Key Pulls Out of Ignition Switch At Any Position

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1988 FJ62- I can pull the key out of the ignition switch at any position (run, off, all the way back). Not a big deal for me, but usually results in a dead battery for those who don't know.

Is this a matter of the little tumblers inside being worn out?
If I pull the whole switch out and bring it to a locksmith is this something they can fix, or do I need to order a whole new switch?
If I have to order a new switch, I assume they come with their own matching key which would then not match the doors?
 
Yup just means that either the Key itself or the key cylinder is worn. @RAGINGMATT has the ability to rekey and refurb everything and I highly recommend him. Just did mine earlier this year and did a phenomenal job.
 
Can't be proven but it seems likely that having a heavy ring loaded with keys in the ignition and bouncing around offroad or on rough streets is going to prematurely wear the ignition lock internals.

Its a pain but I switched to a dedicated key ring for each vehicle.
 
Can't be proven but it seems likely that having a heavy ring loaded with keys in the ignition and bouncing around offroad or on rough streets is going to prematurely wear the ignition lock internals.

It's proven.
That's the primary cause of key wear: heavy fobs.
But take solace that this happens to every Toyota eventually and probably every car. The keys are made from soft nickel plated brass and grind down over the years from vibration. So does the lock.

If a key (and lock) has worn so far as to be able to just pull it out in any position, the car can probably be started with just a screwdriver. Super easy to steal. My old Toyota pickup I could start w a screwdriver. Key would just fall out.

RockAuto has a new aftermarket ignition cylinder (lock) which comes with two new keys. Toyota's is discontinued. I replaced my worn out one with it and it worked great. Key won't match the other locks though.
 
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I would recommend @RAGINGMATT services, however he is in MA and your location says, L.A. ... so if you can afford to have the truck down (or swap in a diff cylinder) while it's being repaired, I'd go with Matt to keep the keys all the same...

Or (don't know where you are in L.A.), but I've used this old-skool Reseda locksmith and he's great. I was told by every arm-chair on-line expert that I could only get my Toyota DD (non LC) computer-chip key replaced at the DEALER-ONLY with a reflash for $400! - this guy did it for $70. He's rekeyed Ignition cylinders for my other Trucks, too.

Just an option.

Kennedy Lock & Safe - Reseda - Reseda, CA

Kennedy Lock and Safe
18512 Sherman Way
Reseda, CA 91335

o.jpg
 
Thanks for the replies, guys. Yeah, retaining the original key functionality is a priority for me if it can be done. As Spike Strip points out, I'm in LA so would like to go local if possible to minimize the downtime. I guess sending it out to a locksmith for repair while I have it down for the knuckle and axle seal replacement would be best timing-wise.
 
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If you have the key code you can get your local dealer to cut a new key to the original dimensions. That will solve the problem in many cases. Next up take everything of the ring that is not essential for the vehicle.
 
Just in case you don't know, these ignition key cylinders come out so easy it's scary - It would be very simple for you to remove and mail or take to local Smith.

Do the knuckles and seals yourself, if you have a driveway/Garage. Plenty of info for a DIY

 
1988 FJ62- I can pull the key out of the ignition switch at any position (run, off, all the way back). Not a big deal for me, but usually results in a dead battery for those who don't know.

Is this a matter of the little tumblers inside being worn out?
If I pull the whole switch out and bring it to a locksmith is this something they can fix, or do I need to order a whole new switch?
If I have to order a new switch, I assume they come with their own matching key which would then not match the doors?
Yup just means that either the Key itself or the key cylinder is worn. @RAGINGMATT has the ability to rekey and refurb everything and I highly recommend him. Just did mine earlier this year and did a phenomenal job.
I would recommend @RAGINGMATT services, however he is in MA and your location says, L.A. ... so if you can afford to have the truck down (or swap in a diff cylinder) while it's being repaired, I'd go with Matt to keep the keys all the same...

