Hello Everyone,

I am traveling in remote Baja and went to start my 92 4runner automatic and the key will not turn. Could this be the ignition pin gone bad? My only option is to try to fix this problem as I am no where close to a large city, just a small town. I do have access to a lot of tools and drills if needed. Can someone please give me set by step instructions on how to fix or circumvent this issiue? I really appreciate your help!!!!

Stuck in the Baja,

Mike

 

First - you might need to hit the "Shift Lock Override" down by the shifter. If it thinks it's in gear, it won't let you turn the key.

Second, if you have the key and it goes in, you should be able to remove the lock cylinder from the ignition switch, and then start it directly.

This might help:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...lectrical.html

 

Tc, thanks for the reply! I have already done your first suggestion hoping that was going to do the trick, it didnt. I checked your diagram thanks for that. You make your second suggestion sound easy, is it? Can you provide me with directions so i dont make things worse. Removing the lock cylinder is what i want to do. If i remove the lock cylinder will the 4runner still start using the original key and is there any negitive issiues from removing it? Thanks again for the help!!!!!!

Mike

 

Try something simple like wd40 ,oil ,something .. no oil ..stick your oil dipstick in there get oil in there somehow.

If that dont work Take it apart then.

 

If you remove the lock cylinder, it's just the ignition switch behind it, can turn it with anything - screwdriver, wrench, whatever.

I haven't ever done it, I hear it's not hard though. If there is a mechanic close by, they could probably show you how to do it.

How are you getting internet out there?

 

I am in San Juanico, they have satelite internet thankfully here. Yes there are mechanic's but would like to give them some direction before they tear into it. I did already try wd40 as well with no avail. Thanks again!!

Adios,

Mike

 

try turning the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key

 

You have to be able to get the key into the "ACC" position to remove the cylinder. There is a small opening on the bottom of the housing with a release pin, you will need to remove the steering wheel plastic covering to get to this, with the key in the acc position depress the pin and the lock can be pulled out. Then you can turn the ignition with a pair of needle nose pliers.

 

Tim,

I have pulled all the plastic off and see a round recessed hole which has a depressable pin in it, is this what you are talking about? It is located underneath the ignition a couple inches in front of where the key goes into the ignition. Secondly, I cant get the ignition into ACC, how do i accomplish this? THANKS!!!!!!!

Mike

 

If you cant get it into ACC, then my idea wont work, but yeah that sounds like the right pin. You have to be able to get it into ACC though for it to work, if you can the cylinder should pull right out.

 

OK Tim, thanks for all your input. I will keep trying.

Mike

 

Ok, its looking more promising for a replacement ignition cyclinder, so before i start ripping more stuff apart...should i just simply drill out the release pin and pull out the old broken cylinder and simply replace it with the working one? This sounds to easy. If the other cylinder doesn't work i could still start it with some pilers and still leave everything else in tack? Is this correct?

Mike

 

Yeah, that will work. If it were me I would drill out the pin and pull the cylinder now and worry about getting a replacement cylinder when I got home. At least that way you aren't stuck waiting for parts and you can actually use your vehicle.

 

Yep exactly what i did! I am back on the road happy, thx for all the help.

Adios,

Mike

 

I am having the same issue with my ignition. I have tried everything and am willing to take out the lock cylinder. If I drill out the pin will this and remove the cylinder will this release the steering lock? I can not get the key to turn to acc so I see no other option.