Odd Problem

My girlfriend has a 97 camry le V6. the car has a 170k on it and runs fine with only needing a new starter in its life, my problem is thus: In order for the car to turn over and run the key can not be removed from the ignition. We leave the key in the ignition and have to leave the car unlocked because if we take the key out, it can take upto an hour of constant turning before it turns over. The key is genuine toyota and does not appear to be worn down. And like I said if we leave it in the ignition once the car fires up, it starts every time. any ideas?

Get a new ignition or check for a loose wire on that one?

Sounds like your ignition switch is going bad. Over time the contacts can become worn and oxidized. I believe this can be replaced without having to change the locks/keys.

Another possibility is that your neutral start switch is going bad. This is to prevent the car from being started while in gear.

Hope this helps!

i assumed ignition switch too, but after looking into what that entails on her car, we will just be leaving the key in the ignition lol. The whole drivers side area damn near has to be replaced.

Check the Park/neutral switch as well. If the car thinks it isn't in park or neutral because the switch is bad or the shift lever is sticking, then it won't start.