Ignition key not turning completely

[98LandCruiser]

Hi All,
I have been having a problem with my 1998 Land Cruiser ignition key not turning completely to start the vechicle. It turns enough to release the wheel from lock and no further. I have to turn it back and forth many times before it will turn fully. I am afraid it will get to the point it will not turn completely. Has anyone run into this problem or have a fix for it? Thanks for the help.

 

[cruiser B]

try turning the steering wheel left and right a bit should unlock it so the key can tuen

 

[98LandCruiser]

Thanks for the response. I have turned the wheel to the left and right without any luck. I have to turn the key back and forth many times before it will turn all the way.

 

[100 TD]

Zip into the hardware store and buy some powdered graphite in a squeeze tube and get a small screwdriver and hold the lock cover back where the key goes in and give it a little squirt and see how you go.

 

[100 TD]

Forgot to mention, then use the key to work the lock cylinder back and forth carefully

 

[rockclmbr]

I think this can also be signs of a worn key??? I've had this occur on an overused key before and when the steering wheel turning did not work, a new key did.

 

[98LandCruiser]

Follow up to my original post

Thanks to everyone who responded to my original post.
It finally got to the point where the key would not turn fully and I had to have the vehicle towed. I had to remove the ignition cylinder assembly from the steering column and work with it on the bench. I was able to get lock cylinder out after about an hour of trying. I took it apart an could see one of the wafer pins hanging up which caused the problem. I took it to a locksmith and he said it was a common problem, they use a combination of whole and split brass wafer pins in the cylinder. He said the split pins always cause the problem. He put all new wafer pins and springs in for me and I reassembled and bolted it back to the steering column. Everything is working ok.

 

[DMX84]

Too bad it came down to having it towed.
BTW, I hope you used a flat bed truck, or the key will be the least of your worries.

 

[bdruff]

Follow up to my original post

Thanks to everyone who responded to my original post.
It finally got to the point where the key would not turn fully and I had to have the vehicle towed. I had to remove the ignition cylinder assembly from the steering column and work with it on the bench. I was able to get lock cylinder out after about an hour of trying. I took it apart an could see one of the wafer pins hanging up which caused the problem. I took it to a locksmith and he said it was a common problem, they use a combination of whole and split brass wafer pins in the cylinder. He said the split pins always cause the problem. He put all new wafer pins and springs in for me and I reassembled and bolted it back to the steering column. Everything is working ok.

I’m trying to diagnose my problem. Key stuck in ACC position but will come out. Wheels are not locked.

the posts that talk about a broken rod explain the key spinning freely but no action in the ignition.

 

[bdruff]

I tried shooting some graphite lubricant into the lock and tapping the key with a rubber hammer but that mad it worse. The key doesn’t come out smoothly anymore. I have to really pull on it to get it out.