The ignition switch is an important element that is present in all cars, regardless of make and model. It has several positions, which allows you not only to start and stop the engine, but also to activate the electrics without turning on the motor. In addition, the element helps protect the car from theft, because starting it without a key becomes a difficult task, taking up time that criminals do not have. Service and Toyota ignition switch repair it is necessary to carry out timely monitoring of the condition of this device, which over time may fail due to natural wear and tear or other problems.
The main signs that the ignition switch is jammed
If you cannot start your Toyota, but do not understand the root cause, pay attention to the main signs that indicate that the cause lies in the ignition switch:
- keys for Toyota are inserted into the cylinder, but do not turn further;
- the key is stuck in some intermediate position and you cannot remove it on your own without the risk of breakage;
- When you turn the key, the units do not receive voltage, and the lamps on the instrument panel show no signs of life. Also, the radio tape recorder does not respond to your manipulations, lighting a cigarette, etc.
If the engine starter does not start when turned to the Start position, you can be sure that you need to contact a specialized workshop for the help of experienced specialists. Most of them work with a mechanic on-site, so you don’t even have to deliver the car to the auto repair shop yourself.
This is interesting: Nominal tightening torques of the emission control system of the 2AD-FTV Toyota RAV4 engine
How is the castle built?
the Corolla and Avensis models it is almost identical, so the repair scheme can be considered using their example. Without a properly working ignition switch, you will not be able to operate the car, so it is very important to monitor its condition and promptly correct any problems that may be associated with it.
Cars may have several types of ignition systems; for example, the location of the electronic unit may be different. It can be external or internal. If the switch is built into the distributor body, then the coil will be inside it. This somewhat simplifies the handling of the lock, because you do not have to look for its individual components. The ignition system most often includes the same elements. Their presence is inherent in such inexpensive and relatively simple models as Vista , and higher class cars, for example, Prado. Structure composition:
- The ignition switch itself and the set of keys supplied with it.
- Battery.
- The electronic unit.
- Coil.
- Sensors
- Wires, including high-voltage ones.
- Candles.
- Distributor.
If we consider modern cars, for example, Toyota Corolla or Camry with injection engines, another element will be included in the system - this is the ECM unit, with the help of which the car receives automatic adjustments and separate security systems operate.
Sensors are also connected to the processor, which monitor the operation of the engine and many other systems, reporting errors when they fail.
Repair and service
Before buying a new part and replacing the old one with it, you should make sure that this is really the problem. In any case, the ignition switch will have to be removed, so it is recommended to follow these rules:
- The engine may not start for various reasons: for example, if the battery is discharged, but the headlights still turn on. In any case, it is not recommended to leave the key turned in the lock. Operating the device for more than 10 minutes may damage the ignition coil.
- If you plan to connect a tachometer, then this should be done strictly according to the instructions or at a car service center.
- The coil leads should not touch the car body, this can lead to dangerous consequences, such as electric shock. In addition, such treatment can lead to damage to the ECU and coil.
- Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
- The electronic unit must always be connected to vehicle ground.
- When working on the ignition system, care must be taken. With the engine turned off, you need to remove the positive terminal from the battery; only after this can you disassemble the steering column and remove the lock itself. The most dangerous elements are considered to be high-voltage wires and coils.
What to do if the ignition switch is jammed
If your ignition switch is jammed or your Toyota switch key has failed, don’t despair and throw up your hands. Today there may be several ways to solve such a problem and all are effective and productive:
- Towing a car to a service station. This solution is the most correct and optimal. Especially if your car is still under warranty. Then they will make a duplicate for you free of charge or give you new keys (most often, the service station has blanks for the most popular car models, which allows you to quickly get a new set).
- Most modern cars are equipped with a mechanical lock when the starter is turned on or when the engine is running. Therefore, if you were unable to start the engine the first time, return the Toyota switch key to its original position and repeat the procedure again.
- Check the ignition switch. Quite often, foreign objects, debris and dirt penetrate into the lock hole. In some cases, a dropped key retention pin may prevent you from starting your car.
Of course, there are also car enthusiasts who are able to disassemble the ignition switch on their own and identify the cause of the breakdown. If you do not have such skills, then it is better not to carry out such procedures yourself.
Key wear
Since a car key is often subject to stress, it can wear out over time (the teeth of the key can become ground down). In this case, the key may simply not unlock the lock due to the mismatch of the key teeth with the lock cylinders.
