key won't turn HELP :(

[norcalrolla]

hey guys i got a problem. Hopefully a easy fix. I went to visit my parents today when I went to leave my key wouldn't turn. I know it isn't the steering wheel lock because I can get that to lock and unlock. The key won't even get to the acc position. Its just stuck. I tried a different key because my mom has the originals just in case I need them and those keys didn't help. I tried wiggling etc and nothing. I know the key is recognized because when I have the key in there it makes the key in ignition sound because my door is open. I manually put my car in neutral then back to park hoping the car wasn't sitting in park properly and nothing. Any suggestions? Is there a DYI for this type of fix? Any help is very appreciated. ooooh its a 1998 corolla btw. Thanks in advance.

[njcamry]

i had the same problem, sounds like the ignition is broke, theres small peices inside that recept the key and they may break..go to a junkyard, get a used ignition and see if they can install it for u, its a decent amount of work as they need to open the whole panel to get to it, about a 40 min job..cost should be $60-100..a new ignition costs $100 just for the part

[cipher93]

Try yanking on the wheel hard as you try and turn the key. It may take a lot of strength to turn. Try going both left and right. If that doesn't work, remove the key, get some liquid graphite, and in your yard (stuff is messy) and cover the key in it. Put it in the ignition and take it back out. Then put it back in and try and turn it. If that doesn't work you'll probably need to replace the switch.

[TakuSkan]

Originally Posted by norcalrolla

hey guys i got a problem. Hopefully a easy fix. I went to visit my parents today when I went to leave my key wouldn't turn. I know it isn't the steering wheel lock because I can get that to lock and unlock. The key won't even get to the acc position. Its just stuck. I tried a different key because my mom has the originals just in case I need them and those keys didn't help. I tried wiggling etc and nothing. I know the key is recognized because when I have the key in there it makes the key in ignition sound because my door is open. I manually put my car in neutral then back to park hoping the car wasn't sitting in park properly and nothing. Any suggestions? Is there a DYI for this type of fix? Any help is very appreciated. ooooh its a 1998 corolla btw. Thanks in advance.

This is exactly what my '98 is doing. The key will only turn a tiny bit, enough just to release the steering column lock. But it doesn't go any further.

After a few minutes of wiggling the key I usually end up just sitting for a minute or two, and then surprisingly the key will turn and start the car without any resistance at all.

It seems just waiting a few minutes is enough to fix the problem like it's an electrical thing, and that wiggling the key has nothing to do with it.

I just found this old 2005 topic where I learned about the microchip in the key that interfaces with the car's computer. In that thread Raddman talks about a "thin wire in the steering column that wears out... <and> ...quits sending a complete signal to you module/computer."

He said his friend paid "$25 to a locksmith to bypass this signal going to the computer..."

Does anyone know anything more about that 'thin wire' Raddman mentioned? Or perhaps how to bypass the signal going to the car's computer?

I thought the tumbler was wearing out until I learned about the microchip in the key from reading a few similar forum threads. I've been having the problem for the past few weeks But now I suspect there's some problem with the microchip/computer interface.

Can anyone give me a few suggestions on how to address this without an expensive visit to the dealership?

Thanks

[gold94corolla]

Well, my automatic shifter has caused me problems before.... but so that I couldn't turn the key to take it OUT lol