Key gets locked in ignition

97 4runner



Every now and then, my key will get locked in the ignition. The key works fine for starting and opening the doors.



When I place the truck in park and rotate the key, it will turn half way and power off the engine but will not turn all the way to lock the steering wheel and it can't be removed. I can turn it back to start, shift the gears and turn the wheel but it still won't release the key. I end up having to leave the key in and later after driving it will then operate normally.



Any ideas?

Reply 1 : Key gets locked in ignition

Never mind. I hit it with graphite and it turned. I can assume the cylinder is on it's way out.

Reply 2 : Key gets locked in ignition

I have had that happen to me. I finally got feed up with sitting in the cold, waiting to find the sweet spot for it to turn, and took it to the dealer. I left the key in the ignition and ran inside to talk to someone. The tech there told me I was lucky to bring it in when I did, with the key still in the ignition because if not they would have had to charge me to remove the dashboard to get that cylinder out. It cost around 125 to replace the cylinder. I was willing to pay twice than to be stuck in the parking lot. The only bad thing is that now I have two sets of keys.

Reply 3 : Key gets locked in ignition

I had to replace the tumblers in my 97 4runner 2 weeks ago. I had a locksmith come ... he popped out the ignition and replaced them, fitting them to my current set of keys. $140 cdn. Interesting how both our vehicles, same year/model had the same problem at the same time.

Reply 4 : Key gets locked in ignition

I have the same problem on 4Runner 1996, but i still dont know how to fix it. This problem mostly apears on my 4Runer after washing the car or during rainy days.

Reply 5 : Key gets locked in ignition

It's time to replace those cylinders before you get stuck somewhere.

Reply 6 : Key gets locked in ignition

BfreemanNH hit on a good point by spraying a little graphite in the tumblers, but what I would suggest also is to get a new key cut by CODE, do not trace your existing key. Over time, the key gets worn down from all the use, in many cases a fresh key solves the problem. If this proves unsuccessful, then it is usually time for a new tumbler. As another member pointed out, you can take the NEW lock cylinder to a locksmith and the can recode the new cylinder to the old key. Each region will dictate its own price so shop around.



FYI: I do sell to TN member for 30% off MSRP and I only charge actual shipping costs plust $1.00 - $2.00 for materials, etc.

Reply 7 : Key gets locked in ignition

my key gets stuck in my 97 as well. I found that disconnecting the battery will allow it to turn and release every time. at 240k though it probably is the ignition switch,,huh?

Reply 8 : Key gets locked in ignition

Had the same problem 1996 4 runner.

You can go to the dealership and get a key cut to code, and spray some graphite in all the lock cylinders and move the key to the lock and unlock position a couple of time to get the graphite moving in the cylinders and lube all the parts in the mechanism.

You can get a key cut by a locksmith, but the problem with that is he will cut a key off your old key and if it worn you'll have the same problem.

Or just try graphite and make sure you work the locks in order to lube all the mechanisms.

Best of luck.

Marcus (alln1day)

Reply 9 : Key gets locked in ignition

yah, had a key cut to code, still did it even lubed it with graphite,so buying new switch BUNT!!!