Landcruiser 100s 1999 steering locked

G'day Michael
From what you have described, the lug at the bottom of the key lock barrel has broken or worn away and it is now not providing the turn action to operate the ign switch and disengage the steering interlock device.
Therefore, the steering remains locked and although the barrel will turn it isn't operating either the ignition switch or the steering Unlock.

Many Toyota's with the same style key/lock/steering system will be the same and may be able to be sourced from a wreckers. However, check the wear on the prospective replacement part and surrounding components in the vehicle before purchase of the offending part. It may be wise to replace more than just the bit that failed because of accumulated wear on all related components. You won't know this until seen.
Some disassembly is required to access the affected area. Drilling out/removal of the one way security screws may be required to get to the faulty component/s.

Hope this helps.

Ross M

Hi michealperthwa

I don't really know what is wrong with your l/cruiser although I have two. Its a bit hard to work out what is wrong as you need to tell us what model vehicle you have. Also switch may be the problem. Go to Lcool.org join up its free and ask the question there will be answers.

Hi Michael
I had lock trouble with my 80 series and although my problem was different I was fortunate to have a good locksmith sort me out. My key is of the groove on each side type-I don't know what yours is like.
He told me that most of the times the trouble is the worn key, not the lock. He had a machine that made up a copy of my key to original specs.-ie. not just a copy of the worn one.
Worked for me at way less than $100. Might be worthwhile trying another locksmith.
Good luck, Graham.

Thanks Grahme

RAC Service Centre rang and told me that the shaft in the barrel thingy broken and that had to be replaced.

We haven't got a clue so take their words

We went to their this morning to have a look what the guy was talking about.

The key assembly has not been touch but the mechanic guy told us that these are regular thing with Landcruiser and that he had to call a locksmith that familiar with this kind of thing to swing by and give his opinion (not all locksmith are the same apparently...he said).

Total cost of part and labour is $720

The barrel shaft either broken or we have been shafted lol

oh well let see

michael

Greetings Michael,

I do have some trouble with your reported cronology of events in this instance, though I appreciate that you are not happy with the current events and some clarification would be appreciated.

Submitted: Sunday, Oct 21, 2012 at 15:39
Quote - - Steering lock
- I still can turn the key fine but very loose and no power/lights/ at all. It was just very loose when i turn the key clockwise.

What i did:

- Check all fuse/batteries etc
- then called RAC
- RAC dude came out and check and told us that the key barrel could have been bugga. He suggested to call a locksmith.


- Locksmith came and told us that nothing wrong with the lock/barrel. He said that the switch at the back of the barrel could have been fried and told us to call an auto electrician.

- called the auto electrician and was told to have the car tow to his work shop for him to take a look then if he need to order part from Toyota it will take at least weeks to get my truck back. END QUOTE.



If the RAC "DUDE" could NOT get your vehicle started, the "DUDE" would have called for a flat bed vehicle to collect your vehicle and transport it to the nearest - or your choice - RAC Service centre. You may have over ridden that call and not indicated same.

I do have a problem with your comment in your follow up Submitted: Sunday, Oct 21, 2012 at 18:16
"We have been push around from RAC -> Locksmith --> Auto Electriction"

Back to my original comment,
"If the RAC "DUDE" could NOT get your vehicle started, the "DUDE" would have called for a flat bed vehicle to collect your vehicle and transport it to the nearest - or your choice - RAC Service centre. You may have over ridden that call and not indicated same."

There are protocols that the RAC have in place and if it involves the re-keying of a lock or key .......... with little regard to Ross M's comment about " a reputable mechanic who is competent to do the job" .... very low ...... the RAC will source a "COMPETANTLY QUALIFIED PERSON" to carry out the required work.

Possibly at the start of this issue, there was excessive pressure on the steering lock when the vehicle was parked and this has contributed to the current crisis.

Followed by your (I hope it is tongue in cheek) comment about

"Submitted: Monday, Oct 22, 2012 at 17:39
"The barrel shaft either broken or we have been shafted lol"

We hope that all is corrected as soon as possible.

Regards,
Wayne & Sally.

When you go to start your vehicle you should "ALWAYS" use only two fingers to turn the key. This means only a small amount of pressure is applied to the key/barrel and the mechanical interlock mechanism behind it.
Then the steering wheel should be moved rotationally so ANY pressure on the steering shaft lock pawl is relieved and the two finger pressure on the key will then easily rotate it to the on and start positions.
Failure to do this stresses the parts below the barrel and many are only diecast items.
They wear and break if the key is turned while under residual steering pressure.ie stopped on turning lock and engine off before the steering wheel was let go, it springs back when the power steering stops.

Sometimes I have heard people starting their vehicles and they force the key unnecessarily and it makes a loud unlatching click. BAD. If continued, failures like this will occur prematurely with many brands of vehicle.