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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.