- What to do first: Eventually you will have to use a spare car key or order a new one. But in some cases, a key that, due to its wear, does not coincide with the lock cylinders, may get stuck inside. In this case, try pulling the key back a little (usually, if the key is stuck, there is still some play).
Then try turning the key a little to the right and left. Next, reinsert the key all the way. It is quite possible that this method will still help you get the key out of the lock.
Car key won't come out of ignition switch
Naturally, if the key is stuck in the lock, you will need time to understand the reasons for this problem. You also have to think about how to correct the situation and how you will get the key out of the lock.
Here are some of the possible solutions that may help you when you cannot remove the key from the lock:
1) How to get a broken key out of the ignition?
If your car key is stuck in the ignition because it is broken inside, you must first assess the situation to understand who will solve the problem - you or a car mechanic.
The process of retrieving a broken car key is not overly complicated, but it can cause additional problems if you do it incorrectly.
Most people, of course, would prefer to do everything themselves, so as not to waste money on the services of a car mechanic. But remember that you must weigh the risks too. After all, if you break the ignition switch, you will spend a lot more money than you would pay to a mechanic at a car service center or a locksmith in a garage to remove a broken key from the lock.
If you are confident in your skills, then ignore our warning.
Here's how to remove a broken key from a lock using available tools
So, to get the rest of the broken key, you can use a jigsaw file, fish hooks, wire, etc. Your task is to pick it up in the lock and gradually push it out so that you can then completely remove it from the lock with pliers.
Basically, in most cars, the process of removing a broken key from a lock is exactly the same as when a regular door lock key is stuck.
Here is a video that will also show you how to remove a broken key from a door lock:
That is, in principle, depending on the design of the car ignition switch, you can use the same means that professionals use when removing broken keys from door locks.
But we still recommend that you turn to professional locksmiths who have much more experience than you.
A broken key means you'll have to get a spare car key. You will also have to order a new key or make a duplicate. Unfortunately, in most modern cars, a simple duplicate will not work, since inside the original key there is most likely an immobilizer chip containing a unique code that is read by the car's security system when you insert the key into the ignition. However, if you have a spare factory key, you don't have to worry as you will be able to order a new key from your dealer and use the spare in the meantime.
2) Replacing the ignition lock cylinder
As we mentioned earlier, the key can get stuck due to problems with the ignition cylinder. In this case, you will have to consult a locksmith who can repair the lock, for example by replacing its cylinder. This is much easier as he will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of the ignition cylinder problem. In addition, the locksmith can tell you whether the lock can be repaired or whether you will have to buy a new one.
Keep in mind that if you call a locksmith, they will first have to remove the key from the lock before it can begin its work.
3) Search for other reasons why the key is blocked in the ignition switch
As we have already said, the reason for the key getting stuck in the ignition switch may be the steering wheel is locked. But in addition, the key may not be pulled out of the lock for other reasons not related to the lock itself. For example, the key can be locked if the automatic transmission mode is set to “Drive” (D) or “Reverse” (R). In many cars, in order to prevent the car from stalling while driving due to the key being pulled out of the lock, the key lock in the lock is activated when the above modes are activated on the automatic transmission. In this case, the problem is solved by turning on the “Parking” (P) mode.
In some cars, the key in the lock may become blocked due to a discharged battery. If your key is stuck in the lock for this reason, then you should forget about the key itself and focus your attention on the battery. You need to restore it to work. To do this, charge the battery or buy a new one. In this case, the problem with the key will disappear by itself.
In this case, we do not recommend trying to remove the key from the lock. You risk damaging not only the key, but also the lock itself. Yes, yes, even due to the battery being discharged, the key can actually be locked in the lock in the same way as if you had broken it. So there is no need to act according to the principle “strength is no need for intelligence.”
4) Lubricate the car key
There is another solution you can use if your car key is stuck in the ignition. Just try lubricating it first, for example, with WD-40. This product is great if the key is stuck in the lock due to dirt. This simple solution may help you get the key out of the lock. After removing the key, also treat the lock cylinder separately with WD-40, injecting the product into the cylinder itself. Also treat the key itself with cleaner.
5) What to do if the car key is bent?
