Toyota Sienna ignition switch problem
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Toyota Sienna ignition switch problem
I have a problem with my '03 Sienna that I want to see if anyone else has had a problem with. I went to start it this evening and the key tuned partially to the point the accessories turned on but then it wouldn't go any further. So I tried my other set of keys and had the same problem. Then in the middle of working on that issue the steering column locked up now I can't get the key to turn at all. Has anyone heard of this kind of an issue w/ Siennas?
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Elmsford, NY
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Did you try turning the steering wheel a little bit and then turning the key?
I don't have a Sienna but that has happened to me in other cars I've owned. Especially if I've parked on a hill, there is pressure on the steering wheel lock and it wouldn't let me turn the key.
I don't have a Sienna but that has happened to me in other cars I've owned. Especially if I've parked on a hill, there is pressure on the steering wheel lock and it wouldn't let me turn the key.
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Palo Alto
Posts: 5,387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmmm.... I thought Toyotas didn't have problems. This sounds like a domestic car problem... at least based on the things you have said to me
Anyway, do you have a heavy key chain? With my older Toyotas the weight of the key chain would eventually wear the soft metal of the lock mechanism.
Anyway, do you have a heavy key chain? With my older Toyotas the weight of the key chain would eventually wear the soft metal of the lock mechanism.
#4
Registered User
Thread Starter
According to the folks in THIS THREAD on ToyotaNation.com, this is an issue with some Toyotas. I was able to fix mine, mostly myself. For the benefit of those with this issue while the the steering column is locked, here's what I did.
I lightly tapped on the bottom of the lock mechanism with a plastic tipped hammed. I suppose you could use a small ball-peen or claw hammer but I chose the plastic hammer to keep from cracking the case. Tapping the case while turning the key allowed the key to move to the ACC position. From there I was able to release the lock by pushing on the pin.
The Toyota dealer wanted $108 for a new one and 1/2hr labor charge to re-key the ignition lock to my current key, roughly $165 or so for that. I called a local lock co that does automotive locks and they said if I could bring it in, they could fix it for $65. I took it in and they did a great job. It now works like a charm and I saved about $100 in the process.
I lightly tapped on the bottom of the lock mechanism with a plastic tipped hammed. I suppose you could use a small ball-peen or claw hammer but I chose the plastic hammer to keep from cracking the case. Tapping the case while turning the key allowed the key to move to the ACC position. From there I was able to release the lock by pushing on the pin.
The Toyota dealer wanted $108 for a new one and 1/2hr labor charge to re-key the ignition lock to my current key, roughly $165 or so for that. I called a local lock co that does automotive locks and they said if I could bring it in, they could fix it for $65. I took it in and they did a great job. It now works like a charm and I saved about $100 in the process.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post