i have bought a 84 Toyota pickup when i first got the truck some times the key wouldnt turn all of the way back to lock on the first try, just jiggle it a little and it would, drove it a week. parked it for 2 weeks. started driving it again yesterday and it took a little more persuasion to get the key to turn back to lock ( like 2 or 3 minutes of turning and jiggling) now drove it to work this morning and set there for 15 minutes trying to get it to turn back and couldn't, left it on ACC with nothing on, and the last 3 times i've stop and got out now i can not get it to turn back to lock. does anyone know what to do or what could be causeing this problem???

 

On my 88, there is a little black button on the top of the steering column that you have to hold down to turn the key to the lock position and pull it out... Are you holding that down (assuming you have one)? If you're holding it down however it connects to the key cylinder might have broken?

 

Isn't there a push button release on the steering column? Sometimes you need to turn the wheel a little too. At least in my '81. Been 15 years since I had a 2nd Gen..

 

yea there is a push button, i use that. ive turned the wheel and moved it all around cant get it...

 

Sounds like the cylinder may be wearing out, try putting some powdered graphite in it may prolong it's life. Be sparing a little goes a long way.

 

To get the key out you can try using a pair of pliers right at the base of the key where it comes out of the cylinder, but don't force it and break the key.

 

what would the powder griphite do??? ive tryed the pliers. doesnt work. i can the get the keys out fine but only on ACC, cant even get it to turn to lock at all...

 

Eventually the keyset will completely stop working and then you are in for a tough time to replace the keyset as you need it to turn to pull out the whole assmbly. Easily replaced. I think it is in my 88 pickup build somewhere. If nothing else get one out of a boneyard while it is still turning.

Take the steering cover off and turn to a certain postion ( dont remember) and undo a few screws that that hold the electrical. Then pull out. I think it is in the Haynes Manual. Takes 5-10 minutes total. You have a little button to push on that locks the assembly into the column.

 

Graphite lubricates the lock,without gumming it up.

 

HA

my key pulls out in all my yotas regardless of position.... im suprised one as old as this has any issues!

 

i have the same thing the key pulls out any positoin and you can start it with anything that will fit in the hole so you dont even have to pull your keys out of your pocket

 

Yeah first gen pickups seem to have this problem more than others. If you replace the ignition, take the old one with you. I've seen alot of different cylinders on Toyota's.

 

My key is so warn that I too can remove it after the engine is started.

It does help in that after I roll the truck out of the garage, I can lock the doors while the truck is out of my sight for a few moments with the engine running.

 

i can pull the key out at any time also, just cant get it to turn back to lock, ive been leaving it with it in the ACC position and its been doing fine so i guess thats what ill do till it goes...