steering column locking up

[SMP142]

i have had this problem for about a month now to where it does it all the time. it use to do it ever once in a great while. when i insert my key into the ignition it wont turn. like when the steering column is locked and the key wont turn, thats what it does. so i have to jiggle the keys around in there or move it on and off like 5 times before i can get it to turn on. it gets to be a pain in the butt and i am affraid that sometime i will get stuck somewhere with it locked and not be able to drive. any solutions besides a new column?

 

[drjonez]

auto trans?

 

[robbo185]

if i understand you correctly try moving the steering wheel to the left then try and start the car

 

[Finnon]

this sounds like the ignition barrel is worn. mine did this and i just swapped a different barrel into it. pisses me off that i have different keys to open and start the car like. Does anyone know if a toyota dealer would rebuild an ignition barrel?

 

[SMP142]

its a standard tranny. its not the steering wheel thats making it lock up. it soudn more along the lines of being worn out, or a worn out barrel. if by any way possible i really dont want seperate keys but if it comes down to that then its no big deal. where do you get a new barrel from? i am guessing from a toyota dealer.

 

[starscream5000]

Try this: Go to Wal-Mart and have them make a duplicate key first (only costs like a lil a buck). It could be that your key is getting worn, when the new one is made the machine will cut sharp angle on each part that there is suppost to be one on the old rounded key. I made two spares, both work. My original key is so worn that it will actually start my cousin's supra! That's some crazy shit! But get this, the new keys I made will not... If I thought about it, I would have asked some of the guys at last weekend's supra meet if I could test this out on thier cars too. They may not like it too much if my key starts their car though...

 

[Nick M]

Yes the lock can be rebuilt.

On another note, the key is not supposed to turn until you release wheel tension and turn it left. That is when it is locked.

 

[starscream5000]

If your steering wheel isn't locked and the key still won't turn, it's either the key, or barrel, I'd try the new key thing first as it should be cheaper.

 

[927mgtepat]

i have had this problem for about a month now to where it does it all the time. it use to do it ever once in a great while. when i insert my key into the ignition it wont turn. like when the steering column is locked and the key wont turn, thats what it does. so i have to jiggle the keys around in there or move it on and off like 5 times before i can get it to turn on. it gets to be a pain in the butt and i am affraid that sometime i will get stuck somewhere with it locked and not be able to drive. any solutions besides a new column?

This is off topic but are you an A&P Mech? Also if you need a column i got a couple laying around

 

[Finnon]

out of interest can key blanks be got from toyota? so there the black plasticy things on them? that would be cool.

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Is the steering wheel itself locked when you are trying to turn the keys?
I was pretty sure when you locked the wheel it won't let you turn the key until you pull the wheel a certain direction.

 

[SMP142]

This is off topic but are you an A&P Mech? Also if you need a column i got a couple laying around

to answer your question, i sorta am haha. in order to be an A&P mech you have to have the certificate. i however am in the military and they give out no such things. but, yes my job is to work on jet engines for the Air Force.

Is the steering wheel itself locked when you are trying to turn the keys? I was pretty sure when you locked the wheel it won't let you turn the key until you pull the wheel a certain direction.

no the steering wheel does not lock. its just the key wont turn. i have to turn it back and forth a few times to get it to turn.

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Ok then, yea I agree with what everyone else says.