift, Elbow mod, Deckplate Mod, "D" gasket mod, Silverstars, Headlight Film, 67" TG Sliders, 8500lbs Portable Winch, Magellan GPS... Next on the list: 4:88 gears

11-21-2006, 08:26 PM	#23 (permalink)
Machine Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Covington,Louisiana Posts: 68	Had the same problem sometimes 20 mins to get it to start... I was all about finesse if you softly turned it and pulled up it would catch and crank... I got sick of FINESSE so I spray some dupont teflon in there and It has seem to fix the problem for the time being... If it does it again I'm rewiring the ignition system to run off a keypad system and just use a code to crank it! __________________ GEAUX-AWOL 97 4RUNNER SR5 4WD 3.4L, TJM t-17, ISR mod, Deckplate mod, TrueFlow filter, PCV mod, NGK Iridiums, 4Crawler Body Kit, ES sway bar bushings,Hella 500's, Surco safari rack, rear flood lights, custom rear work trunk SOLD 00 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0L Rock Krawler, too many mods to list... 03 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Cummins Double Cab[b] 2005 Toyota Sequioa SR5 5k miles, loaded, Blacked out all the way around, True Flow w/ Dbl 3" deckplate mod.

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