I was having a problem recently with removing the key from the ignition cylinder with shifter in "park".

I could cycle the key and shifter in and out of park and eventually the key would remove.

At first, I thought it could be the shifter position sensor located at shifter linkage,tested good even when the key could not be removed.

I next tested the shift lock solinoid at first glance(ohms and voltage) it tested good..But I forced it to show signs of going bad..

I cycled the key several times,and held a finger on it to feel it move..after several cycles It stopped moving..then continued to move again..then quit again...Found the problem!

The part # 85432-35020

8543235020 $65.50 $0.00 $47.26

SOLENOID, KEY INTER

It is located on bottom side of the ignition cylinder,held by 2 phillips screws,easy to get to(remove lower trim panel,(4) 10mm bolts and ignition bezel).

It does not come with a connector on the harness,instead it has 2 pins that have to be removed from a connector and have to be reinstalled back into the connector,Using a straight mini-pick remove the small lock on the connector body,then proceed to put pick into male side of connector and release tang that holds the pin into place.(forgot to take pics)

The wires were the same color (solid blue)and do not seem to be pin specific,I just put them into connector..

All is good now..tried to get the key to not come out of ignition cylinder in "park"..and it worked every time.

I hope this helps anyone that runs into this problem.BTW I have a 97 limited 4runner 4X4 5VZ auto...Not sure if its a different part# for the 99+,but it should be the same for 96-98 models.

 

Thanks for posting this, I did an internet search on 85432-35020 and this came up. I was trying to remember what this part does.

It keeps you from going into the "Lock" position when the car is in Drive or Reverse. In other words it is a safety to make you put it in Park or Neutral before you turn off the engine, and to keep you from locking the wheel while in drive. I disconnected mine a few years ago and haven't had any problems.