Once again, we draw your attention to the fact that if your key has become unusable, it is better not to use it again, as this may lead to breakage of the key inside the ignition switch. But, alas, for example, if the key is bent for some reason, then this, as a rule, happens at the most inopportune moment, when we definitely need to go somewhere urgently. In this case, you can try to straighten the key. But after straightening, be sure to inspect the key for cracks. If they are not there, then you can safely use the recovered key.
However, we do not advise you to use such a key for a long time, because when the key bends, the integrity of the metal structure is compromised. As a result, the key will break sooner or later. Moreover, most likely, this will happen inside the ignition switch.
How to straighten the key? To do this you will need a rubber or wooden hammer. Place the key on a strong, flat surface and hit the key with a hammer, pressing it into the surface. Never attempt to straighten the key using pliers or by inserting the key halfway into the ignition. This way you can definitely break not only the key, but also the ignition switch.
Bottom line
- Do not try to remove the key when you see that the car key will not come out of the ignition. Take the time to evaluate the possible causes that led to this problem and then decide on the next course of action. This could either be calling a locksmith or trying to remove the key from the lock yourself.
- Pay attention to other vehicle components. These include the steering wheel, transmission (especially if your car has an automatic transmission), and a battery that may be dead.
- If you think the key is stuck due to an obstruction inside the lock , lubricate the key and ignition cylinder with WD-40. If after treating the lock with WD-40 you managed to pull out the key, then treat the key itself with WD-40 and the lock cylinder separately. If your key is broken, use a tool to carefully remove the key from the lock.
- If your car key is stuck in the ignition as a result of a problem with the ignition cylinder itself , then remember that the problem is more difficult to diagnose while the key is inside. Usually in this case you cannot do without professional help. Please note that if the key is stuck precisely because of problems with the lock cylinder, your independent further actions may lead to complete breakdown of the lock, which can lead to the purchase of a new lock, which costs a lot of money.
Starting without keys
To start the starter, it is enough to gain access to the contact group of the ignition switch. You will need to get rid of the plastic casing that hides the steering column. It is secured with several bolts with heads for a Phillips screwdriver or for star-shaped bits.
The contact group is hidden on the back side of the lock. Manufacturers traditionally fix it with latches or tighten it with screws
It is important for the driver to get to the end that connects to the flat pusher from the lock “secret”. In such a situation, you can start the car with a flat screwdriver, slightly turning the groove in the desired direction
In older car models there is a chance to start the starter without removing the contact group. It is enough to supply yourself with a bundle of wires that go to the lock. Next you will have to rely on intuition. Typically, the largest cable in diameter is connected to one of the thinner ones (orange, yellow, red) in turn before the instrument panel lights up.
The next step is to start the starter. Now you will have to short-circuit a thick cable with a blue or other wire of a smaller diameter.
However, these will be preliminary operations, since the steering wheel lock still needs to be removed. The electronic one may let go, but the mechanical one will have to make an effort. In the domestic classics, the steering wheel is pressed down, cutting off the interfering tooth.
In more secure cars, the steering casing is secured not with bolts, but with powerful one-time rivets. With this assembly format, all that remains is to cut off the fasteners, which will not be easy. In field conditions, doing this is extremely problematic, especially without the proper tools.
Causes
As mentioned above, many car enthusiasts are faced with a problem when at one point the key inserted into the ignition switch does not turn. Inexperienced car owners get lost in such a situation and immediately begin to put significant effort on this part, or sharply turn the steering wheel, hoping that everything will correct itself.
But such manipulations can lead to the fact that the key in the ignition switch may break or become completely deformed. It is also possible that the steering wheel may become jammed. This will all lead to the need to completely replace this part.
Therefore, if a situation arises when a car owner cannot turn the ignition key, first of all, you need to find out the reason and then eliminate it.
The reasons for such a breakdown may be the following:
- freezing of the mechanism is a common situation that occurs if the temperature outside is sub-zero, condensation accumulates in the car interior and the ignition switch mechanism, which turns into ice, preventing the car from starting;
- contamination of the mechanism, this situation is caused by the fact that this element of the car contains a lubricant that attracts dust, as a result of which, when there is a lot of it, the key will stop turning in the mechanism;
- deformation, wear of the key, this is a situation in which the key becomes deformed over time, or its secretion is erased, which leads to the fact that it does not fully affect the secret mechanism, so it is not possible to start the car;
- wear of the secret lock mechanism, this is typical for used cars; over time, the secret mechanism wears out greatly, therefore, even a new key will not be able to activate it;
- jamming of the steering wheel, all cars are equipped with a steering wheel locking function, it is installed by the manufacturer and is designed to serve as an anti-theft device, so a sharp turn of the steering wheel leads to its complete blocking, which entails the inability to control the car;
- There is a malfunction of the ignition switch, this also happens, there is only one way out of this situation, a complete replacement of the entire ignition switch with a new one.
