Ignition locks? - Toyota Yaris Forums

Blowtorch · 05-13-2009, 07:09 AM

I've had my Yaris for almost 3 weeks now. It's growing on me, but something that has happened about 3 or 4 times is that the ignition seems to lock sometimes. I put the key in, and forwhatever reason, the ignition absolutely will not turn. After a couple of struggles, it goes, except one occasion where it wouldn't go until after a few minutes of continued trying (while at the same time, trying not to add unnecessary stress cause I don't want to damage anything).

I imagine I should take it in, but does anyone know anything about this or had experience the same problem?

YAR1S · 05-13-2009, 07:33 AM

:S
this has never happened to me ......
you mean steering wheel lock???

WolfWings · 05-13-2009, 07:40 AM

Wiggle the steering wheel, it'll rotate one direction but not the other a little bit when latched, give a little pressure that direction to 'unlock' the ignition lock cylinder from the 'locked steering wheel' position.

Basically, when you remove the key you enable the steering-wheel lock, which latches with a pawl when the steering wheel turns past certain increments. When you release the steering wheel after that, it will usually return to rest firmly against that pawl, which applies pressure back to the ignition cylinder lock and prevents THAT from turning, so the steering-wheel can't spring around and whack you when you go to start the car.

It's a mechanical stupid-check to force you to have your hands on and applying a little force to the steering wheel when you start the car, basically. :-)

severous01 · 05-13-2009, 11:13 AM

ya....most cars will do that with a steering wheel lock. if u park downhill n turn your wheels...the steering wheel will lock and it's a pain, but turn in one direction or the other while EASILY turning the key....when all slots are lined up it will turn like butter.

it's a safety thing, and GM has stepped away from it thinkin their keys and security systems will keep the fuel from starting ignition without the key....but that's over-ridden now too. theives will do anything, and can with technology. any way...toyota doesnt use chips in their keys so they still use the wheel lock setup.

marcus · 05-13-2009, 12:26 PM

all car does that.. just turn it all the way on one side then turn the key.. keep ur wheel straight so it doesnt lock up when u park.

05-13-2009, 07:09 AM	#1
Blowtorch Drives: 2009 Yaris, Silver Sedan Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chicago's southwest suburbs Posts: 18	Ignition locks? I've had my Yaris for almost 3 weeks now. It's growing on me, but something that has happened about 3 or 4 times is that the ignition seems to lock sometimes. I put the key in, and forwhatever reason, the ignition absolutely will not turn. After a couple of struggles, it goes, except one occasion where it wouldn't go until after a few minutes of continued trying (while at the same time, trying not to add unnecessary stress cause I don't want to damage anything). I imagine I should take it in, but does anyone know anything about this or had experience the same problem?

05-13-2009, 07:40 AM	#3
WolfWings View User's Garage Drives: Silver 2007 3Dr - Gryph Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas City, MO, USA Posts: 310	Wiggle the steering wheel, it'll rotate one direction but not the other a little bit when latched, give a little pressure that direction to 'unlock' the ignition lock cylinder from the 'locked steering wheel' position. Basically, when you remove the key you enable the steering-wheel lock, which latches with a pawl when the steering wheel turns past certain increments. When you release the steering wheel after that, it will usually return to rest firmly against that pawl, which applies pressure back to the ignition cylinder lock and prevents THAT from turning, so the steering-wheel can't spring around and whack you when you go to start the car. It's a mechanical stupid-check to force you to have your hands on and applying a little force to the steering wheel when you start the car, basically. :-) __________________

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05-13-2009, 11:13 AM	#4
severous01 Drives: 2008 yaris, stripped, red Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Texas Posts: 977	ya....most cars will do that with a steering wheel lock. if u park downhill n turn your wheels...the steering wheel will lock and it's a pain, but turn in one direction or the other while EASILY turning the key....when all slots are lined up it will turn like butter. it's a safety thing, and GM has stepped away from it thinkin their keys and security systems will keep the fuel from starting ignition without the key....but that's over-ridden now too. theives will do anything, and can with technology. any way...toyota doesnt use chips in their keys so they still use the wheel lock setup.

05-13-2009, 12:26 PM	#5
marcus toyota View User's Garage Drives: 2007 Yaris RS Blazed Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: toronto, canada Posts: 3,637	all car does that.. just turn it all the way on one side then turn the key.. keep ur wheel straight so it doesnt lock up when u park.