Key not turning in the ignition?

SL1M3G1RL

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA SIENNA
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

Hello,
My vehicle listed above recently, (within the last week), developed an issue where the key does not turn in the ignition. I can get it to work maybe once out of every 20 or 30 tries when I need to move my car. Previously to this the ignition was occasionally a bit sticky and the key only worked when facing in one direction, but suddenly it's pretty much not working at all. I have a backup valet key that is working a bit better than the original key, but it still barely works, and the original key no longer works at all. I tried spraying a little WD-40 into the ignition and it didn't seem to do anything. My concern is that I don't have much money to pay a shop for this repair right now, but I'm very intimidated by potentially changing out the ignition cylinder or other parts by myself because I don't know what kinds of security features my van has or what I might need to do to get a new key programmed. Thank you so much in advance for any input!
best,
Ella

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,323 POSTS

Hi Ella,

Yep, this happens when the ignition lock wears out and it must be replaced. Here are the instructions so you can see what needs to be done to complete the repair so you can decide if you want to try it or not. The tamper proof bolts are the most difficult part of the job because you will need a hammer and chisel to catch the side of the bolt to loosen it. I marked the bolts in the diagrams below. I would replace the switch as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)