Problem getting key in ignition

bop1977

Hi all,

A friend is having a problem trying to get the key into the ignition.
The key goes in about half way and won't go in any further. When the key is jiggled and forced a little it goes in all the way. the key opens the doors no problem and when fully inserted starts the car.

The problem also affects both spare keys.

The car is a 2004 Toyota avensis 1.6 petrol.

Does anyone know what the problem could be and how to fix it?

cletus

Could it have anything to do with the steering lock. Some cars wont allow key to turn if the steering lock is on and tight, for want of a better term. If you turn the steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure it will allow the key to turn.

Might be worth a shot

bop1977

cletus wrote: »

Could it have anything to do with the steering lock. Some cars wont allow key to turn if the steering lock is on and tight, for want of a better term. If you turn the steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure it will allow the key to turn.

Might be worth a shot

No I don't think it's the steering lock because I can't insert the key. When the key is in, it starts the car no problem.

biko

Could just be the mechanism inside needing a bit of grease.
Spray key with wd40, insert and wiggle it about a bit.

You can spray into the keylock but it's easy to overspray and make a mess, I prefer to let it rub off from the key into the mechanism.

Ded_Zebra

biko wrote: »

Could just be the mechanism inside needing a bit of grease.
Spray key with wd40, insert and wiggle it about a bit.

You can spray into the keylock but it's easy to overspray and make a mess, I prefer to let it rub off from the key into the mechanism.

Graphite would be much better IMO liquid lubricants in locks are a no no as they accumulate dirt making them go sticky, they can dry out too.

If you don't have graphite you can just scribble on the key with a pencil, same thing:)

dh0011

i had the same problem with my avensis
spray the key with wd40 and it will slide in easy
take it out wipe the key [it will be a little dirty now]
repeat til it slides in effortlessly

bop1977

Hi everybody, thanks for all the reply's.

The car was brought to a Toyota garage where they greased up the barrel. They said that the problem was caused by lack of use of the car (it's a 2004 with 60k miles on the clock, one owner) and to keep an eye on it.

Skatedude

Never use wd40 in locks, ever. use graphite powder or lock lube as it's the same thing

dh0011

why not wd40? did mine a year ago and its perfect since