96 AE101 Ignition Problems

[mcjcarey]

Hey,
I have a 96 corolla which has never had even the slightest issue but for the last couple of days I have been having dramas trying to turn my key. I've been reading up a bit on it and last night I managed to get it turned to accessories (which doesn't normally happen). I popped the column out while the car was on accessories but I'm not really sure what Im looking for. The steering lock doesn't seem to be a factor, and if I wrench the wheel around I can get the wheel to lock and then unlock without using the key. Everything Ive read on the net gives tips regarding the ignition once its in accessories but it was pure luck I even got it to accessories in the first place... Am I looking at having to replace the ignition barrel or could it be something to do with the steering lock... Any tips?

[96coroll]

I don't know if this is a factor. But could it be that your key has been wearing out??

[mcjcarey]

Yeah I thought of that.. The spare key doesn't work either though.. I managed to get my hands on a new barrel and key (advantages of family members working for Toyota) so hopefully once installed it will be right.. I'm just worried that if it's not the issue I'll be back to square one.. Only one way to find out though :-)

[speedy25]

Lubrication does wonders for those kind of problems. I use lock ease. Ypou probably have some other brand of molybdenum-disulfide style that will lube and free things up.

Usually the column key is last to have problems since its out of the weather.

-SP

[gold94corolla]

I had this issue a few times. When replacing the key didn't work, I found that it was the actual shifter lever. Needs to be fully engaged in park for the key to be removed, no? It was a while back and I forget how I fixed it, but perhaps look at the shifter.