Or (don't know where you are in L.A.), but I've used this old-skool Reseda locksmith and he's great. I was told by every arm-chair on-line expert that I could only get my Toyota DD (non LC) computer-chip key replaced at the DEALER-ONLY with a reflash for $400! - this guy did it for $70. He's rekeyed Ignition cylinders for my other Trucks, too.

Just an option.

Kennedy Lock & Safe - Reseda - Reseda, CA

Kennedy Lock and Safe
18512 Sherman Way
Reseda, CA 91335

o.jpg



Hi , @bfoldy


based on your situation , current state of ignition cylinder ,( as i understand them to be ) and the fact you will have Birfield re-seal down time as well also , here's what i recommend & can offer to help

- Purchase a OEM toyota ignition lock cylinder , If NLA ? , Then a quality aftermarket one from possibly Rock Auto or where i get mine NAPA
the last FJ62 ignition lock i bought from NAPA in the last year had a MADE IN JAPAN white little sticker decal on the Blue Eclin brand box

- obtain your factory Key Code that is stamped on your passenger side door lock cylinder , Completely removing your door lock is
required to obtain the factory key code

- U mail me your New Ignition Lock , Its New keys too , & your Factory Key Code

- I will Re-Key & Re-Code your New Lock to Your current factory key code , Using a New or NOS OEM Toyota master Key Blank

- Your New OEM master key Blank will be Cut To your Code using My Dealership SST computerized cutting machine

- it WILL match your doors

- I then mail back to U Re-coded Lock & New code cut OEM Toyota Key


- U then Re-install

- Done ...........

- Repairing your old worn out current ignition lock cylinder , is Not advised ,Due to the Age & Time wear factor & excessive use free-play of all the guts not just the tumblers & will be a waist of time & money ....


here are the 3 types / styles of Master keys blanks i can offer





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DSCN0110.JPG
s-l1600123.jpg
 
Hi, I've only used two keys on the key rings on our numerous cruisers, all keys wore out around 250,000 miles. Mike
 
Hi , @bfoldy


based on your situation , current state of ignition cylinder ,( as i understand them to be ) and the fact you will have Birfield re-seal down time as well also , here's what i recommend & can offer to help

- Purchase a OEM toyota ignition lock cylinder , If NLA ? , Then a quality aftermarket one from possibly Rock Auto or where i get mine NAPA
the last FJ62 ignition lock i bought from NAPA in the last year had a MADE IN JAPAN white little sticker decal on the Blue Eclin brand box

- obtain your factory Key Code that is stamped on your passenger side door lock cylinder , Completely removing your door lock is
required to obtain the factory key code

- U mail me your New Ignition Lock , Its New keys too , & your Factory Key Code

- I will Re-Key & Re-Code your New Lock to Your current factory key code , Using a New or NOS OEM Toyota master Key Blank

- Your New OEM master key Blank will be Cut To your Code using My Dealership SST computerized cutting machine

- it WILL match your doors

- I then mail back to U Re-coded Lock & New code cut OEM Toyota Key


- U then Re-install

- Done ...........

- Repairing your old worn out current ignition lock cylinder , is Not advised ,Due to the Age & Time wear factor & excessive use free-play of all the guts not just the tumblers & will be a waist of time & money ....


here are the 3 types / styles of Master keys blanks i can offer





View attachment 1831539 View attachment 1831540 View attachment 1831541
I had no idea you provided this service. My key can also come out the ignition and the cruiser will keep running. I have a new ignition cylinder and key already waiting. PMing you for help! :)
 
I think its the In and out & in and out Motion of more then several Thousand times in a life time of service & use that causes the wear described above , Friction


metal to metal contact ,


OEM Toyota tumblers are steel in a FJ40 / fj55 ignition lock cylinder , at least the newer ones i have re-coded , they are NOT brass or copper like the replacements are



this would help explain why a OEM toyota Nickle Plated Yellow Brass Key can wear out over time faster then the lock itself FJ40, FJ60, FJ62 style Key


Now .............


