HELP....99 camry key will NOT release from ignition - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

LE99camry · 10-22-2010, 12:56 PM

Hey anyone can help me,

I had a problem today with my 99 camry 4cyl le. i drove home and went to take the key out of the ignition and wit will NOT go any further then the ACC. If i disconnect my battery the key will release. im not to sure what the problem is, what part of the ignition it is. if anyone can help or had this problem please let me know what you did and what you replaced. thanks

iovaykind · 10-22-2010, 01:00 PM

Hmm.. I've had this problem before, and basically what I do is wiggle the steering wheel and jiggle the key and it eventually came out. But from what you're saying, sounds like it's an electrical problem.. but try my method first. Might just be the steering column keeping from you releasing the key.

workerant · 10-22-2010, 01:04 PM

I think the car have to be in Park to go beyond ACC. Might be something wrong with your Park.

iovaykind · 10-22-2010, 01:13 PM

^That's a safety mechanism for people who forget to switch into park when they turn off the car.. wouldn't want the car to turn on and be on drive gear already

but he's talking about taking the key out, not turning the car on

RU2CHKN · 10-22-2010, 02:09 PM

Yup had the same proble make sure the cars park or if you have a manual make sure its in neutral

LE99camry · 10-22-2010, 10:14 PM

yea i tryed to jiggle the stearing wheel while trying to take out the key but no luck. still trying to see what i may need to replace or where else to check

***LynchburgCSI*** · 10-22-2010, 10:52 PM

Turn the key back to the "on" position. Rotate the wheel around some. Try to remove the key. If it doesn't want to come out, REALLY move the wheel around WHILE trying to jiggle the key.

***JohnGD*** · 10-23-2010, 12:56 PM

If disconnecting the battery alone will allow the key to be taken out (without moving the steering wheel etc), then it's the safety solenoid in the key cylinder that prevents you from removing the key.

I'm not sure what other sensors this solenoid takes input from (for example, transmission in Park, or brake light sensor).

So look in that direction and do some testing. Are your brake lights working?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LE99camry

Hey anyone can help me,

I had a problem today with my 99 camry 4cyl le. i drove home and went to take the key out of the ignition and wit will NOT go any further then the ACC. If i disconnect my battery the key will release. im not to sure what the problem is, what part of the ignition it is. if anyone can help or had this problem please let me know what you did and what you replaced. thanks

Tech1984 · 10-23-2010, 01:33 PM

Sounds like the ignition interlock solenoid mounted to the ignition housing.
Pulling down the left lower dash panel will reveal it. It's a 1" square box with a short wire harness coming off it.
If you disconnect it, It may get you by until repairs can be made.

LE99camry · 10-24-2010, 09:23 PM

Hey sorry for the delay. i checked me tail lights and signal lights and all the lights are working. the car is in park and still looking around the dash and more troubleshooting would be great.

***JohnGD*** · 10-25-2010, 01:32 AM

As far as the location of the solenoid, do what Tech1984 said. Remove the driver console knee panel (or whatever it's called), and look at the key cylinder. You should be able to see that solenoid.

I think the solenoid is working because when you disconnect the battery, the solenoid releases. So it must be a sensor signal somewhere. I have to search around to see what may not be working however.

Just a quick guess now: the stop light switch is working, which also allows the transmission shifter to unlatch (allowing you to shift out of P). The next thing is the Neutral Safety Switch. Again, I'll search around for info but others can jump right in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LE99camry

Hey sorry for the delay. i checked me tail lights and signal lights and all the lights are working. the car is in park and still looking around the dash and more troubleshooting would be great.

LE99camry · 10-25-2010, 10:38 AM

can anyone tell me exactly where it can be im looking but dont wonna pull things out an plug back in. i was told its a 1" square box with a harness comming out but is it rite under the ignition or another location?

***Mister_Perkins*** · 10-25-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LE99camry

can anyone tell me exactly where it can be im looking but dont wonna pull things out an plug back in. i was told its a 1" square box with a harness comming out but is it rite under the ignition or another location?

***JohnGD*** · 10-26-2010, 12:05 AM

It's on the lock cylinder. Remove the panel underneath to access the key cylinder. You should be able to see it.

There is no info that I can find about the Key Interlock Solenoid circuit. I can only guess that it may have something to do with the Neutral Safety Switch.

However, you can start the car only in P or N, right? And the instrument gear indicator lights are all correct, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LE99camry

can anyone tell me exactly where it can be im looking but dont wonna pull things out an plug back in. i was told its a 1" square box with a harness comming out but is it rite under the ignition or another location?

***Mister_Perkins*** · 10-26-2010, 10:39 AM