The story is I have a 94 v6 4runner, and a month after i bought the car and get spare keys i lose the original. When i first got the spare i noticed it was a little sticky in the ignition but fine in the locks so i just decided to keep it as the spare anyway. When i lost the original I used the sticky key for about a week the only thing was that the entire week the key worked fine until one evening the key wouldnt even turn. After finding the original and trying it in my truck the next day it still would not turn. Thats when i decided that the spare key had most likely worn apart the cylinder so i purchased a new one. After purchasing a new one and starting the disassembly of the worn one i realized that the instructions to remove the cylinder involve turning the key toward the ACC mode while pushing a rod in the bottom of the housing. I was a little confused on why theyd make it so you have to turn the key to get the cylinder out of the housing because you'd think most people wouldnt be able to turn they're key and that might be why you would need a new cylinder? can anyone give me any tips on how to get the Ignition cylinder out?

 

Most time ignition lock cylinders just get notchy and loose, hardly ever lockup. They want you to turn the key and push the pin to I guess make sure you are the owner and not popping out the lock cylinder to unlock steering and turning the electrical part of the ignition switch to steal vehicle. Spray the lock cyl with lube and try to rock the steering wheel left and right while turning key. This helps if the wheels are straight,not cranked to one side. Also rapidly insert and remove key many times to help line up whats left of tumblers.Good luck or start drilling. Joe

 

put the key in and then jigger it up and down vertically in the lock while turning and you may get it to turn.

 

Powered graphite works good. I've had the cylinders out before. It took some force though.

 

It might be that your wheel is locked and forced against the lock..
Move the steering wheel so it's free, then try the ignition..

 

Thanks for all your tips and replies. unfortunatly nothing has gotten it loose yet and im starting to believe its so worn ill need to have a mechanic take apart the housing or start drilling carefully if thats a real smart option or not im not sure. Just not trying to do any further damage.