95 Key won't turn off past acc until I turn back on then back off

I've seen several postings about the key not coming out, but none with it behaving quite like mine. I recently bought a 1995 Tacoma 4x4 Reg Cab with 2.7L and Auto Trans floor shifter. This began a few weeks later. Whenever I stop the truck and put it in park, then try to turn the engine off it doesn't turn left past the ACC like others describe. However if I then turn it right and just bump the starter or actually start it then attempt to turn it off, it will turn all the way off as it should. I have already changed the four bushings on the shifter and that didn't change the behavior of the key, but the shifter is smooth now. It is extremely consistent in that it always turns off all the way as it should after I just re-start the engine while in park or bump the starter then turn it off. I'm thinking that it's either in the solenoid on the right in front of the floor shifter or something with the ignition switch. I know that the ignition has been changed because that key is different than my door and gas door key and that key is new and has no wear. I suspect that the new ignition is a cheap aftermarket because the key is not branded with Toyota or any emblem. Has anyone seen this behavior? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

The ignition lock cylinder is pretty easy to take out, there are many You Tube videos on that. I would do that first and see if in fact it is a mechanical issue inside the lock cylinder.

 

Thank you, I'm going to find one online today and order it. I'll update this thread with my results.

 

I just had this happen today. Fortunately it was at home in my driveway. I pulled the lower cover under the steering wheel to gain access to the ignition switch. Then I took a guess that the thing in the picture had to do with locking the key from turning to the lock position. All I had to do is loosen the two screws holding it to the switch cylinder and now the key functions normally. I suppose I no longer have the safety feature preventing the key turning to lock and being removed while I'm driving, but I'll take that chance.
It's the white square thing, seems to be a solenoid with a plunger that engages the switch, keeping it from turning all the way off. It could have been a real inconvenience if it happened somewhere else.

 

automotive locksmith: Our ignitions and doors use split wafers at two positions to offer added security. As these split wafers and the plug as well as your key wears, the wafers fail to align and block the sheer-line. If your key is turning smoothly both clockwise and counter, the wafer (lock cylinder) is not the problem.

As you have found, the park solenoid is bad ad will prevent the key from being removed. Another solution to removing the key with issue or problem solving is to temporarily disable the solenoid by disconnecting the battery, then removing key as solenoid is de powered.

Lots of customers come into my shop thinking they have ignition cylinder issues due to park solenoid issues on auto trans vehicles.

Chris

 

Thanks everyone. I replaced the ignition switch with an oem one and this happened a couple more times, but now hasn't done it in a few months so I guess I'll just consider myself lucky until it acts up again.