How to unlock steering column if ignition cylinder is bad and I can't turn the key

Today I couldn't get my 2008 Taco to start as I couldn't turn the ignition at all. The key seems to work in the lock so I'm guessing it's the ignition cylinder?

Unfortunately the steering column is locked and since I can't turn the key, I can't unlock the steering. In the current wheel position I can't get the cover off the steering column to get the ignition cylinder out...

Any recommendations?

 

Short answer is you can't unlock the steering wheel unless you can rotate the lock cylinder, this is by design to prevent theft.

Have you tried moving the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn the key?

 

Yup. I spent a good 10 minutes trying to jiggle the wheel and the key but no luck

 

Dremel

 

Do you have another key to try?

If not you will need to pull the steering wheel so you can get the column covers off.

Other than drilling the lock cylinder to get the locking bar out you will have to replace the whole assembly if you can't get it to turn.

 

I recently moved and haven't been able to find my spare key. Going to work on that a little more before I escalate this job