Removing ignition cyl complications

[DieselROCKS]

Some background.....went to start the 60 this evening, key would turn just enough to unlock the steering wheel but not to the acc position. No warning...just happened.

So I sprayed in some lube, played with it for an hour.

Then I tried breaking the key off and drilling it, played with it for an hour.

I've got another lock cylinder so I was just going to switch them.

Anyone have any ideas?

Cheers
Geoff

 

[gulp3000]

The key cylinder is one part, the actual ignition switch is another. If you take of the shroud around the steering column, it's pretty easy to access the switch, which is on the lower left side of the column. I had problem with my key not springing back to "ON" after starting. The key cylinder was fine, but the spring in the switch (which is what you are actually turning) was toast.

This was an FJ60, but I would guess they are set-up the same. No idea if your problem is related, but it might be worth checking.

 

[2mbb]

If you could turn the key in the lock cylinder then maybe the lock isn't the problem, but the ignition switch is frozen. Remove the plastic cover from the steering column. IIRC the ignition switch is actually below the steering column. You should be able to ID it from the wires that attach to it. Take the switch off, and see if you can turn it my hand, and or if the lock cylinder frees up. My guess is that you should be able to also remove the lock cylinder with the cover removed.

 

[DieselROCKS]

Got it off today....just kept drilling bigger holes until it clicked free, there is noting left of the lock cyl now.

With a quick jaunt to my smashed 60 I was running in hours. Thanks for the posts guys.

Cheers
Geoff