HELP! Ignition Key Won't Turn!! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

xxswat718xx · 07-03-2008, 07:29 AM

Hey guys. Haven't posted in a while. I need some help/advice ASAP. As of late, when I go to start up my Camry, the ignition gives me issues. It's as if I'm using the wrong key or something, then after a few tries it'll start right up. Yesterday after work, I was stuck in the parking lot for 20 - 30 mins trying to start this. Now this morning I get in and it won't budge. I was out there for about an hour. The furthest I got was getting the radio and clock to come on (think it's "ON" position). I couldn't get that again anyway.

This, at the moment, is my main means of trans. So any advice you guys can dish out is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

CamBOT · 07-03-2008, 08:38 AM

This usually happens when you LOCK the steering wheel. To lock a steering wheel you take your key out and turn the wheel to one side until it locks. This is supposed to prevent thieves from driving away your car after they hot wire it.

When your steering is locked the key wont go past ACC. To start the car turn the wheel left/right while turning the key. You'll have to push it left and right to get the wheel to unlock while you're turning the key.

If you arent locking the wheel its possible that the locking feature is enabling by it self. (turning the steering wheel while the key is out)

Try what i've said and let us know.

xxswat718xx · 07-03-2008, 10:12 AM

I'll give this a try as I've tried afew other things already. I stumbled upon another random forum and read I should try wd-40, tapping the key in, and or turning the steering wheel "like crazy". None have worked so far

Think replacing the ignition (cylinder) would remedy this? I think I found the part :

http://www.autozone.com/N,16200190//...eResultSet.htm

and I've got a family friend that could install it almost free. Thanks for the reply.

omegahaze · 04-25-2012, 04:32 PM

1997 Toyota Camry Key Wont turn, Ignition Lock problem -1997 toyota camry FIXED!!! I see a lot of Douches with a capital D trying to charge people to fix this extremely common issue with this Camry ignition cylinder. OK pull the plastic guard off encasing the steering column. Get a phillips head screwdriver and remove the 2 screws holding the little off-white connector at the rear of the module(it has the wires to the ignition running to it). Get a pair of pliers or a small crescent wrench and while trying to turn the key use the wrench to turn the little rod sticking out of the back of the module. Make sure your turning it WITH the direction the key is trying to turn it. It should immediate be freed. Voila IT WORKS! AND THATS WHY PEOPLE DONT TRUST MECHANICS! HOW CAN YOU CHARGE SOMEONE FOR THAT INFO?