Can't remove the key from the ignition. (Brand new lock cylinder & key)

Hi, I have a 2000 Tundra and just replaced the lock cylinder and key because the old key was stuck. It turns the truck on, off, acc, etc. but neither the new or old key can be removed. Is there a position or something in the ignition switch that could cause the key to remain locked in the column? Has anyone solved this by replacing the ignition switch? Both lock cylinders work when they're not installed. Thanks Rick D

 

See if you can squirt some powdered graphite in there...may loosen up the stuck pin.

 

Maybe the truck thinks it’s still in gear? Is there a shift lever position sensor?

 

My 06 does this occasionally. Pull down hard on the left side of the steering wheel against the steering wheel lock and try to remove the key. If no worky do the same on the right side of the steering wheel. If that doesn't work say a bunch of cuss words. Rock the truck back and forth. Cuss some more. Press the brake pedal and try moving the gear selector. Cuss some more and repeat. Do all that a couple a times and then the key comes out.

But usually the few times it has happened since the first time. I only have to do the steering wheel thing.

 

Possible Joonbug but if there is a sensor, I'm not sure where it is and it hasn't been mentioned on any of the videos (20 or so) I have watched.
Weadjust the steering column doesn't lock currently as the key never gets in that "locked" position where it will come out.

 

If the key never fully goes to the off position and ACC is as far as it will go then whatever mechanism "tells" the ignition to let you turn to off and take the key out thinks that the truck is not in park. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what mechanism that is.

 

It shuts the vehicle completely down (past acc) but the key won't disengage.

 

Still would have work to do but if you unhook battery, will key come out ?
If it's the park/neutral switch, the wiggling back and forth suggestion might help send proper signal to switch.
When it's in this position, can you move the steering wheel full clockwise and also full counter-clockwise ?
If so, I'd attempt to get steering wheel shell off so you can observe. Full CCW you should see screw on left side of shell. Full CW same for right side. One fastner underneath.

 

I have an acquaintance down the road with the opposite problem: He can pull his key out totally when the engine is running.

If he does this, the only way to "unlock" the key position to turn the truck off is by taking another person's key that doesn't match his key-notch pattern, insert then remove it, and after that he can use the original key to turn off the truck.

I didn't think it was possible to remove the key once you're past the OFF position. But clearly there's a locking mechanism of some sort at play with the key...

 

Thanks all! Bubba, I tried disconnecting the battery but I'm still in the same loop. Unfortunately work is in the way currently and I doubt I'll have time for anything else today but I will keep plugging at it. I am uploading a pic. The wire clip that is disconnected turned off the annoying beep when the door is open and the key is in the ignition. Nothing is different when itis plugged in.

 

Lift up on the shifter? There's a mechanical linkage that blocks the key from rotating if not in park.

Could be its worn, bent or broken.

 

So then you had the problem with the old cylinder, replaced it with new, and the problem remains? Definitely a mechanical problem in the column, likely with the shifter mechanism. Failures of the shifter are common as the metal fatigues after umpteen cycles. Yours is probably just developing a fracture. You'll know for sure when the shifter comes off in your hand. There are some threads on this, but I don't have the time to search for them right now. @Tundra2

 

The shifter was replaced 3 weeks ago, January 9th. The old one broke into 2 pieces. I have jiggled the new one, trust me...

 

@Tundra2 we found another one! :lol:

I swear, I'd be shocked if there's not at least a TSB for this problem, but honestly, should be a recall at this point.

 

@Tundra2, is TSB an acronym for "Toyota Service Bulletin?"

 

Technical Service Bulletin. Haven’t looked into it but I believe it’s a regulatory term used by folks regulated by NHTSA because it’s used across makes.

 

Here are some pics if anyone sees anything "out of the ordinary" The pic with the circled image just shows the shifter is as far up as it will go.

 

Is this your gear indicator? Is it not in park?

 

I'm assuming that should not be a light indication given their is no battery voltage ?
However, the question about Park is good thought considering you won't get key out if not in Park

Zooming in I'm not able to tell but @rdyamaha are any cables undone around steering column, in particular P1 and P2 ?

I've attached a 2 page pdf from a 2003 FSM that should be applicable to your 2000 concerning checks one can make that might lead to something. Also a Toyota shift lock system pdf explaining how our Shift Locks work.

 

As far as the truck not being able to roll, It's in park. That's probably a light reflection in the pic. I did unplug the wire clip that turns off the beeping sound when the door is open and the key is in the ignition for sanity reasons, however nothing changes when it's plugged in. I think you're on to something though. I'm going to play with it a bit before the superbowl gathering today. Thank You!!!

PS I did try to link a few pics on imgbb.com but I guess the link didn't work. If you go to imgbb.com and search Rdyamaha I made the pics public. Thanks again, RD

 

One quick question before church @rdyamaha ....with key in the position it is above and assuming it is in Park, if you press in on key, does the dime size silver cylinder move inwards also approx 3/8 of an inch.
I ask because I have to push on key, dime size silver cylinder moves in also, before it will let me rotate C/W to lock position.

Rdyamaha (rdyamaha) — ImgBB

 

BubbaW, yes it does push in but the key won't turn to the lock position.

 

www.imgur.com is only two letters difference but equally easy to use without all the fluff and hassle.

But the imgbb.com link Bubba posted works great.

 

Im having the same exact issue. My shift column broke so I replaced that, now key wont go to lock. Bought a new lock cylinder and still wont go to lock. Needle nose pliers on mechanism inside column will turn to lock, but not with new or old key lock cylinder installed. Im thinking of replacing whole ignition switch column next. Did you ever figure out problem??