Ignition system Issue

Hey guys!

I have a 2004 tacoma fourwheel drive that I bought used back in 2008. I have loved it and still drive it to work. The last few years i have had to put a little money in it. I am having a problem that i cannot figure out. For years i noticed the key would pull out still in the accessory position, this key was very worn down and was my primary key. The doors would not lock if the electric lock inside the vehicle was used and the alarm for an open door would go off even though i had to key in my hand. I cannot turn the key all the way to lock. and also when I tried a better key the ignition cylinder seemed to really grip the key very hard. so hard that i could not pull the good key out. I started searching the wiring for the ignition system.

I replaced the Key Interlock Solenoid this did not fix the issue.

The truck starts and runs great so i do not believe it is the starter or the park neutral safety switch.

I have check all my fuses and continuity on my wires and i still cannot find the problem.

However, in the picture below you can see the key interlock solenoid circled in red and another connector that leads to the main fuses under the hood of the truck. I also circled in yellow a part that i belief is the unlock warning system switch that sits on top of the ignition. Can anyone tell me if this switch goes bad? Whenever i leave the two connections you see circled in red disconnected the ignition works just like it should (turns all the way off and allows the key to be easly pulled out). But when I reconnect them like the truck was manufactured my problems start again. Is it possible that the unlock warning system switch( circled in yellow) is bad leaving me with an open circuit?

 

Sounds to me like you may have 2 issues:

A worn key/lock cylinder allowing the key to be removed when it shouldn't.

Worn/deteriorated shifter bushings keeping the park switch from de-energizing the key interlock solenoid.

https://youtu.be/lCY6XyxJjv4

 

Thanks I will give these two a shot!

 

Welcome to TW….