Ignition Key Issues

I called myself searching for this topic in the forum but didn’t come up with anything.

Twice I’ve had major issues getting my key to turn the ignition switch. In the past just a couple of jiggles on the steering wheel and it was fine. Last week it took me about 10 minutes of rocking the steering wheel and removing/re-inserting the key before it worked, today about 15 minutes. My concern is one day it won’t work and I’ll be stuck.

What’s causing this, the key or ignition or some in the steering wheel itself?

TIA

 

Wear on the key and wear in the lock cylinder cause this issue. If you have a newer, unused key. Try that first. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need a new cylinder assembly. Can get a little tricky though because the key is chipped. I was able to replace mine in my 2001 sequoia.

 

If by chance it's not your lock cylinder, you can get a new one cut at a Toyota Dealer using your VIN #, as has been mentioned in numerous threads.

Lost 2006 Tundra key and Fob | Toyota Tundra Forum

04 tundra key question. | Toyota Tundra Forum

 

I suspect the key. Do you have two keys? If not, the dealer will cut a new one based on your VIN if you show proof of ownership, and it shouldn't be that much $$

 

Doh!

 

Thanks everyone. I do have a spare key that I keep in the house. I’m going to put it in the truck and the next time it acts up I’ll give it a try.

 

Before it fails, take your spare key and have a locksmith redo the tumbler with new pins/wafers.

 

If your spare key works then you need a new key. You have a 2006, so I presume it is a chipped key. You're going to need to do some research on whether or not replacements can be programmed DIY.
If the spare doesn't work then it's the lock cylinder -- which you can repair. I've done mine. Here's a great how-to video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrQUOqI_m8c

 

I'm having a similar issue. I was taking the dash apart to put some new LED bulbs in the instrument cluster but forgot to pay attention to which green bulbs for the gears were out I put it back together and now the ignition key won't turn to unlock the shifter. Do we think it's just the key issue or is there something built into the security system since I unplugged the dash? I maybe have only had one occasion where the key took a little fiddling before it unlocked but this one is really not doing anything now. @shifty`

Love how a simple job finds a new problem to fix.

Thanks for any input!

 

Sorry for the trouble. I haven't had an old vehicle in a while. When I turned the steering wheel it locked and that was binding it up once I tried turning the steering wheel while turning the key it worked. Wondering if I should still possibly get a new key anyway since I only have one copy after buying this off Facebook.

 

If you have an 02 getting extra keys cut is very cheap and very easy. Good insurance. I rotate my 3 keys to keep them wearing somewhat evenly.

 

Trying to get fancy with LED bulbs and learned that my instrument cluster does not work fully. The main bulbs that light up the large parts of the dash are not working. I switched the bulbs every which way I could think of and nothing works but all the little ones.

 

The bulb holders might not be seating right. I had to replace the holders when I did my camry because the bulbs wouldn't come out of the original ones, and I remember the replacement ones being very finicky.

On the topic of your key, you have an 02, go to the dealer with your title and drivers license and VIN and they will cut you a new key based off that. It'll be less than $35 most likely.

 

Some have had issues with the traces on the bulbs wearing/cutting thru also. You can swap out the contact sheet, IIRC.