Ignition key problem

[prado98 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close prado98]

Last night a very strange thing happened to my prado. The key slipped into the ignition but would not turn! steering lock was disengaged as the key moved ever so slightly but enough to unlock the steering. Interesting problem was that when I tried to move the gear from P to N it would not budge and had to press the red button to move it. When put the gear into N same thing with the key. Now when i put gear back into P same thing all over again to disengage P have to press the little red release button. Any ideas?

[damonat Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close damonat]

Re: Ignition key problem

it's been awhile since i worked on a 90 series,
the red button, is this mounted around gear shifter.
if so you have an interlock.
it requires the igntion to be in the "on" position and foot brake pedal to disengage.
so if your ignition doesn't turn your interlock would have a closed circuit to disengage.

now your ignition.
your key may be worn, try another.
problem may be your ignition lock could be about to fail,
the wafers in the ignition lock are sometimes split, and as they wear they move more.
problem is, is if they get too much wear they will lay over and jam lock, and jam key in lock.

if this is sounding correct, dodgie sticky key in lock, then get to a locksmith asap.
you may end up parking somewhere and not being able to drive away, or not able to turn off engine.

[Mikew09 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Mikew09]

Re: Ignition key problem

Members, I am new to PradoPoint and yet to update my profile but thought I would post this first up as I see a number of other posts around ignition issues. I very recently had a nasty experience with the key going in OK but would not turn to the start point.
After some internet searching I found these guys and decided to try them - Brisbane area.

So, the Ignition lock was getting a little dodgy and then I put the key in and unable to turn past ACC with any of the keys. Searched the forum and found a few other examples of the same thing. Panic - This was Wed and I needed the Prado Friday so search the web and come across this mob. http://www.millenniumlocks.com.au/automotive.php in Brisbane. So gave them a ring around 4pm and they turned up 11:30 the next day. I live between Lowood and Gatton and these guys have mobile units.
Arrived 11:30, spent an hr doing the job which was remove ignition barrel and repair and re-key. Seemed real professional and though it was about an hrs travel only charged $297 for all including travel. Worth every cent and it is like brand new again on all keys. These guys also do transponder stuff and such. I am pretty fussy about any work on my vehicles and these guys were real good so I thought worth a mention. He did say this was not an uncommon fault on the Toyota.

Anyway, if you have this issue as I did with my 2000 Prado Grande & you live in the Brisbane or surrounding area, I fully recomment they guys. I am sure I will not be the last one that gets caught out and need the services of
a good (mobile service) Auto locksmith.


Cheers,

Mike
2000 Prado Gande V6 3.4

[Goodo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Goodo]

Re: Ignition key problem

I had the same problem just before setting off on a camping trip. I found that the master key got stuck or would not enter the barrels on all locks. I thought this was strange as the passenger door lock has never been used. I then tried the spare key ( grey one) and found it worked fine in all locks. I then had this key copied and the chip removed from the master key.
All works fine now, i think that it was just a case of the master key being to worn.
Cheers
Tim G