ignition key not starting

[Tuning Haus]

hey guys, i know there is a thread right below this one (an older thread). but i was able to UNLOCK my steering wheel... but the ignition key still isn't starting!

my key does look older and "smoothened" out. the tumbler feels a bit loose and is not FULLY locked when i try to turn the key.

what do you guys think i need to do to get the car started? get a new key made at the dealer???

thanks

[Tuning Haus]

i'm afraid i've yanked the steering wheel back and forth SO HARD that i may have damaged the steering, allignment or sometihng.

i know there were quite a few people that recommended that to get the steering wheel to unlock, even dealers. but maybe i shouldn't have done that... i hope i didn't break or damage anything even worse...

the ignition key still doesn't turn... my next step is to try to get a key made at the dealership....

[ToyotaDon]

So, it sounds like you're saying that the key will turn out of the lock position, but not to the run or start position. Does it go into accessory, radio turns on, etc.?
Or, are you saying it will turn all the way to the start position, but nothing happens?

[Tuning Haus]

no no, the key doesn't even turn on the ignition position either... it is locked and won't turn! i got the steering wheel to unlocck a little bit though after yanking on it very hard.. probably not a good thing..

[Tuning Haus]

wanted to update this thread... it was quite frustrating and scary. i beat on the steering wheel pretty hard and i probably won't do that again. lol
i yanked the steering wheel back and forth and i did hear a some what loud POP sound. i got the steering loose but the key still wouldn't turn.
so the next day, i went to toyota and got a new key with my vin # and after a couple tries, it worked! it didn't work the first time, maybe the key needed to "groove" it's way in there or something.
but anyway, all is good and i have a brand new toyota key! (how it differs from the old/worn out key!)

[jsuthey]

I had the same thing happen to me on my 93,but I did not force it or hit it,I was worrying that the key might just snap off in there! It got to the point where the steering wheel was locked& I could not turn the key to start the truck.We were at rubithon almost a month ago camping down at the springs.I had a spare key and it worked no problem! The old one was the original and had been worn down bad.Just a good thing to carry a spare key!Now I just have to make another copy,bet that key you had to have made at the dealer was not cheap! Glad you got it worked out.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by jsuthey

... bet that key you had to have made at the dealer was not cheap!

My dealer is Dan at American Toyota. When I need a key, they ask for the "key number" or my VIN and proof that I own the vehicle (i.e. registration).

They make the key and the only cost is a smile and a handshake. I love doing business with Dan.

-B-