So for the past couple days, I've been driving around and having to leave my 4runner open to the public with my key in the ignition.

It will not come out no matter what I do. I don't want to break it off in there by twisting it with pliers. Still starts up and runs ok but occasionally will not crank. It will just make the dead battery " clicking noise " but this isn't often and normally starts up without hesitation.

I know this is a wierd problem and I don't have the money to pay for a new ignition right now. Anyone have any suggestions? ( i will be taking it to the dealership this afternoon and I'll reply to this once they've looked at it. )

 

you can still lock the doors aith another key. you can't lock them via the switch because they will simply unlock, but the circuit that the relay runs on is linked with the dome light, so therefore you can close the door and lock it with the key without the locks popping back open.

Matt

 

if you pull apart the dash to acsess the lock assembly, the entire ignition lock can be removed (locksmith?) by pressing a little button w/ the key in the acc(i think?) poisition. then pop in the new or get the busted key out. if replaced it will require a different key than the vehicle doors.

 

I stopped by the dealership on the way home but the service dept was too busy today to look at it. I talked with one of the parts guys who I've dealt with in the past and he got me prices on new locks (would require a different key) for $85. I'm going to disconnect the negative battery cable to see if i can turn it to the right and hopefully pull it out, then throw that key away and use a new/non busted key. We'll see what happens.

 

Ok, disconnected battery, got the key out. Tried a new key and guess what.. it's stuck now. So I guess it's off to the dealership in the a.m.

I did figure out that you can lock the doors at least w/ another key from the outside.

 

do you have the factory alarm/ computer key??? Not sure if that was available in 96

 

$85 isn't a bad deal if they convert it to the existing door key. Personally I don't like having a seperate key for the ignition and the doors, especially with the size of the toyota keys. I paid $39 for a lock cylinder I bought online then I took it to a lock smith and paid about $30 for them to change the tumblers.

 

No keyless or factory alarm. Just the the old school key deal.

 

Yeah, thats what I would prefer if they can do that.

 

Just a little follow up,

Ok, i feel like a complete dumba$$. This all happend JUST AFTER I removed my 1" body lift. The auto trans. shifter was slightly off as a result.. the shifter wasn't all the way in park and therefore wouldn't let the key come out. I simply moved the shifter a little and what'd you know it the key comes right out everytime now. Whew glad thats fixed.

 

I hate things like that!!! Glad it is fixed!

 

glad it wuz a cheep fix

 

And as a result of taking your BL, my front end squeeks like an old Ford POS. I think that body lift must have been cursed.

 

o man, too bad i didnt see this thread earlier! that same thing happened to me a while ago :pat:

glad you got it figured out

 

I've a 96 limited 4runner 4wd. Key will only occasionally come out of the ignition otherwise I have to disconnect the battery and then reconnect to use electric door locks. I'm on my third ignition assembly and recently replaced the neutral parking switch to no avail. I did notice in the instructions for the parking switch that you need to "line up" the switch with the flattened end of the shaft that it mounts on with a line that is drawn on the switch itself. I'm about 5 degrees off. I am at a loss as to where to go from here.