So, today this really messed with me. I stopped the truck in the garage, and when I took my keys out, I opened the door to have the ignition still buzzing telling me my keys are still in. It won't let me lock the doors because it thinks the keys are still in.

I tried putting them back in and taking it back out a couple times with no luck. I thought maybe I stopped the truck and didn't put it in park, but im better than that..

I closed the door and locked it from the outside for now. It is still sitting there. Is that okay?

Any idea what's going on here?
What can I do to fix it?
Simple?
Complicated?
DIY?

Thank you YT, so far you have been there for me for everything 4runner related...

 

Sometimes you can tap on the ignition switch to unstick it and it will stop. It may give you fits if you have some type of alarm. If it wont stop, more than likely its the actual key cylinder thats doing that and needs to be replaced

 

My rig does the same thing, I just tap it like toytech76 says and then I'm able to auto lock the doors. Not a huge issue for me so I'm gonna leave it at that.

 

Mine does the same thing sometimes....

These things dont always work so well after 300k....Usually I can just wiggle it around until it stops

 

When you say "tap the ignition switch" what does that actually mean? Do I hit the key to the left while its in there?

Yeah, I am not mad at my truck, I definately understand after 14 years of great service &*#$ happens you know?

Help me out with this "tapping thing", and maybe I will just leave it too, if it works. If not, I bet a new one would cost big bucks. I would need it to match the locks on the doors..

 

My truck does that once in a while, too, I just "snap" the empty lock cylinder with my forefinger, by loading it up behind my thumb, then popping it against the lock. That has always been enough to get the key swich inside to release. I've been trying to decide whether to spray in some silicone lube or some graphite to try to loosen it up, again.

 

my 91 did that for a long while. I used to just take my finger and press in on the slot where the key goes and it would click and the buzzer would stop.
then one day, 'cause my key got bent, I took my registration proving I owned the truck to the dealership, they verified my name is mine and is on the reg then proceeded to cut me two new keys for 10 dollars US.
it doesn't buzz any more when I use the new keys.

 

Pull the lock cylinder and lube up the button. It's probably just stuck in the up position...

 

My truck has done that a few times. Usually all I do it put my key in and turn it back and forth a few times, works everytime.

 

Quick shot of WD-40, then back and forth a couple of times. Clears it right up.

 

Yeah, I used my spare to start it up and now it is gone. Really strange. Problem solved?

 

If it was mine, I'd say problem solved, or at least good enough for now.

 

DON'T use WD-40, it'll gum up the works.

Use graphite.

Also, if you have to get a new one, try and take it to a locksmith shop, instead of making them come to you. It'll cost a lot less, trust me.

 

^ And don't use graphite now, after you've put wd40 in it, otherwise it'll make a nasty mess in there.

Take it out, clean it up, make sure it's 100% dry inside and out, then put graphite in there.