Key won't turn ignition

[celicaGTswan85]

Got a 1998 Corolla and the key won't turn the ignition. It moves just a bit but doesn't turn into ACC mode. Tried turning the steering turn left /right ... no improvement. Switch up the rotation of the key ... no luck. Changes to my backup key ... nothing. Backup hardly used. Used the drive selctor button to disengage from "P" to "N". Nothing. Jiggled the key while turning ... nope. Pushed the car. Rocked teh car back and forth. Na Da.

Any ideas what it could be? I find it hard to believe that both keys are no good. Could it be the lock? Any suggestions? Worth it to try a brand new dealer key? (using key code)

Thanks for looking.

[retiredat44]

Originally Posted by celicaGTswan85

Got a 1998 Corolla and the key won't turn the ignition. It moves just a bit but doesn't turn into ACC mode. Tried turning the steering turn left /right ... no improvement. Switch up the rotation of the key ... no luck. Changes to my backup key ... nothing. Backup hardly used. Used the drive selctor button to disengage from "P" to "N". Nothing. Jiggled the key while turning ... nope. Pushed the car. Rocked teh car back and forth. Na Da.

Any ideas what it could be? I find it hard to believe that both keys are no good. Could it be the lock? Any suggestions? Worth it to try a brand new dealer key? (using key code)

Thanks for looking.

try some liquid wrench or WD-40. Spray it on the key and slide it in..
don't spray into the lock, you will flood it..

[celicaGTswan85]

Originally Posted by retiredat44

try some liquid wrench or WD-40. Spray it on the key and slide it in..
don't spray into the lock, you will flood it..

Won't that gum up my lock later on?

[Lord Helmet]

My ignition did the same thing to me about 2 weeks ago, spayed some WD-40 on my key and slid the key multiple time in the keyhole (sounds wrong lol ) and after a few times playing with it trying to start the car the ignition worked correctly again, 2 weeks since and it's not gummed up or anything...It's freezing here but I guess there won't be any difference if it's hot.

The only thing is that the key get lubricated with WD-40 for a few days so watch it if you got expensive clothes or something like that.

[Flashmn]

dont use WD-40, use gun oil. It coats the parts.

[Lord Helmet]

Nice idea, personally I used WD-40 because it's the only thaing that I had on hand and I needed the car right away

[celicaGTswan85]

Thanks for all of the replies. I hope the WD40 works for me. As for using gun oil ... not something that I got on hand readily. If it doesn't work for me ... it gonna cost a bundle getting the lock drilled out and changed.

But before I try the oil ... I am going to use a vacuum to suck out the key hole. Maybe a piece of grit is preventing the tumblers from engaging properly. I sure hope it sometime that I can fix cheaply.

[retiredat44]

Originally Posted by celicaGTswan85

Thanks for all of the replies. I hope the WD40 works for me. As for using gun oil ... not something that I got on hand readily. If it doesn't work for me ... it gonna cost a bundle getting the lock drilled out and changed.

But before I try the oil ... I am going to use a vacuum to suck out the key hole. Maybe a piece of grit is preventing the tumblers from engaging properly. I sure hope it sometime that I can fix cheaply.

the key locks will not vacuum out, as the tumbler ass is seals itslef and doubt you can do that... there's nothing to vacuum..

just would like to hear how it goes after you try the oil..
it won't take much and be pateint it may take severasl trys before it frees up..

Toyota had problems in the late 1980's with the keys being too thin... I have no clue if all modles were fixed later,, but our Corolla key has never broken, but has tried to do what happened you yours, several timkes over the years. The fix I gave you woked for me..

[retiredat44]

I was in Carquest Auto Parts yesterday, they have some stuff for keylocks:

AGS (brand)
Lock-Ease
Graphited
Lock-Fluid

its a very small bottle (maybe 1/2 ounce) not sure. (probably a couple bucks).
Price unkown.

[Flashmn]

I'm still recommending gun-oil. Never failed me, not the people who I know use it.

[celicaGTswan85]

You wouldn't believe this ... as I was going to vacuum out the lock I figure I give it one more try. My mechanic suggested I give it a hard left and right on the steering wheel (when the steer wheel is locked). So what do I have to lose. Left then right. Tried the key. BOOM. Ignition. I tried it a few times and it's Ok but once it was stiff.

Just saved a lot of $$$

I just cleaned the keys with WD40 and now I'm going to squirt a quick blast in.

Thanks everyone for the kind replies.

[ghost_ryder35]

Originally Posted by celicaGTswan85

You wouldn't believe this ... as I was going to vacuum out the lock I figure I give it one more try. My mechanic suggested I give it a hard left and right on the steering wheel (when the steer wheel is locked). So what do I have to lose. Left then right. Tried the key. BOOM. Ignition. I tried it a few times and it's Ok but once it was stiff.

Just saved a lot of $$$

I just cleaned the keys with WD40 and now I'm going to squirt a quick blast in.

Thanks everyone for the kind replies.

LOL

[EJ86]

I had the same problem on my 20 yr old Corolla. I ended up changing my key lock cylinder ($70 @ Toyota) The problem I had was I had too many keys on my keychain and all that weight ruined the internas in my key lock cylinder. It was too loose when I put my keys in my ignition. No more heavy keychains.

[celicaGTswan85]

Originally Posted by EJ86

I had the same problem on my 20 yr old Corolla. I ended up changing my key lock cylinder ($70 @ Toyota) The problem I had was I had too many keys on my keychain and all that weight ruined the internas in my key lock cylinder. It was too loose when I put my keys in my ignition. No more heavy keychains.

Good tip. I'll keep that in mind.

Update, Instead of using WD40, I decided on using a product called Tri-flow. People use it as a bike as well as a sewing machine lube. Very slick and has teflon and graphite in it.