ATL: My Corolla ignition locks up...
Ask The Locksmith Question:The ignition locks when I turn my key in my car. It will turn far enough to unlock the stearing column but not passed that. My coworkers thought the tumbler might need to be replaced. My car is a 1996 Corolla Dx. Is this something that you can fix?
Hi there,
Yes, we do work on Toyota ignitions, however, the problem you're describing is a common one in '90's Toyotas. What we suggest first and foremost, before calling out a locksmith, is to get some dry silicon lubricant (Do NOT use WD40 - This is a "wet" lube and will damage interior parts). Use something like Superlube, available at Ace Hardware, and use some of this in the ignition. Squirt some in, and run the key in and out a few times to loosen the tumblers. Do this a couple of times in an hour or two period. If this does not work, then go ahead and call a locksmith.
We'd hate to have you pay service calls and ignition repair/replacement out of pocket for something that can often be fixed with a $4 can of dry lube. :)
Please give this a try, and if you find you still need a locksmith, please feel free to give a call to check availability and rates (part prices vary).
Please let us know if we can help...
Kim
We're not your normal locksmith company™... :)
