1998 Ignition Key wont turn.....Need assistance releasing to install new item

I was out yesterday with the truck, ran all over town and no issues.

When I got closer to home, I stopped at WalMart for a minute and when I came out, it would not turn. Had to have the truck towed back to my place so I could replace the cylinder.

Here are the symptoms:
The key goes into the hole OK
The steering wheel is unlocked and moves freely
The key will turn all of about 1/2 way to the accessory position but then stops.

I have disassembled the dash and have accessed the key cylinder but I cannot get it to release!!

I was told that if the key was insterted into the cylinder, there was some way to release the cylinder to get it replaced. Some form of release pin???

Does anyone know how this is done?? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Have you tried shaking the steering wheel. Sometimes mine locks up, but I shake the wheel and it works.

 

Yes, thanks, I did that as well. Also thought the steering was the issue so I cranked on the wheel in each direction thinking the steering lock pin might be the issues but that was not it either.

I picked up a new lock already and would love to install it, I am just not sure how to get the old one out. $100K worth of tools in my shop and a $14 ignition switch is shutting me down!!

 

Well that sucks. I was hoping it would be something easy. But it usually never is. Sorry I can't be more of a help. Maybe you need a bigger hammer. haha

 

I have been attempting to read up on the replacement as much as possible.

It appears that the key not only needs to be inserted, it has to be turned to the ACC position in order to allow the PIN RELEASE to work.

Since I cannot get it to turn that far, I think I am screwed with out a kiss or a smile.

I think I will run down to the local stealership and see if they might assist me, information wise. The last thing I want is to have it towed in there....God only knows how expensive that would be!!

Thanks anyway!

 

had this same problem on my '98 - when the tow truck guy came he asked if I minded if he tried something.. He put the key in the ignition and then tapped the end of the key with a wrench (you can use anything you have handy) and the key then turned all the way. He told me that some of the "tumblers" occasionally get stuck and this helps get them back in place to turn.. I used this temp fix for about a year before I had to completely replace the ignition.. hope this helps..

 

You are correct on everything. Lock cylinder has a release pin/tab on the bottom that needs to depressed while key is in the LC, turned to the ACC position.

I dunno, i'd be wiggling and jiggling that key as much as I could to try and get it to turn.

If you're totally F'd, I'm aware that drilling may be involved.

 

I PM'd a locksmith who was selling the replacement cylinder on eBay (which I bought from him as well).

He called me back to say that one of the "keys" or tumblers has broken and it needs to be forcibly taken out.

What he said to do was get a Center Punch and place it in the hole, smack it with a hammer and it would release the key.

When I went to Melissa's housewarming last night, one of her guest was a locksmith and not only confirmed that same information but also said he would just come over this afternoon and do it for me...for free! Whoopie!!

I will have to start the truck with a screwdriver for the next few days until the replacement item comes in the mail but then I will be able to re-install all the interior parts and be back in business!!

Thanks for the feedback from all....

 

Forgot to post back up.....

Got the lock punched out....lost a key while doing it as the punch was hit so hard it locked the key in the cylinder but it was one of 5 so I don't really mind.

new cylinder is on order from eBay and will install it once it comes in. While the dash was apart I went ahead and replaced all the lighting so it was fresh as well.

 

New ignition cylinder arrived USPS on Saturday. Its a cheap knock off from OEM but looks and fit perfectly!! Came with 2 keys and was only $24 on eBay!! Whoo Hoo!! I am back in business!!

 

I recently bought a used '98 prerunner and had it for about a week and the ignition locked up. It would only turn about half way to the acc.
I read your conversation on this forum and then went and bought some Graphite Grease. That didn't seem to help it. I grabbed my hammer, tapped the end of the key while it was in the ignition and, bam, success (for now). Thanks for indirectly helping me out!

 

I read your comment and tried it on my truck and it worked! Thanks!