Key Locked In Ignition

Hey TW,

After reading all of these topics about the problems people have had with their trucks I thought I would share one that I had and see if anybody else has had the issue.

I have noticed on some occasions that when i get into my truck and try to turn the key it won't turn. It goes one click forward but locks afterwards and won't come back or go forward, and i can't pull it out. The only solution i have found is to use the adjuster to telescope the wheel and move it up and down which I assume somehow loosens the key to where it can come out or start.

I have only experienced this problem twice in about six months and it is a mild inconvenience but I still love this truck! Anybody else seen this happen to them as well?

 

i have had this problem when i lock the steering wheel(key isnt in the truck and try to turn the wheel it will lock) i just shove the key in and shake the wheel left and right works everytime.

 

I had that issue happen on a Mitsu I owned....I found that if I had the wheels (tires) turned (esp on a hill) they would kick the wheel back and not let the key come out.
Make sure your hand is off the wheel when you turn off the key, or give it a shake left and right and let it settle before you turn it off.
Hope this helps.

 

crank the wheel back and forth and try and remove your key simultaneously

 

This^^

There is a comment in the owners manual stating this. Well on my 2007 that is and my daughters 2010 corrola.

 

The OP has a problem when he gets INTO his truck so I don't know if that has anything to do w/ the steering lock. My experience as a Lexus tech, retired for 12 months now, says replace the ignition lock assembly. I have done many dozens of these in RXs and LXs. People put up w/ wiggling the thing around and getting it to work OK at that time. Eventually the key locks up and can't be moved or removed.