Ignition switch does not turn

1994 TOYOTA AVALON
120,000 MILES • 1.4L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
CMAYO22@TWC.COM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ignition switch does not turn and steering wheel is locked.
Jun 21, 2017 at 7:07 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
HARRY P
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 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.
Jun 21, 2017 at 7:33 PM
Avatar
CMAYO22@TWC.COM
  • 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!
Jun 21, 2017 at 11:47 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
HARRY P
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 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.
Jun 22, 2017 at 3:04 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,855 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
Jun 22, 2017 at 4:29 PM