100 Series Key/Steering Stuck (1 Viewer)

[ders808]

Hey guys,

My '99 Land Cruiser key won't turn in the ignition, not even to ACC Power. I've sprayed dry lube in and got a new factory key and tried that with no luck. Released the transmission lock to shift to neutral then to park again to verify it was in park and that didn't work either. Steering wheel is locked and can't rotate, tried rolling the car to get it to unlock and that didn't work.

Anyone got any advice? Parked in parking lot a few miles from home at the moment.

 

[ders808]

Or if anyone knows how to pull the ignition lock cylinder without being able to put it in ACC let me know...

 

[toyuda]

Even with the steering wheel in locked position it is possible to rotate the wheel enough to try and take some tension off the interconnected mechanisms that might allow the core to rotate.

Give it a try in a bunch of different positions.

 

[ders808]

Even with the steering wheel in locked position it is possible to rotate the wheel enough to try and take some tension off the interconnected mechanisms that might allow the core to rotate.

Give it a try in a bunch of different positions.

Gave that a shot, no luck…

 

[SteveH]

Jack up the entire front end to let the wheels hang loose, and try jiggling the wheel some more?

 

[bubear]

Hey guys,

My '99 Land Cruiser key won't turn in the ignition, not even to ACC Power. I've sprayed dry lube in and got a new factory key and tried that with no luck. Released the transmission lock to shift to neutral then to park again to verify it was in park and that didn't work either. Steering wheel is locked and can't rotate, tried rolling the car to get it to unlock and that didn't work.

Anyone got any advice? Parked in parking lot a few miles from home at the moment.

I had something similar on a 2001 LX. It’s likely the key cylinder rod (see pics). It’s a cast or potted part that gets lots of use starting vehicle. There is no OEM part for this and is sold as new cylinder for $200-400. You can replace this rod w aftermarket part from eBay for less than $30. Note the position of cylinder and rod as you remove as you will want to put back in same way. Fish out broken part of rod.

Here is a video for repair and brief description


Once you get the panel under steering open, you can remove key ring light. Feel or look under cylinder and there should be a white button you can press in w finger or screwdriver and the key cylinder should release and can be pulled out gripping the key.

 

[2001LC]

Sometimes, the pins in IG lock cylinder, get stuck. Happens most every time, I insert the wrong vehicles key in IG SW. When this happens:
I insert the correct key in IG SW, and hit back of key with screwdrivers handle with a good whack/snap. Often takes muliple whacks. A spray lube, may aid in freeing pins. The idea here is to vibrate the pins freeing them. Using the key with FOB, may break the shell if hit to hard or already cracked. So use a solid case keys (no FOB) or YodaMD key, if you have.

 

[Mauser]

Happens a lot with Lexus if you insert the incorrect key. Spray just a little penetrant on the correct key and insert into the ignition. Vibrate the back of the key with an electric toothbrush while turning the steering wheel back and fourth.