FJ40 ignition (tumbler?) issue

[KUJO85]

Can’t find where this has been covered so here it goes -

My 40 has been less and less reliable in terms of starting over the last year, to the point where I can’t get it to even crank.

I’ve checked and clean a lot of connections (battery,starter, etc) - everything relating to the ignition within the steering column looks good. What’s really odd is, I can EASILY pull the ignition key out of the tumbler in any position (ACC, on, start) - it literally slides right out - that can’t be right....is it? Occasionally I can get the interior lights on when at the ACC position, but more often than not it just flashes, and then nothing.

Battery is good. Thoughts/suggestions? Appreciate the insight as always

 

[Josh Rosado]

Can’t find where this has been covered so here it goes -

My 40 has been less and less reliable in terms of starting over the last year, to the point where I can’t get it to even crank.

I’ve checked and clean a lot of connections (battery,starter, etc) - everything relating to the ignition within the steering column looks good. What’s really odd is, I can EASILY pull the ignition key out of the tumbler in any position (ACC, on, start) - it literally slides right out - that can’t be right....is it? Occasionally I can get the interior lights on when at the ACC position, but more often than not it just flashes, and then nothing.

Battery is good. Thoughts/suggestions? Appreciate the insight as always

Have you checked the STARTER?

 

[Josh Rosado]

I would definitely have the KEY TUMBLER replaced as it could be causing a poor contact and draining battery as a "slow leak."

 

[KUJO85]

I would definitely have the KEY TUMBLER replaced as it could be causing a poor contact and draining battery as a "slow leak."

Yes @Josh Rosado checked the starter, it’s good, thx

 

[tjhaga]

If interested I have an ignition switch and door locks and fuel door lock all keyed alike. Cleaned and in good condition. Pm me if interested and need pictures.

 

[73FJ40]

@KUJO85
Note that the ignition lock cylinder has no electric circuits. The lock cylinder is connected to the ignition switch, which contains all of the electric circuits.

 

[JohnnyC]

as state above .... a 76' would need the switch not the cylinder... Kurt @cruiseroutfit has aftermarket for under 20 and oem in the $80 range

Till 9/72' the switch and cylinder are together

BTW i like that i can pull out the key .... its handy when the kids leave something in the house and they already locked it

 

[KUJO85]

as state above .... a 76' would need the switch not the cylinder... Kurt @cruiseroutfit has aftermarket for under 20 and oem in the $80 range

Till 9/72' the switch and cylinder are together

BTW i like that i can pull out the key .... its handy when the kids leave something in the house and they already locked it

Thanks @Johnny C & @73FJ40 - good info! A couple more specifics about the issue - sometimes I can turn the key and it will turn over fine. Other times I turn the key and absolutely nothing happens - no click, nada. The third scenario is the interior lights will come on in ACC, then I turn to start and nothing - the interior lights then turn off.

Sounds like the switch above all else (given the limited information provided)?

Thanks again! I recently bought a 1995 BMW M3 to do some track time with my dad and that project has gotten in the way of tackling this issue - I need to get her on the road again! My three boys miss it like crazy.

 

[JohnnyC]

Yes sounds like switch

Call Kurt ... he’ll hook ya up

 

[KUJO85]

Ignition switch did the trick, thanks guys! Had a store credit at CCOT that I had to use before tomorrow, will hit up KURT next time I’m in need of something - appreciated the reference!