This is interesting: Replacing the Toyota Corolla timing chain
Common problems
Complaints about the condition of the ignition switch can most often be heard from drivers of cars older than five years. With constant use, parts wear out and sometimes need to be replaced. For example, to turn a key in a lock, you have to make an effort, as if it were stuck there. Over time, the lock begins to seriously bite, and this causes inconvenience.
You can try to lubricate such a lock; It is important to use liquid lubricant; thick lubricant can cause significant damage. However, liquid lubricant can corrode the contacts and cause other harm due to the fact that a lot of dirt accumulates inside the mechanism. That is why it is recommended to disassemble it. If you do not take care of this problem, over time the lock will not be able to be restored; the key will also wear out or begin to fall out when moving.
Video: How to Remove the Cylinder from a Toyota Ignition Switch
4. Due to the poor quality of the metal, the internal parts began to grind, so the key does not cause the pins to move.
5. The key broke right inside the lock, and it was impossible to remove it.
6. A bad contact in the lock prevents the engine from starting normally.
Materials for replacing the ignition lock cylinder
— cylinder complete with new keys;
- narrow clock screwdriver;
How to replace the ignition switch cylinder yourself?
1. Disconnect the negative cable terminal from the battery. Remove the screws connecting the control column housings. Two of them are located near the steering wheel and two are near the device panel.
2. Unscrew the screws securing the lower and upper casing of the control column. Remove the covers. The ignition switch lock is accessible. In principle, the lock cylinder can be obtained already at this step. To do this, remove the side pin that holds it in the lock. This can be done with a narrow clock screwdriver and tapping it with a small hammer. If the pin does not pull out, try to carefully drill out the cylinder with a narrow drill.
3. If you decide to remove the ignition switch before changing the cylinder, then first unscrew the ignition switch mounting bolts. This must be done with a hammer and chisel, because their heads are cut off. Loosen them a little, and then turn them out with pliers. From the control column, remove the bracket and ignition switch, disconnect the electronic connector.
4. Unscrew the screw securing the ignition relay, pull it out from under the panel and disconnect the connector. Disconnect the relay ground wire. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screw, press out the latch, remove the cover and contact group. So you've pulled out the ignition switch.
5. Remove the cylinder from the ignition switch lock as described in point 2. Change it. Check the operation of the lock with the newest cylinder by turning the ignition key. Install the ignition switch by performing all the steps in reverse order. Replace the control column. Don't forget to connect the terminal to the battery. Check the operation of the ignition switch and other electrical equipment in the vehicle.
What not to do if your ignition switch is jammed
Naturally, first of all, you shouldn’t panic. We have already talked about this. However, there are car owners who act in a completely illogical and non-trivial way:
- knocking on a stuck key;
- they try to turn the keys in the ignition using pliers (which most often leads to irreparable consequences);
- begin to generously lubricate the lock bore with motor oils and other auxiliary products.
All of these are actions that are strictly prohibited. If only because if the ignition switch and key are jammed, there is always a chance to repair it. And when carrying out such actions, you can definitely forget about repairs. All you have to do is replace it completely. It would be the same as if someone lost their Toyota keys and tried to start the car with any object that could fit into the lock hole.
How to remove the ignition switch on a Toyota Corolla 100 body
Messages: 528 Registered: Dec 26, 2005, 00:00 Awards: 1
Rating: 581 |
Reputation: 0 |
Thanked: 33 times Thanked: 1 time
Removing the ignition switch on a Toyota
Post by Leha533 » Jan 26, 2006, 00:31
Messages: 7 Registered: Mar 03, 2006, 00:00 : Awards: 1
Rating: 7 |
Reputation: 0 |
Post by hronosboss » Mar 13, 2006 09:55
Messages: 7205 Registered: August 19, 2005, 00:00 From: Vladivostok-Tyumen-Sochi Experience: 1900 Car: MT-01, GAZ-666 : Awards: 4
Rating: 10 714 |
Why you shouldn't lubricate a jamming lock
There are 2 types of breakdowns of this unit: electrical and mechanical, which will be discussed in the article. For any type of breakdown, this part must be removed from the car to repair it.
