1997 Toyota Camry. The ignition key was stuck in ignition cylinder lock. It has been freed but I fear bent tumblers. Expensive to replace. Any thoughts on this? I do not want to replace the car yet!

SOURCE: How to remove ignition cylinder from Toyota Camry 1993

Here are step-by-step instructions for the removal and re-installation of your ignition cylinder on your Toyota. Hope this sheds some light on the subject and solves your problem. Have a great day!

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If equipped with an air bag, wait at least 90 seconds before working on the vehicle.

1. Remove the lower steering column cover. Unfasten the ignition switch connector under the instrument panel.
2. Remove the screws which secure the upper and lower halves of the steering column cover.
3. Turn the lock cylinder to the ACC position with the ignition key.
4. Push the lock cylinder stop in with a small, round object (cotter pin, punch, etc.).

1. Withdraw the lock cylinder from the lock housing while depressing the stop tab.
2. To remove the ignition switch, unfasten its securing screws and withdraw the switch from the lock housing.

1. Align the locking cam with the hole in the ignition switch and insert the switch into the lock housing.
2. Secure the switch with its screw(s).
3. Make sure both the lock cylinder and column lock are in the ACC position. Slide the cylinder into the lock housing until the stop tab engages the hole in the lock.
4. Install the steering column covers.
5. Connect the ignition switch wiring.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

SOURCE: 1996 toyota 4 runner 4x4 6cl key gets stuck in ignition, how do I replace ignition starter switch?

Just a thought , if the gear stick is not in park the key cannot be removed from the ignition I found out when I left the car in nuetral .

SOURCE: ignition key won't turn

I had 2 chevy impala's my 2000 model gave me the same problem. Even though it is pricy you must replace the ignition module and the cylinder. If you just replace the cylinder and take it to a locksmith to key it it will work for a while but after a while the problem occurs again and sometimes the car wont even start for about 10 to 20 minutes. After a year of putting up with this problem a friend that works at a chevy dealer suggested this and ended my problems. Good luck!!

Greg Bernett

• 2993 Answers
• Posted on Jul 26, 2009

SOURCE: i need to take out old ignition lock cylinder

This is what the tech manual says.....

Ignition Lock/Switch REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If equipped with an air bag, wait at least 90 seconds before working on the vehicle. CAUTION
   Some models covered by this manual may be equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SRS components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SRS, as described in Section 6.
   
2. Remove the lower steering column cover. Unfasten the ignition switch connector under the instrument panel.
3. Remove the screws which secure the upper and lower halves of the steering column cover.
4. Turn the lock cylinder to the ACC position with the ignition key.
5. Push the lock cylinder stop in with a small, round object (cotter pin, punch, etc.). NOTE: On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove the steering wheel and combination switch first.
   
6. Withdraw the lock cylinder from the lock housing while depressing the stop tab.
7. To remove the ignition switch, unfasten its securing screws and withdraw the switch from the lock housing. To install:
   
8. Align the locking cam with the hole in the ignition switch and insert the switch into the lock housing.
9. Secure the switch with its screw(s).
10. Make sure both the lock cylinder and column lock are in the ACC position. Slide the cylinder into the lock housing until the stop tab engages the hole in the lock.
11. Install the steering column covers and connect the ignition switch wiring.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.

SOURCE: ignition lock cylinder removal without key

take the pannelling off around steering wheel inset a screw driver in key slot brekaway barrel to release steering lock pin then at other end of barrel take out scre and pull on wiring harness to expose a plastic barrel that will allow you to start car with a screw driver ect and you would not have steering lock as pin has been removed