key won't turn - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

limeandcuervo · 09-01-2006, 06:53 PM

Hello all, new to forums. Thanks in advance for any replies. I have a 97 toyota corolla that my key will not turn in either direction. I bought this car used and have had this problem off and on but it would always turn eventually and start fine. Now it just won't turn at all. I have read what I can find online and I am confused as to what I need. Some say ignition switch but what seems more likely is an assembly (don't recall what it is called) with keys included. Anyone familiar with this problem? Thank you very much, Gary Smith.

touringcamry · 09-01-2006, 07:36 PM

Have tried moving the steering wheel?

jon_570 · 09-01-2006, 07:37 PM

haha..steering lock

Driver · 09-01-2006, 10:30 PM

It seems like a steering lock to me. You just move the steering a little and then rotate the key it should turn.

fistofmeat · 09-02-2006, 01:46 AM

ya, prolly the stearing wheel lock , turn the stearing wheel at the same time that you turn the key, try it both ways, if that doesn't work, then u probably need a new lock cylinder and keys

94_Rolla_Guy · 09-02-2006, 02:03 AM

it sounds more like the lock part of the ignition try to get it into "ACC" if you can there is a steel pin in the underside of the aluminum lock body (need to take off lower dash under column) with it in "ACC" Push the pin in and pull the lock cylinder out now you can start it with a screwdriver until you get a new cylinder!

If you cant get it into "ACC" then you will have to drill out the pin and then pull out the cylinder PS drilling it is a total pain as its hardened steel!

to replace cylinder put in "ACC" with a screwdriver and put the cylinder in "ACC" and just push it in, done!

diver9000 · 09-27-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94_Rolla_Guy

it sounds more like the lock part of the ignition try to get it into "ACC" if you can there is a steel pin in the underside of the aluminum lock body (need to take off lower dash under column) with it in "ACC" Push the pin in and pull the lock cylinder out now you can start it with a screwdriver until you get a new cylinder!

If you cant get it into "ACC" then you will have to drill out the pin and then pull out the cylinder PS drilling it is a total pain as its hardened steel!

to replace cylinder put in "ACC" with a screwdriver and put the cylinder in "ACC" and just push it in, done!

Absolute PITA, you will need a hardened drill bit to cut through it. Try a little graphite, it might help.