Under no circumstances should the wedging lock be lubricated! The fact is that as the lock parts wear out, they produce metal shavings, which become full of them inside. In addition to this, small particles of dirt and dust are brought into the hole. Now imagine what will happen when all this dirt mixes with lubricant and clogs all the grooves. The key will simply stop turning.
Replacing spark plugs in Toyota Corolla cars
Manufacturers of Toyota Corolla recommend using NGK BKR5EY-11 spark plugs for their engines. But according to numerous reviews, Denso candles and many others are also suitable.
Replacement of spark plugs should be carried out in a timely manner: after 20 thousand kilometers for regular ones, and 80 thousand for platinum ones. To replace spark plugs you will need the following tools:
- spark plug wrench 16 mm;
- 10 mm head;
- ratchet.
Important! All work on replacing spark plugs is carried out only on a cold engine.
The replacement process itself is simple and does not differ from that on other cars:
- Unscrew the decorative cover from the engine using a ratchet socket.
- After removing the cover, clean the surface from dirt and dust.
- Disconnect the ignition coil connector.
- Unscrew the coils and remove them.
- Using a spark plug wrench, remove the old spark plugs.
- Lubricate the new spark plug with graphite grease and carefully screw it in (it should screw in easily).
- After you have screwed in all the spark plugs, tighten them with the required force.
Further assembly is carried out in reverse order. When replacing spark plugs, it is also recommended to inspect the high-voltage wires.
When problems with the key may occur
Both car owners of relatively new cars and owners of vehicles with high mileage are at risk. Quite often, all of them have problems with turning in situations like these:
- there was an attempt to start the plant with a non-standard key or there was a fact of unauthorized starting with a special tool, for example, a “thief’s” one;
- moisture penetrated into the lock cylinder, and then the car was at a negative temperature;
- the lock lubricant has hardened and become hard;
- the cylinder is worn out or broken;
- the key geometry is damaged (protrusions and grooves are deformed, there are bends);
- The lock body is damaged due to a possible accident.
The reasons that give an understanding of why the ignition key does not turn can manifest themselves in different ways.
The driver should pay attention when direct and indirect signs become obvious:
- the key wedges slightly when entering the cylinder;
- noticeable jamming occurs during rotation to the first position;
- unstable operation when turning on the ignition and starting the engine;
- When turning, a clear crackling sound, extraneous noises, and grinding noises are heard.
If a car enthusiast witnesses such phenomena, then you need to immediately begin to eliminate the problem, since a jammed key will be difficult to get out. For repairs, you will have to remove the larva, since in the vast majority of cases this part is the culprit. The principle of its extraction will be similar for almost all brands of cars, although the design of the cylinder may differ significantly.
Significant problems can arise when it is not possible to switch the lock to the first position. Most often you will have to apply a lot of mechanical force.
Emergency measures
Let's figure out what to do first when the car is far from repair sites or a home garage. This can happen during a country walk or during forced stops along the way.
The main problem with the key not turning in the ignition is that the wheels are jammed. The steering wheel is locked when it is removed from the “secret”. Such a vehicle cannot be towed, so all that remains is to wait for a tow truck to be sent for repairs.
Motorists have some flexibility
To try to restore functionality yourself, you should carefully resort to the following actions:
- Repeated attempt to turn. This solution is appropriate. During actions, attempts at circular movement at a small angle or raising/lowering are allowed. It is allowed to drop a little liquid inside in the form of silicone grease, antifreeze or WD. Light tapping on the body with a metal object will also not be superfluous.
- We recommend making sure that the key geometry is correct. Sometimes the metal working part may be slightly deformed. When suspicion is justified, it is worth trying to carefully restore the product, returning it to its original shape.
Remove possible contaminants using improvised methods. A napkin or pointed metal objects are suitable for this. Sometimes the groove may become deformed or dirty. You can only see its wrinkles under a magnifying glass.
