My 1998 Toyota Avalon XL is having a problem with the ignition. Ive tried to turn the key but it will not turn. Steering Wheel isnt locked but the ignition is. What do I need to do?

u can't what i did is i bring the lock cylinder to the lock smith, he change the inside so you can use the old key.
if you don't have the old key you to bring it to toyota so they can program the new key and it cost a lot

It is inside of the steering column at the base of the lock cylinder where you insert your key. They are meant to be an anti theft device and not easy to get around.

See if you turn the wheel and try to turn the key at the same time if it releases. We might get a free spot where the key should turn. The lock may be in a bind and pressure on it may release it.
Clean and lubricate the lock cylinder. Electric cleaner to flush the dirt and liquid graphite to lubricate. A substitute for the electric cleaner is a spray of isoprophyl alcohol.
You may also need to tap the assembly for the ignition switch to release the mechanical parts. See if you can get the cover of the steering column off to gain access to the ignition switch assembly.
Check also if the spare does the same, other wise the key may have deformed.

TO REMOVE THE IGNITION SWITCH FIRST TURN OFF RADIO.AND DISABLE AIRBAGS BY DISCONNECTING NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE WAITING 20 MINUTES UNTIL AIRBAGS DISCHARGE.TO REMOVE IGNITION SWITCH PLACE THE IGNITION KEY IN THE ACC POSITION. REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AND REMOVE THE STEERING COLUMN COVERS.DISCONNECT THE IGNTION SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS.REMOVE THE SWITCH RETAINING SCREWS THEN PULL THE SWITCH FROM THE LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING.IF YOU TRYING TO REMOVE THE LOCK CYLINDER WITH LOCK CYLINDER IN ACC POSITION. USE A SMALL SCREW DRIVER OR PUNCH. DEPRESS THE LOCK CYLINDER RETAINING PIN THEN REMOVE LOCK CYLINDER. TO INSTALL NEW LOCK CYLINDER. DEPRESS THE RETAINING PIN AND GUIDE THE LOCK CYLINDER INTO THE HOUSING UNTIL THE RETAINING PIN EXTENDS ITSELF BACK INTO THE LOCATING HOLE IN THE HOUSING.

Hi, the problem you could be having is with the steering lock, if this has locked in a funny position it can be hard to get it to unlock.

what you need to do is when you put the key in try turning the steering wheel left and right as far as it will go whilst turning the key to on position, now its going to be hard to move so you will need to use some force turning the wheel try turning it left whilst turning the key forwards and backwards and the same turning right, once the steering wheel has moved this should allow the key to turn and you will be able to start you car.

let me know if it fails to work then i can assist you further ok

plz rate this solution as i have got a whole page of posts that have gone unrated, thanks

try this..turn the steering wheel as hard as you can until it locks(any direction)then put key in ignition and holding wheel over (anyway)turn key to start car.then when you park up turn wheel over 1/2 turn to park...should work...(toyota have an antitheft steering lock)the wheel will turn when steering lock is on.rather than break lock.please do not try to see if it works....only works once...and not in handbook...

In hope that you have the right key, put him in, try to turn the steering wheel a little bit at the same time you try to unlock the ignition.Sometimes it's possible that you've used your steering wheel as help wile getting out of the car. At this case, maybe the wheel lock snaps in, but the wheels are under pressure from the ground. Now you want to unlock your car at it seams that the key wont turn. The wheels get pressure from the ground, so the whole steering is under pressure and your steering wheel pressed against the locker block. If you try to turn the locked steering wheel, you'll see that it turns appr. 1" to one side. This is the needed space to unlock with the key. I hope that works in your case.

turn the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key @ the same time

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/michael_00678fd4800d19c5

Turning the key mechanically unlocks this. I never heard of this and would have to fix it at all cost. If this were to happen while driving....you see what I mean? Woh

you need a new ignition cly.