Busted ignition - ignition cylinder rod replacement (11 Viewers)

[ait109]

Replace it!

Based on my experience, that rod has a 10 year/100,000 mile life expectancy. The first time replacing the entire ignition bracket takes time and tools as you will need to drill out the security bolts and replace them with the appropriate M head, so you really don't want to be doing that remotely somewhere.

That said, if the rod does break somewhere remote, it only takes basic tools (screwdrivers and maybe a set of thin needle nose pliers depending on where it broke) to get to the rod and take it out. At that point you can (carefully) use a screwdriver to start the rig and drive it away, or if you have a replacement rod, you can insert it and put the lower dash back together.

 

[flintknapper]

Based on my experience, that rod has a 10 year/100,000 mile life expectancy. The first time replacing the entire ignition bracket takes time and tools as you will need to drill out the security bolts and replace them with the appropriate M head, so you really don't want to be doing that remotely somewhere.

That said, if the rod does break somewhere remote, it only takes basic tools (screwdrivers and maybe a set of thin needle nose pliers depending on where it broke) to get to the rod and take it out. At that point you can (carefully) use a screwdriver to start the rig and drive it away, or if you have a replacement rod, you can insert it and put the lower dash back together.

^^^^

Agree with this. Just make sure you have a few basic tools and long nose pliers in the vehicle at all times.

Fishing out the broken piece will be the challenge, after that it can be started with a screwdriver.

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Amazing deals on this 12In Locking Clamp Pliers at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

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[BreckenridgeCruiser]

I bought the replacement part and just keep it in my tool kit. Not sure the condition of mine currently, but having the part in the truck gives me peace of mind.

You could replace it if you are super worried, but I also know that I could probably swap it out in 20 minutes if it does break on me. or at least pull the broken cylinder to fix it later.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I bought the replacement part and just keep it in my tool kit. Not sure the condition of mine currently, but having the part in the truck gives me peace of mind.

You could replace it if you are super worried, but I also know that I could probably swap it out in 20 minutes if it does break on me. or at least pull the broken cylinder to fix it later.

Honestly, it takes under half hours to replace it when it is not broken. I pre-emptively changed mine last summer and it was straightforward. You don't even have to replace the whole bracket, just replace the week rod with the new improved one.

This dude does a good job showing the actual steps.

 

[scottm]

Looking at my old post in this thread, I took the switch off the lower end of the tube to get the broken piece out, in a very cold parking lot. Two phillips screws. Maybe if I'd started with those two phillips screws, I could have put the key in and turned it for the steering lock, and started the truck with the switch, and driven it home. But it would have sucked if the shaft fell out and the steering locked while driving. Maybe have a piece of dowel or something the right size to secure in the switch tube, to keep the steering unlocked.

 

[Mike NXP]

Replace it!

Thanks for the info I'm a 02 with similar mileage.

Idk it hard to justify replacing so many parts that haven't broken yet but I feel like this and a starter should be in my future. I watched that youtube video, doesn't look too bad. Time to throw some more parts at the old gal.

 

[2001LC]

Knock on wood!

In the hundreds of 100 series I've driven, inspected and worked on. I've yet to bust one shaft, nor bust or bend a keys. I've not even busted the plastic key case.

 

[Mike NXP]

Knock on wood!

In the hundreds of 100 series I've driven, inspected and worked on. I've yet to bust one shaft, nor bust or bend a keys. I've not even busted the plastic key case.

I like this bit of confidence, I'm on the fence of extreme paranoia VS not giving a F. I've always told myself if it could leave me stranded I should fix it before it breaks.

Any connection between this key breaking and LX / power steering owners? Going through all these pages it seems to happen more but since the part # is the same I can't imagine it makes a difference.

 

[cwmoser]

Honestly, it takes under half hours to replace it when it is not broken. I pre-emptively changed mine last summer and it was straightforward. You don't even have to replace the whole bracket, just replace the week rod with the new improved one.
...

