[Chino Cochino]

Has anyone had any problems with their key turning on there column to start your rig. Every once in awhile it doesn't want to turn. It's almost to the point were the key is going to break in ignition key hole. I don't know if it's related to the steering wheel lock or not? I hope someone has any ideas before I break my key in the Ignition. Thanks.....

[TOME]

sometimes while the key is in "lock" the steering wheel will lock up and you have to jiggle the steering wheel to get the key to turn.

[Chino Cochino]

so, it sounds like the steering wheel lock is the problem. I do wiggle it to get it go but it seems like I'm putting a lot of stress on the thing. Is there a way of getting rid of wheel lock mechanism?

[TOME]

have you tried turning the steering wheel a little bit and turning the key at the same time? that is what i have to do to get mne to turn when it locks the steering wheel.

[Chino Cochino]

Yeah, It must be pretty sensitive. I turn it all the way and the key still doesn't turn. It must be at a particular position to release the key.

[TOME]

I would say to try some wd-40.

[Chino Cochino]

Thanks for the idea's. I'll try to do some wd-40 and see if that works. I'm even thinking of getting rid of the key and trying some sort of push button start with a key fob.

[TOME]

Alrighty. There was a thread a couple of weeks ago with a how to of a push button starter. It's very bad ass

[Chino Cochino]

Yeah, I did come across that thread. I think you still need to put the key in and turn it to acc.

[Dynosoar]

Dont use WD40 use dry graphite "lock lube". WD40 seems to no be so good for locks.


Dynosoar

[Chino Cochino]

Dyno, thanks for the tip. will trythe dry graphite "lock lube"

[Heartworm]

I had that problem. A new sharp cut key solved it. If you do not have a good key to start the process, the Toyota dealer should be able to provide a certified locksmith with the code which I think is based on the VIN number.

[Elbert]

I have the same problem and its not the steering column lock. In my case the colder the weather the harder the key is to turn in the steering column ignition switch. Summer time...no problem...winter and below 40F problems. I too, think I'll break the key when trying to start in cold weather.

Is there a known solution to this problem, becuase its really a problem.

[ntsqd]

Elbert, I'd start with the graphite lube. I've had key locks of all sorts start to misbehave and it has been lack of lube every time. At the very least it won't hurt.

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by Elbert

I have the same problem and its not the steering column lock. In my case the colder the weather the harder the key is to turn in the steering column ignition switch. Summer time...no problem...winter and below 40F problems. I too, think I'll break the key when trying to start in cold weather.

Is there a known solution to this problem, becuase its really a problem.

Your problems lie within the tumbler. Get it fixed or it will strand you and drain your wallet for an emergency locksmith roadcall. My hilux started doing that over the summer. A little jiggle here and there. One day on the job it completely locked up leaving me stranded to call a locksmith. He pulled the switch right out and said there were parts in the Toyota tumbler that would get bent over time and that sticking is the result . He fixed it , made me a new key and like 100 bucks later I was on my way. And that was with the AAA!

[Elbert]

I'm off until 5 Jan....I'll go by and talk with the local locksmith. I don't understand why the weather has so much to do with it. In the summer no problem at all....in the winter when its cold its extremely hard to turn, and I mean the key is in danger of getting broken.

Mine is totally a winter issue...somehwere around 40F and colder its hard as hell to turn. In the summer or any other time it works fine, if not too cold.

Yeah...it would be a really bad day to have the key break off in the ignition out in the woods on a nice cold day.....I might even loose my temper

Moving the key or the steering wheel does nothing to make it work better.

[phantom60]

Originally Posted by Elbert

I have the same problem and its not the steering column lock. In my case the colder the weather the harder the key is to turn in the steering column ignition switch. Summer time...no problem...winter and below 40F problems. I too, think I'll break the key when trying to start in cold weather.

Is there a known solution to this problem, becuase its really a problem.

Just started having the same problem with mine this winter. No previous problems, and the wheel isn't locked. Been trying to find a solution myself.......

[SDFJ60JFK]

I have recently started having the same problem. I will try the graphite trick and report back. This started happening when it got very cold here in the last couple weeks and has not gone away. It does not help to wiggle the steering wheel and if I get it to turn and do not turn it back past the acc position it will act normally. My key is very worn and easily pulls out of the ignition when running. I think it is a worn key.

YMMV

[SDFJ60JFK]

I tried the lock lube no help. I am going to try the new key option as soon as I can get to the dealer. Is there a code somewhere or will the VIN be enough.

John

[SDFJ60JFK]

So I am thinking that this key should work, it has for years anyway. I pumped more graphite into the key hole and worked the key about 50 times. Now it is smooth as can be. Just thought I would pass it along.

John

[Chino Cochino]

what brand of graphite did you get. does the local auto store have it? thanks for all the replies on my thread, fellas....

[ntsqd]

I get the graphite lube from my local hardware store.

[Elbert]

I talked to local locksmith about this yesterday, and I know some people have advised otherwise. But he said to lube the lock with WD-40. I specifically asked about liquid graphite...he advised against it and said to use WD-40.

I'll use the WD-40 and post back once we get more colder weather.

[Michael Hanson]

Pull passengers front side lock,code is on the lock. Mike