Ignition not working

DYLAN SMITH2

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
169,000 MILES

Hi,

So I have a ignition problem. I turn the key one day, and the ignition snaps, or so it felt like it. The key feels loose in the cylinder, no resistance at all, just spins, no crank or anything. I then go to the store, and buy a new cylinder, put the new key in, and the same thing is happening, the key has no resistance and just spins freely and very loose with no crank. I then go to the store, and buy a ignition switch, just installed the switch today, and the same thing still happens, still loose, and no crank. When I turn the key, nothing happens, and the dash lights will not come on.

However, when I open the doors, the lights do come on, so I have power. I checked the fuses, and they are all good, no electrical problems, leaving me thinking this is a physical problem in the mechanism. I am not sure what the issue could be, I also inspect the ignition inside, where the cylinder goes into, and there is a tab that is connected to the switch, and I took long plies to twist it, and move it around and it feels very loose. Not sure if that could be the problem, and not on how to fix that part. I also checked my steering wheel lock, and the lock seems to be working and releasing fine with the key, so I do not think that's the issue.

Also, I want to take note that the security light is on and flashing when the key is in or out of the ignition, and it is always flashing no matter what I do, not sure if that means anything.

In conclusion, I am getting very frustrated on this situation, and ran out of ideas. If you can get back to be as soon as possible, I would be very thankful.

1 Reply

MOTOR MASTER

MECHANIC
279 POSTS

Hello,

My first recommendation would be to remove the ignition switch (electrical part) and try turning it independently and see if it starts the car. If there is a problem with the security system if you try turning it out of the column with the original key and it works then I would suggest making sure you have the proper key made however prior to going that far I would turn the existing key and see if the tab that turns the ignition switch turns with the key. If the tab does not turn with the key your best alternative is to purchase a used column from a salvage yard. If it does and the car will not start with the original key in the ignition then you may have a fault in the security system however it has been my experience that it would be more likely that there is a fault with the key itself and if so the best way to cure the problem would be to go to the dealer with your registration and request a new key. Hope this was helpful and thank you for using 2CarPros!