Ignition key can pull out of tumbler while in drive

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In my 86 Hilux I can take the key out while driving or whenever. I love that feature! This started at about 200,000 miles. It was especially useful when I lived in Minnesota. I could leave my truck running, and lock it, while I let it warm up.
 
Totally 100% agree with the parking brake. I have always used the parking brake since I took home the LC from the dealer in 1995. Just happened this one time..... However, parking brake or not, it is time to find the root cause of the problem/condition and correct immediately.

I'm hearing from other Toyota owners that are experiencing the same condition regardless of year/make/model of their Toyota product. Some have found worn tumblers, others have found fuses. In my case so far, all fuses are good. I will have time this coming weekend to dig in deeper and see what the problem really is. I plan to document with pictures as well.

Thanks to everyone who has commented.

It is always that one time :bang:

The good thing is no one was hurt.
:cheers:
 
also wondering if anyone has solved this. @gummycarbs brought it to my attention in a different thread that I shouldn't be able to leave the truck in gear, turn the truck off, and remove the key. i've done this multiple times, but each time w/ the parking brake set as I've been daily driving a manual trans and it is muscle memory.

i can't physically remove the key in any position other than LOCK/off
i can't shift out of P without having the key in ACC or ON, and foot on the brake.
i CAN turn the key to LOCK with the trans in D or R, and remove the key

so which solenoid might be acting up? key interlock solenoid is my hunch based on its name, with the fault being the solenoid never turns "on", engaging the lock lever. so where is it or what does it look like? i see in the EWD that it uses pins 7-8 of the connector it shares with the ignition switch and unlock warning switch, so i can probe those pins and check if I'm getting 12V and sort out if its an electrical or mechanical fault.

update: from the parts diagram, it appears it might be a little metal box fastened to the ignition cylinder housing. part number 85432-50010 (replaces 85432-60010), ~$87.

update 2: found some info on this solenoid in the '96 FSM. Under AT-14, the solenoid should have resistance of 12-17 ohms. with the key in ACC and in P, the solenoid should recieve 0V from the shift lock control ecu. with the key in ACC and in a position other than P, the solenoid should receive battery voltage, dropping to 6-9V after ~1 sec. it is screwed to the ignition cylinder housing on the left side.
 
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continued troubleshooting

shift lock circuit.jpg


the key interlock solenoid checks out: ~15 ohms which is right in the range of 12-17 that the FSM calls for.

i removed the solenoid from the ignition housing and pushing on the stop pin manually, i can't turn the cylinder from ACC to LOCK. so the stop pin works. just not by the solenoid

shift lock ecu tests.jpg


running the tests against the shift lock control ecu;
12V between pin 1/ACC and ground with the ignition switch at ACC
12V between pin 3/IG and ground with the ignition switch at ON
12V between pin 6/STP and ground with the ignition on and brake pedal depressed

pin 4/KLS starts at 0V with the shifter in P, jumps to ~10V shifting to R, then nearly immediately drops to ~0.75V while still in R. the FSM says it should go to 10-14, then after 1sec drop to 6-9. putting my thumb on the solenoid, i can feel it energize and extend, then quickly de-energize and the pin can be pushed back in with zero resistance.

so this test is failing. which i think points to the shift lock ecu itself?
 
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Not the shift lock ecu. Swapped in a different one and nothing changed.

I think next to to replace the Ignition switch, which I believe includes the key interlock solenoid. 84450 in the pic is the switch assembly. It does show 85432 as the solenoid, but all the pics I've seen of the switch show the solenoid as part of the assembly. My starter turns over more than I'd like, after rebuilding the starter and replacing all the cables, so I'm thinking my switch needs a refresh anyways. Not looking forward to pulling apart the dash again but oh well.

1684431514005.png
 
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