How much disassembly did you have to do to proactively replace that ignition shaft?
Mine is OK but I'm thinking I should do it just in case.

 

[Mike NXP]

How much disassembly did you have to do to proactively replace that ignition shaft?
Mine is OK but I'm thinking I should do it just in case.

Check out the youtube video a few post back, it didn't really look all that bad. Drop the plastic below the wheel, remove a few bits and bobs. Just hard to justify this repair, if I told any normal person ( non-cruiser head) that I was thinking of replacing my ignition cam as preventative maintenance they would look at me like I'm crazy, but what the hell do they know?

 

[2001LC]

I like this bit of confidence, I'm on the fence of extreme paranoia VS not giving a F. I've always told myself if it could leave me stranded I should fix it before it breaks.

Any connection between this key breaking and LX / power steering owners? Going through all these pages it seems to happen more but since the part # is the same I can't imagine it makes a difference.

Some say they never have forced and know all about steering wheel lock. Yet shaft broke. Perhaps! But they're not likely the first owner!

The number one cause, is forcing the key to turn IG SW. It only takes force if steering wheel locked. Which lock sets, but doesn't necessarily lock, every time key removed. If steering wheel moved while key, steering wheel lock sets!

If steering wheel locked, IG SW feels stuck and hard to turn with key. Never force the key to turn. Just simple take pressure off lock, by turning steering wheel, and key turns easy.

Also note: Look at IG SW cover ring. It states PUSH. Which means push in when turning off. We do it naturally inserting and turning on, but I don't recall if needed then.

 

[Mike NXP]

Some say they never have forced and know all about steering wheel lock. Yet shaft broke. Perhaps! But they're not likely the first owner!

The number one cause, is forcing the key to turn IG SW. It only takes force if steering wheel locked. Which lock sets, but doesn't necessarily lock, every time key removed. If steering wheel moved while key, steering wheel lock sets!

If steering wheel locked, IG SW feels stuck and hard to turn with key. Never force the key to turn. Just simple take pressure off lock, by turning steering wheel, and key turns easy.

Also note: Look at IG SW cover ring. It states PUSH. Which means push in when turning off. We do it naturally inserting and turning on, but I don't recall if needed then.

How about a wiggly loose key in the ignition, with vehicle on. Could that be a sign of an issue or would we consider that normal. Feels the same way in my highlander so I consider it normal.

I also wonder if having heavy key chains can be a factor. Wasn't their a recall a while back with Camry or some smaller vehicle that had to do with having a lot of weight on your keys causing some ignition switch issues.


Anyway, We'll see how much paranoia sets in. I'd like to just enjoy my vehicle now and stop worrying about stuff that might break one day

 

[2001LC]

I've had to replace tumblers. Always a woman driver, with a ton of stuff hanging on key chain. Very costly in the LX.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

How much disassembly did you have to do to proactively replace that ignition shaft?
Mine is OK but I'm thinking I should do it just in case.

Have a look at tge YouTube video I linked in the post you replied to

 

[scottm]

If cam lock binding was causing these problems, they would all break above the cam lock. Mine broke at the bottom tip in the electric switch, and that switch seems fine.

 

[flintknapper]

If cam lock binding was causing these problems, they would all break above the cam lock. Mine broke at the bottom tip in the electric switch, and that switch seems fine.

You just have more 'chi' than others.

 

[FJFOOL]

Darn it, that link to the video ClassicJalopy posted just dissapeared. To YouTube I go ! Not having problems but easier to do at home than who knows where !

 

[medtro]

Darn it, that link to the video ClassicJalopy posted just dissapeared. To YouTube I go ! Not having problems but easier to do at home than who knows where !

It is still there if this is the one you referred to.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Darn it, that link to the video ClassicJalopy posted just dissapeared. To YouTube I go ! Not having problems but easier to do at home than who knows where !

I can still see it:

 

[FJFOOL]

Got it, Thanks !!