I need serious HELP!!! problem with key and ignition - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

V6camryTN · 04-20-2005, 11:45 PM

The problem is that i can't get the key to unlock in the ignition, it stays on lock no matter how hard i try to turn the key out of the lock possition.... the steering wheel is on lock everything is locked up and my key wont seem to turn out of lock... i'm using a replica key which im not sure if its worn out or not... or could it be something wrong with the ignition itself... any help would be good.....

CDub LXi · 04-20-2005, 11:50 PM

You made sure it's in park right? assuming it's an auto

Also sometimes you have to move the steering wheel a little (I know you said it's locked but you can still move it some) to get the key to move.

white3ch0c0late · 04-20-2005, 11:56 PM

Yeah, I had that problem once... struggled with it for about 5 minutes before I moved the steering wheel a little bit, and the key turned just fine.

V6camryTN · 04-21-2005, 12:01 AM

i tried moving the steerin wheel while turning the key, i tryed moving the key up and down and side to side ,, still wont work... it worked fine this morning but then i went out and cant get it to work

... my friend told me it's either the key itself or something is broke off inside the ignition???? have anyone ever order a factory replacment key with your vin# instead of going to home depot to get a cheapass $ .97 key....

Super Kaioken · 04-21-2005, 12:07 AM

well for my Gen 5......there's supposed to be a chip inside the key that sends a signal to the ignition? not sure how it works but......i've had that problem before..

move the wheel.....key up and down the accessory/ignition and all that

Anshu · 04-21-2005, 12:15 AM

same thing happenend in my gen 4, apparently the split wafer inside the lock cylinder broke. 70bux from a locksmith.

V6camryTN · 04-21-2005, 12:31 AM

so tommarrow if all else fail, get a locksmith to check it out??? if i send it to toyota, they have to tow my car ....

white3ch0c0late · 04-21-2005, 12:34 AM

I used to have a '95 Corolla, and one day, all of a sudden, my key wouldn't even go in... it wasn't even a problem of turning it.. the key just wouldn't go in at all... I called a locksmith. Guy pulled out my ignition and worked on that thing for about 2 hours... cost me about $95... but the key worked after that... so yeah, calling a locksmith wouldn't be a bad idea. Some of them will even drive a work van right to your place and work right there inside of their van.

CDub LXi · 04-21-2005, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V6camryTN

have anyone ever order a factory replacment key with your vin# instead of going to home depot to get a cheapass $ .97 key....

Yes.. worth it

***Knailgun*** · 04-21-2005, 07:58 AM

go with the factory replacement

Ultima · 04-21-2005, 08:10 AM

i had this exact same problem on sat. my girlfriend locked my steering wheel (which i never do). i jump into my car, tried to start it, couldn't turn the key. got frustrated, asked my girlfriend what the hell she did to my car. she got pissed off at me. i realised it was the steering lock, jiggled the steering wheel a bit while turning the key and voila! car started.

V6camryTN · 04-21-2005, 12:28 PM

good news , i went to toyota today and pick up a new key, apparentley my old key was so worn out that it was missing some of the teeths to catch the tumbler... good thing it only cost

$5 but the scary thing was that people dont relize how easy it is to get a set of new keys...they didnt even check my ID.. you could go up to a camry and write down the vin# and steal u a car....WOW..

CDub LXi · 04-21-2005, 12:39 PM

Did you have your title or registration? That's strange for them to just give you one without proof the car is yours. I know Honda checks the registration.. at least they always have on me.

Doesn't matter... someone takes my car, I'll get more out of insurance than I could sell it for anyways.