My 1997 4Runner SR5 has 235,000 miles. I have started having problems with the steering wheel locking when parked with the front wheels not straight. When this occurs, the key won't turn in the ignition switch which won't allow me to start the vehicle. Does anybody have any experience removing just the ignition switch and removing the locking mechanism? Is the pin or the lock worn out or both? Thanks for any help

 

I did find this, though - hope it helps some.



Good Luck !

Britt

 

Cant post a you tube link as a picture. Fixed it for ya.

[youtube]V0CRdsFtWdQ[/youtube]

 

I've had this problem as well. My 4Runner has 240,000 miles. I went to the Toyota dealer and had them cut me a new key from my VIN, and they did it for FREE! Anyway, the new key works much better. The old and new key don't even look the same. Worth a shot before replacing the cylinder.

There are quite a few threads on here describing the same issue. Here's one:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/1...t=key+won+turn

 

I could not get the lock to turn to the ACC position to remove it so I had to drill out the tumblers. In the process of drill them out The drill caught in the lock and spun it. The end result was that the small tab that inserts into the ignition switch broke. Turns out you cant just buy the piece that broke, you have to buy the whole unit for 300 bucks. I would just start the thing with a screw driver but as soon as you turn the wheel the steering wheel locks. Does anyone know how to disable the steering wheel lock?