can't turn ignition swich to "start" position, steering wheel locked

[corsair23]

Issue resolved!!

I had been having trouble with my door locks and went to the dealer three weeks ago to have them cut me a new key using the VIN. Their key didn't work and I had them do it for me twice, with no luck.

Well, it turns out both of the keys I was using had finally been rejected by the ignition lock. I called a locksmith today and showed him my old keys and the dealer key and he cut me a new key that solved all of my problems. All this time thinking I had a mechanical problem with the steering and ignition locks was just a bad key.

He used the dealer key to get the cut and got me a new set that works perfectly!! He says the dealer's key cutter must not be calibrated properly. Damn them!!

Good info and thanks for posting up your resolution!

Is this on an 80 or LX and what year?

 

[firetruck41]

Issue resolved!!

I had been having trouble with my door locks and went to the dealer three weeks ago to have them cut me a new key using the VIN. Their key didn't work and I had them do it for me twice, with no luck.

Well, it turns out both of the keys I was using had finally been rejected by the ignition lock. I called a locksmith today and showed him my old keys and the dealer key and he cut me a new key that solved all of my problems. All this time thinking I had a mechanical problem with the steering and ignition locks was just a bad key.

He used the dealer key to get the cut and got me a new set that works perfectly!! He says the dealer's key cutter must not be calibrated properly. Damn them!!

Yup, I've had the dealer ruin a good OEM key blank a few times, now I just buy the blank and always get it cut by a real locksmith (not a hardware store guy).

 

[gomiggity]

It's a '97 Land Cruiser. I'd recommend if you have any trouble with your locks to get a new key right away. The locksmith said that having a lot of weight on your key while in the ignition also contributes to having it wear down over time.

 

[Tuning Haus]

i know this is an old thread but i have a similar problem.

i yanked the steering wheel as hard as i can where it became UNLOCKED again... but my ignition key still doesn't turn!!!!

??????

any help would be greatly appreciated... do i need a brand new key made from the dealer? locksmiths can't cut you a brand new key can they if you have the VIN and title?

 

[BooKilla]

Apply it to the steering wheel.

Elbow grease meaning turning the wheel real hard, not a substance called elbow grease. That's just silly. ;p

I have some elbow grease for sale....$100 a bottle!

 

[corsair23]

i know this is an old thread but i have a similar problem.

i yanked the steering wheel as hard as i can where it became UNLOCKED again... but my ignition key still doesn't turn!!!!

??????

any help would be greatly appreciated... do i need a brand new key made from the dealer? locksmiths can't cut you a brand new key can they if you have the VIN and title?

Bump the gear selector toward park just to make sure the rig knows you are in park...Usually a problem for getting the key out but it can't hurt to try

 

[englaneato]

Always s frustrating when your on the side of the road 500 miles from home and you lock the wheel in front of your wife. 45 seconds later I was reading this and fixed the problem. Just a hard tug in the direction of the wheels. Thanks !