Ignition Replacement (1 Viewer)

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Dec 13, 2021
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Medford, OR
Got into my 99 this evening after work , went to turn the key and it popped hard and now twists loosely in the barrel. My question, since it’s a 99 is: Doesn’t this year have a chipped key? If I replace the barrel, do I have to go to a dealer to get it re-chipped?
 
Learned by calling (the worst dealership in my opinion) Lithia Parts and Service Dept. Parts guy told me o do have the transponder key, Service guy tells me that the odds are that I stripped the ignition lock cylinder guts and that I’m probably going to have to replace the entire assembly, then have to send out the ECU to be flashed… has anyone gone through this?
 
I just went through this earlier this year, my truck is a 2003. You can either buy the OEM toyota bracket assembly and remove the shaft from that and transfer it to your existing bracket assembly or you can buy the amazon version and put that in. The toyota bracket is expensive and you really only need the transfer shaft most likely. Worth taking your truck apart to confirm that the transfer rod is what broke.
 
Yes key has a chip. In the Key FOB, or if a no FOB shell type, chip is in the solid plastic of key.

Sound like busted IG SW rod. Replacing rod has no effect on tumbler, key or chip.

FWIW:

Chip is in the FOB, inside master key shell. Remove the back cover screw from master key shell, and FOB pops out. Battery is in the FOB. Battery is for door locks & windows (newer LX). Chip doesn't need the battery. Chip reader is in a ring around IG keyhole.

Why do these rods or keys break:

Some will say, weak design of rod or key, perhaps in part!

But in 20+ years driving 100 series and going back more years in other vehicles with locking steering wheel. I've never busted a key or IG SW.

The number one reason for breaking the IG SW rod or key. Not release steering wheel tension from locking pin. Every time we remove the IG key, steering lock pin sets. If steering wheel is then turned, pressure is then created against the locking pin. The IG key will then, have resistance (not turn easily) as we try to turn. If IG key forceable turned, with this tension on locking pin. Something well break sooner or later.

Typically we don't turn the steering wheel after IG key removed. But, some do with realizing it. By using the steering wheel as a handle, to pull themselves into (or out) the seat. Turning steering wheel, as they do. Why does this create tension on lock pin. As they say: Where the rubber meets the road.
 
Yes key has a chip. In the Key FOB, or if a no FOB shell type, chip is in the solid plastic of key.

Sound like busted IG SW rod. Replacing rod has no effect on tumbler, key or chip.

FWIW:

Chip is in the FOB, inside master key shell. Remove the back cover screw from master key shell, and FOB pops out. Battery is in the FOB. Battery is for door locks & windows (newer LX). Chip doesn't need the battery. Chip reader is in a ring around IG keyhole.

Why do these rods or keys break:

Some will say, weak design of rod or key, perhaps in part!

But in 20+ years driving 100 series and going back more years in other vehicles with locking steering wheel. I've never busted a key or IG SW.

The number one reason for breaking the IG SW rod or key. Not release steering wheel tension from locking pin. Every time we remove the IG key, steering lock pin sets. If steering wheel is then turned, pressure is then created against the locking pin. The IG key will then, have resistance (not turn easily) as we try to turn. If IG key forceable turned, with this tension on locking pin. Something well break sooner or later.

Typically we don't turn the steering wheel after IG key removed. But, some do with realizing it. By using the steering wheel as a handle, to pull themselves into (or out) the seat. Turning steering wheel, as they do. Why does this create tension on lock pin. As they say: Where the rubber meets the road.
I know that's exactly what happened. I'm third owner on this, and while not trying to be an A-hole, the last driver was a couple hundred pounds heavier than I. I need to replace the driver seat as well from the sliding in and out - the wheel was absolutely used as a handle. BUT, that said, I've definitely learned my lesson and will NOT be doing this in the future.
 
I told my wife the key should turn easily, if any resistance you need to crank the wheel 1 way or the other to relieve the tension so the key will rotate easily
DON'T FORCE IT
 
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