Ignition wont turn

Tiny
JIM MIDDLETON
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
2002 Toyota Sienna ignition key won't turn. How do I remove it to install a new one when I can't get it to turn to the acc position so I can use release pin underneath? It was happening intermittently then would not work anymore. I checked to make sure it was solidly in park and made sure the steering column lock was not on.

I have everything apart, I just can't get the switch to turn to the ACC position so I can depress the pin release on the bottom of the ignition switch casing to remove the defective switch. Is there a trick to this or is there something I might have to drill out?

How do I tell if I have the factory security system? Thanks so far, I'm tied up with looking after a parent with Alzheimer's disease so my time for troubleshooting is limited.

I've used penetrant/cleaners, and good quality lubricants (mostly light grade electrical or silicon). I've also used some watch screwdrivers on the top and bottom of the keyway to try to loosen any of the actuators all to no avail. The keys didn't stop working all at once but gave me progressively more trouble until they didn't work at all. Someone mentioned drilling out the release pin but also said there could be trouble when install a new switch. Any more ideas? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 AT 5:44 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
You need to remove the steering wheel to replace the tumbler. If it has an air bag, you need to be careful. Make sure to disconnect the battery at least 30 minutes before working on it. I forgot to mention, if you have a factory security system, it may need reset to accept the new switch. A dealer will need to do that for you.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 AT 4:23 AM
Tiny
KEVTHAO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi all
I have the same problem, I can't turn the key to ACC, is there another way to make the key turn to ACC so I could take the old one out
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Wednesday, June 7th, 2017 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,878 POSTS
Hello,

You must disconnected the battery first to remove the airbag and stop any shorts. Here are some guide and diagrams (below) that will help you get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-bag-removal-steering-wheel

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-clock-spring-removal

more diagrams below

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, June 9th, 2017 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
JOHNFUGATE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 76,000 MILES
Electrical problem
2002 Toyota Sienna 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 76000 miles

when we try to start van ignition switch will not turn, have tried turning steering wheel and applying pressure on brake. Will not start
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Saturday, June 10th, 2017 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Try lubricating lock cylinder with WD40 and using key to work the light oil in good. If this does not work, you can read more about this common issue on our Car Repair Troubleshooting webpage linked below..

https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/why_wont_my_ignition_switch_turn.htm

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Thanks for using 2CarPros.com!
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Saturday, June 10th, 2017 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RONWOLFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 275,000 MILES
Wife was and has been driving the car today no problems. Went to a event in a small local town park the car took some items out of the car. Got back in the car to move it the key would not turn in the ignition. Have not had any problems with the car; other then window motors and regulators, a code 255 or 155 some pvc valve on exhaust manifold, and a transmission that went out around 2006 I think. The steering will turns freely left or right the key appears to go all the way into the ignition slot, it will not turn. The transmission selector can be moved to any position and the key will not move to the right it appears to be to the far left locked position, yet the steering wheel is not and will not lock, is problem in the igintion switch or steering.
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Saturday, June 10th, 2017 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
It sounds like the linkage between the tumbler and the actual switch has come apart. You need to take it apart to check if that is the issue.
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Saturday, June 10th, 2017 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KOFIDJAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 TOYOTA SIENNA
2000 Toyota Sienna Front Wheel Drive Automatic 156000 miles

The key will not turn to start the engine, if u turn to left
it would turn but not to the right?
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Saturday, June 10th, 2017 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
I would say that you need a new ignition barrel & key assembly.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, June 10th, 2017 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KOFIDJAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you very much for your technical advice, you are the best.
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Saturday, June 10th, 2017 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)

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