[creamycanuck]

Hey guys,

I bought my 1st Cruiser today, a local Vancouver 1982 BJ42 LHD with only 53,000kms and 100% original Canadian. It is a beauty. So I get it home and after drooling for a hour while trying to work I go to start it and the key refuses to go past the point to hit the "glow" position. It feels like the key mechanism is a bit stuck so I shot a little DW40 in there...still nothing. I tried both keys I tried to jiggle it a bit and nothing, it just won't go past that 1mm into the glow position. I turned the steering wheel to lock the wheel and then turned the key enough to unlock the wheel and that works ok but the key just won't turn. It worked perfectly 1 hour ago, smooth as butter.
Is there some kind of trick to this? LOL

Any help would be much appreciated.
I love the truck and it feels like it is punishing me.

Cheers,
James

[GreasedPiggy]

never use WD-40 in a key slot, it will gum up.

use only graphite powder from an auto parts store.

if all else fails, remove the switch and take it to a locksmith to get the keys tuned up with the tumbler.

I had to do this with one of my doors- works perfectly now.

[breckbone]

X2 for graphite powder. That stuff's amazing. Always have some in the toolbox of my 40.

[creamycanuck]

Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a try.
If it doesn't work the locksmith will need to make a visit.

[D'Animal]

Make sure your steering wheel is not locked. Wiggle the steering wheel as you try to turn the key.

[creamycanuck]

Nope, the steering wheel will unlock but the key won't turn into the ACC (glow) position. I just went to a master locksmith and he looked at both my ignition keys. The original Toyota key looked great. The spare key looked like it was cut in a mall kiosk, according the the locksmith. It is now confirmed that I had both keys on my keyring as I had just purchased the Cruiser. I used the spare key to start the cruiser and remember it not going into the ignition very smooth and didn't start the truck. I then tried the Toyota key and that key didn't work either where before it already had perfectly. The locksmith is convinced that the flawed spare key has bent one of the little bits inside the ignition tumbler. So this afternoon he will try to get the lock to turn and then repair the tumbler. If he can't he will need to bust the ignition tumbler and replace it, then rekey my locks. $$$$.

Lesson learned: never get your keys cut at the mall!

[creamycanuck]

The locksmith just fixed it. The inferior key actually bent one of the little metal bits (my technical term, feel free to use it) inside the ignition lock assembly. The locksmith popped the assembly in about 5 seconds and then proceeded to replace the little metal bit.

All done and only $100 for the house call. Nice!
Just had my 1st official drive in my new beast and loved every minute of it.

Thanks for the reads and comments but I have to go out and drive it again.

Cheers.

Another happy new Cruiser.

[DanS HJ-45]

ust had my 1st official drive in my new beast and loved every minute of it.

Care to explain why there are no pics then?!?! Don't make me riot!

Isn't it nice to have an easier/cheaper fix than you were dreading? Happiness is fixing a problem easily that you thought would be a bear...

Dan

[eleblanc]

Welcome and congrats

We need pic!

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Glad to hear your first problem was fixed without much trauma - too bad about the greenbacks!

My first fix on my FJ40 was back in 1998 after it started leaking gasoline on the driveway!

Good luck with your new rig! Enjoy!

Alan

[D'Animal]

LOL!

That was probably the easiest and cheapest repair you will ever get by with.

[creamycanuck]

ah yes. I have been warned of the expensive Cruiser gremlins that live in all Cruisers. I fed them last night so I hope she starts this morning.

P.S. Pics are coming in a couple hours.

Thanks for the warm welcome. I need to spend a solid afternoon searching the history of this forum then ask all the questions I still have. So many questions...

[creamycanuck]

As requested here are some pics of my 1st drive in my 1st cruiser.
Wow, I love this truck! I had a guy in a 2003 J**P pull up beside me and say, "wow, that thing is absolutely amazing, I wish I was driving that instead of this!". Nice comment coming from a J**P guy.

Pics.

[crazylandcruiser]

Sometime i dont like this site... cause i have to look at what other people have and drool all over my keyboard!! your so lucky i want one... then again i want every kind of cruiser!

[RumBum]

That can't be a Cruiser, I don't see the rust....especially in Canadia. Congrats and welcome.

[D'Animal]

Originally Posted by RumBum

That can't be a Cruiser, I don't see the rust....especially in Canadia. Congrats and welcome.

I thought rust only came with the ones that had steering wheels?

[79fj40moneypit]

Nice truck looks in nice shape,Red is great color.