Ignition switch does not turn

CMAYO22

MEMBER
1994 TOYOTA AVALON
1.4L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Ignition switch does not turn and steering wheel is locked.

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 AT 7:07 PM

4 Replies

HARRY P

MECHANIC
2,292 POSTS

Sometimes the steering lock mechanisms can bind up the ignition and keep it from turning. Turn the wheel in whichever direction the front wheels are pointed as hard as you can and try turning the ignition. Let us know if that works, or if you have already tried that.

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Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 AT 7:33 PM

CMAYO22

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I already tried your suggestion and it did not work. I also sprayed lubricant in the key hole and tapped the key/ignition-switch with the same results. The key did not turn and the steering wheel did not release. Any other suggestion? Thank you for your cooperation!

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Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 AT 11:47 PM

HARRY P

MECHANIC
2,292 POSTS

I guess you have probably jiggled the wheel back and forth and tried turning the key too. I will see if I can think of anything else to try.

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Thursday, June 22nd, 2017 AT 3:04 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,490 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like the tumbler has gone bad which is common for your cars age. You can get the replacement from Amazon for about $60.00

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E671FM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000E671FM&linkId=444738586a16b2aa0de1e6cd2eb3eda6

The only tough part will be getting out those rivets but if you use a sharp chisel and dig in from the side to loosen it will not be to bad.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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