Key not turning in ignition

Hey all, Caleb here. New member just introduced by a good friend.

Thanks to you all I got out of a little pinch. Was Driving my 98’ around all day today. Made a quick stop and got back in to find that my key would only turn to just before ACC. I was using an older worn out key so I switched key but still had the same problem. After a little research on the forum I found that sometimes the pins in the lock get stuck and a few taps with the key in freed it up.

I am about to go on a big trip and am wondering how reliable this trick is and If there is anything else I can do to help free up the ignition lock cylinder? Lube?

Thanks for any support

 

Not very. Its going to stop working eventually - Dont chance it, replace it. Very simple job to replace. You'll need:

If you have a column shift:
Ignition Lock Cylinder - Toyota (69057-35080)

If a floor shift:
Ignition Lock Cylinder - Toyota (69057-35070)

For the above parts, if you aren't sure - you can enter your vin and then do a search for ignition lock. It should give you the specific one you need.

Once you have the part, take it to your local locksmith and have them key it to your current key (use the better of the two keys). You can also pull the door locks and have them rekey the locks to the new ignition cylinder lock.

Once the ignition lock cylinder is ready to go, follow this:
https://youtu.be/ek3rYvNG1YY

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

I would definitely plan on replacing it soon but if you need to rely on it a little longer, spray a bit of some dry lubricant in there.
Don't use wd40 or some kind of greasy residue lubricant or that'll make it worse

 

I had this happen in my 98. I took my ignition out. Removed 2 of the rollers I think they are called. Not the most theft proof. Key is still needed but guess what? Free.99. The old key snags on some of the rollers in the lock cylinder. I couldn't start it and sometimes my key would get stuck. Worth looking into if you live in a place that isn't high on vehicle theft.

 

This happened on my 3rd gen 4runner. I took a look at my key and a lot of the cuts were very rounded from years of use. What I did to fix it was go to a dealership and had a key cut from scratch using my VIN #. Never had a problem since.

 

Graphite lube is the best bet. They also have it in the bicycle section of walmart

 

This happened to my daughter's 1998 4Runner. Would happen every once in awhile. Graphite powder worked for a little bit. The day I ordered the cylinder, we were stuck in front of Napa for a good 10 minutes before it finally gave in and turned. As soon as the new cylinder came in, that thing was replaced. Did not want my daughter stuck somewhere by herself.

And yeah...I was tempted to take the ignition light ring for my Tacoma.

 

Yes, Area51Runner posted the best response. When I had my 96, I had to replace my ignition lock cylinder for the same reason. My wife's 96 RAV4 has had its cylinder replaced twice. There are two available, one that is NOT keyable, and one that is. Get the one that is keyable. It allows you to keep using the original key that is the same as the door locks. Much more convenient. And, as suggested, use some old key that you haven't or never used, that came with the truck, if possible, to provide to the locksmith to key the new ignition lock cylinder. Or, if a good 'original' key is not available, I would even go to the dealer and have them make an 'original' key from the vin# and then use that to key the new ignition lock cylinder. Good response, Area51Runner!