Car Is Locked Up

Hi, I need to find a fix for my problem fast. I went out to my truck and tried to start it up, but the key physically wouldnt turn. The steering wheel wont turn, and i cant change the gear. I need help asap.

 

Is your battery drained?
Is any of the electrical working?

 

Try holding the brake and turning the wheel when you try turning the key..

 

The key cylinder and steering lock assembly should be 100% mechanical. If the key won't physically turn it's either because a) the teeth on the key were damaged or the cylinder has somehow become damaged -- either way implying that the teeth of the key no longer align the pins in the cylinder to allow it to turn. Alternatively, it might not turn due to b) the steering lock is jamming it, which means the steering wheel is turned too far in one direction so try rotating the steering wheel a few degrees left or right before/while turning the key back and forth -- this might require some force on the steering wheel to rotate it off of the "jam". b is the most likely scenario.

 

Open door light is on and seatbelt sensor beeps so its working.

 

Then try what others suggested

 

An electrical issue would not prevent the key from rotating. Putting in the wrong key would. Sometimes. The steering lock mechanism and the ignition mechanism interefere with each other in my truck. I have to rotate the steering wheel back and forth to release what appears to be tension on the ignition to steering wheel lock mechanism.

 

These are the answer.

 

I fixed it, i turned the wheel right and held it and the key was able to turn. Thank you everyone.

 

Once again TW saves the day, even in the wee hours of the morning!

 

And welcome to tw. Quick answers

 

It will happen again. Not that there is anything wrong, it just will. But don't think that 'right' is always the answer. Sometimes 'left' will be.

Steering/ignition interlocks became common around the late 60's for all marques. So this isn't a 'new' issue, nor is it Toyota/Tacoma specific.

Just pointing that out so you'll know you can apply the same technique when it happens to you in another vehicle. Generally a gentle tug is all that's required.

NEVER force the key, or you could wind up immobile and in need of a locksmith.