key wont turn

[ocogdrew]

Yo My 98 tacoma has 128000 miles and i have had no problems sence i got it with 28000 miles but now when u try to start it, it turns from lock to the first spot but no farther the key wont turn to acc. or start. Can Anyone help me out with how to fix it?????????

[KimMG]

Have you tried a different key? Old, worn keys are known to cause such a problem. Have you tried turning the steering wheel to release the pressure on the steering lock?

[TcmaBoy]

Originally Posted by KimMG

Have you tried a different key? Old, worn keys are known to cause such a problem. Have you tried turning the steering wheel to release the pressure on the steering lock?

X2

Also try giving it a little squirt of WD-40, or better yet a Teflon based lubricant. I have found that sometimes old locks need a little lube to keep going.

[Brian R.]

Or graphite powder

[KimMG]

Another possibility. Just had car with a bad ignition switch (the electical part that is turned by the lock tumbler) that wouldn't turn.

[5windowponcho]

I had the same problem. The cause is that some of the tumblers in the lock are of a two-piece variety, and worn keys tend to miss one or the other half of them when you insert the key. Try a newly ground key first. If that fails, go through the mechanics of pulling the tumbler set and removing the tumblers that are of the two-piece variety. You still get the security of at least 3 or 4 tumblers. Or, replace the tumbler assembly once you have it out. Its not too hard of a job (unless you are jet lagged, fatiqued from fighting wildfires for two weeks, and grumpy as hell). But that's the "rest of the story". I also had to do the same thing to my door locks, only about 5 years later. steve

[evile]

Focus's have this problem alot ones with less than 1k miles =P try this put the key in turn it till it stops then wack with with a hammer a few times works great on fords =)

[Flash75]

evile, you must work in an exciting place. Maybe Ford should include a hammer in the tool kit for all Focus. Ford wonders why they are having problems? All kidding aside I think that is a poor solution for a problem that could cause the customer to be stranded in some remote location. I hope that isn't the official Ford cure for the problem. I feel sure the whack with a hammer is only a temporary fix and does not fix the problem. Oh, what happens if the mechanic breaks the key off in the ignition?

Clifton

[evile]

it is temporary bassicly allows us to get the car from the parking lot into the shop ford wants us to slide hammer the lock cylinder out when it wont turn smacking the key with a hammer is a little easier. but if your ever in a spot where your key wont turn habing a hammer might save you a toe bill

[JrAcidBurn]

push button start ign/acc switches in a hidden place. That would be the super cool fix if nothing else works.