Ignition lock

My 1998 Taco recently starting doing this. Turn the key starts normally then turn the key nothing. Battery and alternator operating normal, starter same. The last time key got stuck and wouldn’t come out. Got the truck towed home cramped right up. I think I need a new ignition. Anybody have the same problem?

 

Yes. it usually occurs when someone has a heavy key ring with a lot of keys on it. Toyota will tell you to only put the ignition key in there, but most people just put their key on with all their other keys, resulting in the ignition key cylinder needing to be replaced. This is not expensive. But, there are two kinds of ignition cylinders out there, those that come with their own set of keys, and those that come with KEYABLE ignition. The Keyable one is usually only about $30 more, but well worth it to me, because you can then have it keyed to match the original key so that all keys and locks are the same, as was how they came. Otherwise, you would have to carry a key for the ignition as well as one for the doors. Fords are or used to be, like this, but to me, it makes no sense. In any case, I had to replace my ignition cylinder once when the same thing you are describing happened to me. On my wifes 96 RAV4, she has had to replace her ignition cylinder twice for the same thing. THe cylinder that is keyable was running around $180, give or take, with most average mechanics charging around $100 or so to replace it for you.

 

sounds like 2 seperate but interconnected issues. Replacing the ignition lock cylinder is a pretty easy job and as mentioned above get one that is re-keyable otherwise you end up with multiple keys for the same truck. Behind the ignition lock cylinder is the electrical portion of the ignition switch. While these do fail it isnt that common. If after you have replaced the ignition lock cylinder you still have cranking issues then further investigation is warranted. This is an easy job... on a 1 to 10 scale it is a 1, if you have a few screwdrivers.

 

I would like to know the purchase source for a Keyable lock cylinder. Thanks! Woodcutter