Help! Key spins in ignition, does nothing

[cmw]

Just went to start my '99 and the key just rotates the full normal range with no engagement - no clicks, no dash lights, no starter.

I am literally stuck at my office - of course my wife's car is down and I just sold my 3rd gen last week!!

Going to search more for ignition switch failure.

Any info or ideas are most welcome.

 

[larryt]

Sounds like this is what you’ve got: Busted ignition - ignition cylinder rod replacement - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/busted-ignition-ignition-cylinder-rod-replacement.57050/.
Does it spin freely without much resistance?

 

[cmw]

No resistance - that's what I was starting to suspect... will be reading.

If anyone knows of temporary fixes or work-arounds that would be great as the 100 is parked nose-in at my office and (obviously) can't even be put in neutral.

 

[leveeguy]

No resistance - that's what I was starting to suspect... will be reading.

If anyone knows of temporary fixes or work-arounds that would be great as the 100 is parked nose-in at my office and (obviously) can't even be put in neutral.

Im not exactly sure on the 99, but there may be switch under a cover at the front of the shifter that you can press to get into neutral if needed. I cant remember the name of that switch at moment but im pretty sure neutral is part of it.

 

[cmw]

I was thinking there is a shifter release somewhere pretty simple.

It appears there is a bit of a work-around for the broken rod in the thread linked by larryt above. Involves a degree of disassembly and a cutoff 10mm socket on a long extension.

Will be doing a bit of reading tonight to decide how far/whether to get into it at my office vs getting towed home.

Thanks for the replies

 

[100serieslc]

Think its this part.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[Moggul]

This happeend to me a few months ago. You need to replace the ignition rod:

Thread 'Ignition barrel rod replacement'

Oct 16, 2025

Recently my ignition barrel rod broke an I had to source a replacement. The part number on the broken rod was 7853A. As I could not find that part I purchased part 7853B and got it installed by a competent locksmith.

I sourced the part from Tafmet in Poland for less than 20 € + shipping to Spain. Altough the picture in the website has the part number stamped, mine came without it.

Ignition Lock Cylinder Barrel Rod 7853 B for Lexus LX II Toyota Land Cruiser III

tafmet.pl

I also bought a very cheap EGR delete kit which I plan to...

• Moggul
• Replies: 3
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

 

[TnTnola]

I replaced mine a few years ago before my Colorado trip. You will need to drop the steering column if I remember correctly.