The FJ80 in 1992 saw the new updated 90999-00186 all metal silver & 9099-000185 black top All Solid Nickle Keys , they can wear out but at Much slower pace




- This photo is Of a FJ60/ FJ62 passenger side lock w/ Factory Key code stamp , it was heavily oxidized and had to be

takin out for wire " wheel PHUN day at the park " no fun ............:(



but end result after a acid etch also is a distinguishable code K4083

if u dont know about acid etching aluminum key cylinder corrosion and scale ASK


u can destroy it , making it useles





DSCN61531.jpg


 
These are some of what u receive when u complete Toyota Lock & Key Repair & Re-Coding certification class circa 1996
 
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@RAGINGMATT Little off topic but not so much.. Getting cold here, nights are dropping into the teens and days aren't getting above the 50s. When I go out to turn the truck on and warm her up in the morning the key is VERY hard to turn in the ignition, almost to the point where I am afraid I may break the key off or bend it.

Is there something I can do, add, squirt, etc. in the ignition cylinder that will help this out? Seems like we are going to have a real bitter cold winter this year the way things are shaping up right now. So anticipating a few weeks of teens if not 0* weather in the evenings.
 
Thanks @RAGINGMATT I'll check out my options and let you know if services are needed. Going to try taking it to a local locksmith first to see what they say.

Hi , @bfoldy


based on your situation , current state of ignition cylinder ,( as i understand them to be ) and the fact you will have Birfield re-seal down time as well also , here's what i recommend & can offer to help

- Purchase a OEM toyota ignition lock cylinder , If NLA ? , Then a quality aftermarket one from possibly Rock Auto or where i get mine NAPA
the last FJ62 ignition lock i bought from NAPA in the last year had a MADE IN JAPAN white little sticker decal on the Blue Eclin brand box

- obtain your factory Key Code that is stamped on your passenger side door lock cylinder , Completely removing your door lock is
required to obtain the factory key code

- U mail me your New Ignition Lock , Its New keys too , & your Factory Key Code

- I will Re-Key & Re-Code your New Lock to Your current factory key code , Using a New or NOS OEM Toyota master Key Blank

- Your New OEM master key Blank will be Cut To your Code using My Dealership SST computerized cutting machine

- it WILL match your doors

- I then mail back to U Re-coded Lock & New code cut OEM Toyota Key


- U then Re-install

- Done ...........

- Repairing your old worn out current ignition lock cylinder , is Not advised ,Due to the Age & Time wear factor & excessive use free-play of all the guts not just the tumblers & will be a waist of time & money ....


here are the 3 types / styles of Master keys blanks i can offer





View attachment 1831539 View attachment 1831540 View attachment 1831541
 
Thanks for the video @Spike Strip That should really help speed up the removal. I'm going to pull it out and take it to a local locksmith as a first option.

And yep...fairly new to the LC, but have ordered the knuckle bearings and axle seals and planning to tackle it myself based on all the info provided by the forum here and YouTube. Now just need to order some of the basic specialty tools for the job like seal puller and brass drift.

Just in case you don't know, these ignition key cylinders come out so easy it's scary - It would be very simple for you to remove and mail or take to local Smith.

Do the knuckles and seals yourself, if you have a driveway/Garage. Plenty of info for a DIY

 
Thanks @RAGINGMATT I'll check out my options and let you know if services are needed. Going to try taking it to a local locksmith first to see what they say.





old skool toyota 2.jpeg






my advise on taking to a local lock smith shop or local mobile lock smith :


- inquire if they took any TOYOTA specific lock and key training classes ?

- ask them HARD , Real Hard if they have Factory Toyota OEM Tumblers , springs , & shutter doors in stock ready for u and your ignition lock

- if they don't u should re-think that local Lock Smith shop and try another Local one that specializes in JDM ( Japanese domestic market ) Vintage vehicals


old skool toyota 2.jpeg
 
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Those photos bring back fond memories of my bottom desk drawer. Our service department used to bring all the new lock cylinders to me to re-code. :)
 
:lol:
 

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