Ignition problems - steering wheel locks up

80 yrs old my steering wheel locks and key won’t turn. Can’t jack up truck ? I tried Turning wheel before turning off engine. It still locks up. Is it ignition switch? 1997 Tacoma switch in dash not column.

 

So confused

 

Try moving the transmission shifter roughly. Sometimes it doesn't quite reach that spot to release the key

 

Welcome Karen!

 

X2

 

Turn the wheel then turn the ignition switch forward

 

I tried that. I really had to work with it. Got it unlocked but happens every time I drive it. Could it be worn key or ignition switch?

 

Your steering wheel will lock if you turn it after the ignition is turned off. To unlock it you have to turn the wheel as far as you can while turning the key.

 

Don’t turn the wheel after the truck is off

 

Sometimes every long once in while something happens here that make this place seem not so bad after all.

Glad we could help Karen.

 

Hello Karen, and welcome.

 

Ok. Just don't turn the wheel after you turn it off and it wont happen at all. If you can't avoid it then just make sure you're turning it in the same direction that caused it to lock so it unlocks more easily. If you can't remember which way then just try both directions.

 

Yes. My 95 got like that a few months ago at 158,000 miles. I had to remove the cylinder and file a couple of the tumblers. Why not get a new ignition? Because then my door and ignition key(s) will not match.

Takes about 15 minutes to remove the ignition. You can look for scratches/gouging in the cylinder to see which tumblers are hanging up.

Or, you can pop in a new ignition and carry two keys.

Edit: Forgot to say, yes, it's due to key wear, but easiest to file the tumlbers.

 

Can she not get a replacement key cut by the dealer to correct this, then?

 

She can, but making a replacement key from a key that is so badly worn is a bit of a gamble.

 

Actually really cool to know. I didn't know you could mess with tumblers like that but makes sense.

 

I was under the impression the dealer could cut a new key from the VIN number, not the worn key?

 

The dealer can make a new key based on the VIN I believe. So perfectly true to spec.

 

Not sure an 80 year old lady is gonna be able to remove her ign cylinder and inspect it. But anything is possible.