Can't turn key in ignition

[PaulPR]

More often than not, we're having a difficult time getting the key to turn after putting it in the ignition. I can play with the steering wheel and the lock button all I want and it doesn't help. I've tried pushing in/out/up/down. Nothing seems to help consistently.

Is the ignition switch just worn out after 15,000 uses? How difficult is it to replace it?

[71Corolla]

Replacing the lock is not difficult at all, the harder part is finding one, and getting it keyed to your existing key set.

[Grego 92]

Check the key itself first, the ridges could be worn. If it is old try have a
new one made and see it that works.

[PaulPR]

I tried both my wife's key and mine. She's the primary driver. My key seems just as bad.

I looked at 1sttoyotaparts.com There's an "Ignition Lock Cylinder" and an "Ignition Switch" There are no pictures. They list a US built and a Japan built ignition switch. Which part likely needs to be replaced?

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

[Grego 92]

If you go to toyotapartseast.com they have images of the parts, just plug in your car and choose the category

[71Corolla]

Look at your VIN number, if it starts with JT, it is made in Japan. Anything else, it is U.S. built, order accordingly. Or as suggested, enter your VIN and you will get the exact parts for your car listed.

BTW, before you replace the lock, you might consider getting a new key cut by a Toyota dealer. The original key set came with a key code, if you don't have that, you can get the code from the passengers door lock. Unfortunately, that means removing the door panel and lock to get the code. But if you give that code (and proof of ownership depending on the dealer) they will be able to cut you a new key.

Another option is to remove the ignition lock and clean it. I found that PB blaster cleans it up really well, I then lubricated it with synthetic grease. After I did this, the lock no longer sticks, and they key does not fall out of the ignition anymore when the car is running. I did dismantle the lock to clean it (requires drilling out a pin and two nubs), but you don't have to do this, spraying it with lube will still help. I don't know if doing this in the car is a good idea though, quite a lot of excess oil comes out of the lock along with all the old grease, you don't really want that oozing everywhere in the steering column.

[Lee250]

I bought a new lock cylinder from amazon for like $30. That was for a first gen though. My door keys are already different so I just have one ignition key and one door key. Not a big deal to have one extra key on my key ring.

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

My suggestion is to first try a fresh cut key by code to see if the keys are just so worn that they are not making contact with pins inside the cylinder. Many times, this is the case and is the least expensive route to take first . If that doesn't do the trick, then you'll more likely than not have to replace the IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. If you do, shoot me your VIN and I can get you a price for an OEM one.

[sfjen]

Aloha Paul-
All good suggestions above.

I followed members advice here and went into my local Toyota dealership to have a new key cut as well. I did not have the original key and did not take off the passenger side panel to get the code off. They told me to give them my VIN number and with that they were able to cut me a new key! Boy it looked different than the key I had (grooves in places and not in places that my old key never had) and it worked much better too!

So, maybe you could call your local Toyota Parts Dept. and see if they can cut you a new key using your VIN number as was done in my case. Take care and good luck.
Mahalo

Originally Posted by PaulPR

More often than not, we're having a difficult time getting the key to turn after putting it in the ignition. I can play with the steering wheel and the lock button all I want and it doesn't help. I've tried pushing in/out/up/down. Nothing seems to help consistently.

Is the ignition switch just worn out after 15,000 uses? How difficult is it to replace it?

[PaulPR]

Thanks for your help everyone! I tired our little used "valet key" and it seems to work better. We'll try that for a few days and see what happens. I have the original key code tag, so should be able to have a dealer make a key w/ no problem.

Paul

[white90dx]

The first thing I did after buying my Alltrac was get new keys cut... It fixes 90% of the difficulties of the lock cylinders on these cars... And for $12 or whatever (each) its worth it.

-Charlie

[sfjen]

Aloha Charlie-
Very true. Just came back from our local Toyota and picked up 2 new keys today, original Toyota keys! My friend at Toyota a few weeks ago had cut me a new key with a non-Toyota blank using my VIN number and said to come back when the Toyota blanks were in and that was today. Good luck Paul I hope it works for you too.
Mahalo,
glen

Originally Posted by white90dx

The first thing I did after buying my Alltrac was get new keys cut... It fixes 90% of the difficulties of the lock cylinders on these cars... And for $12 or whatever (each) its worth it.

-Charlie

[71Corolla]

Interesting that they were able to cut a new key from the VIN. My dealer told me they only go back to 1993, must be different in Canada. Good to hear the newly cut key works properly.

[sfjen]

Aloha 71Corolla-

I was surprised myself and that is why I thought I would mention it to the original poster, Paul, in case he did not have the code and did not want to have to take off the door panel to get to it.

My friend at Toyota said he recently did a key for I believe a 1984/85 Celica. He was surprised too that the VIN number worked and they were able to cut a new key for that car. Maybe as you said, it is only here in the US?

All I know is that I am very happy they were able to do this. I had 3 keys made: myself, wife and a spare! Will be cutting up the old keys and throwing them out!

Mahalo.

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Interesting that they were able to cut a new key from the VIN. My dealer told me they only go back to 1993, must be different in Canada. Good to hear the newly cut key works properly.

[Mike Gerber]

About 10 years ago my local Toyota dealer had a guy in the parts deparment that could look at your existing key, write down some numbers, and then cut an new Toyota key from those numbers. He did this for my niece's 87 Camry. Too bad he's been gone for some time now.

Mike