Wear and deformation of the key
In a situation where a worn ignition switch is jammed, it is necessary to perform all the manipulations described above. The goal is to start the engine and deliver the car to the repair site. Use a similar approach: swing and turn the key, lubricate the cylinder with aerosol.
If you are on the road away from any shops, use motor oil for lubrication. Remove the dipstick from the engine and drip lubricant onto the working part of the key, then insert it into the well several times. If there is no result, disassemble the lock - there is no other way out.
Often the cause of a jammed lock is a bent key. Having discovered deformation, bend the splined part on a flat area with light and careful blows of a hammer. A cracked or broken key cannot be used - a piece of metal may remain in the lock the next time you try to start the engine.
Removing the ignition switch from a Corolla
To replace this element on a Corolla, use a chisel, 2 screwdrivers and a hammer. Sequence of work:
- For safety, it is necessary to disconnect the terminal with the “-” sign from the battery.
- The steering column is covered at the top and bottom with two casings secured with screws that need to be unscrewed. For convenience, you can also remove the steering column pad, which is attached in the same way.
- After removing the covers, you need to disconnect all the wire plugs.
- The lock itself is fixed to a metal bracket with 4 bolts. For anti-theft purposes, these bolts are tightened at the factory, and the heads are specially broken off, but they can be unscrewed using a chisel and a hammer. It is necessary to rest the tool against the side so that when you knock on it, the bolt turns counterclockwise.
Common faults
The most common problem is that the lock is jammed. This can happen to any make and model of car, regardless of age or lock type. If this happens, there is a risk of coil failure; in addition, the spark plug contacts may be damaged - they will burn out. If such a problem occurs, the lock will need to be removed.
For most cars, the lock is located on the right side. It is attached to the steering column with bolts, the number of which may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the car and its model.
For example, Toyota Carina has many more connections than Prado. But this is not so important, because you only need one tool - a TORX hexagon. If the lock jams, it is quite simple to understand: the key does not always turn in it and often does not do so right away. The second common problem is wear of the contact group, in which case it must be replaced after removing the lock.
In order to dismantle the lock and disassemble it, you will need to perform the following steps:
- Disconnect the battery terminals.
- Insert the key into the lock, but do not turn it.
- Remove the steering column cover.
- Carefully unscrew the lock. It is better not to tear off the bolts, but to purchase a special tool, otherwise putting this or a new lock in place will be a big problem.
- After disconnecting the electrics, the lock is removed, but the key must remain inside.
- Once you have the ignition switch in your hands, you can remove the contact group from it. If this is the problem, then you can install a new one and put the lock back, performing all the above steps in reverse order.
- If other repairs are required, the lock cylinder must be removed, the key must still remain inside.
- After this, the secretions are visually inspected: they can be considered serviceable only if they do not protrude from the larva. If they stick out, the protrusions can be ground off with a file.
- After this, all elements of the lock are cleaned of dirt, lubricated and installed in place. In some cases, the lock is replaced with a new one.
What to do with blocking?
When the ignition switch is stuck in the Lock position, the operation of the mechanical lock depends on the angle of rotation of the wheels. If the steering wheel gets into the sector of action of the locking rod, the latter will lock the shaft in a certain position. As a result, it will be possible to deliver the car to the repair site only with the help of a tow truck - it will not be possible to tow it.
What actions can a driver take in such a situation:
- overcome a jammed mechanism with patience and hard work;
- break off the locking rod, start the engine and move to the garage;
- remove the ignition switch by pulling the rod out of its socket.
The first method involves numerous attempts to turn the key in order to “catch” the position when the mechanism opens. Be patient, exhale and try to rotate the key head while moving the steering wheel. An aerosol lubricant like WD-40 sometimes helps to disengage jammed parts of the cylinder - blow it through the tube into the keyhole.
The first option is the only one that allows the car owner to get by with “little loss” and get to a garage or service station.
Try the method before taking drastic measures .
Let your wife twist the key - maybe she will succeed the first time. On cars where electronic starter locking is not provided, you can break off the rod by sharply turning the steering wheel, applying medium force. Then the car starts by shorting the wires or turning the released key. What are the consequences of such a barbaric method:
- the broken rod will remain inside the steering column, where it will begin to rub, jam and wedge the shaft;
- from excessive force, the shaft may bend and during the repair of the lock it will have to be replaced with a new one;
- if the larva remains motionless, you will need to remove the casing, get to the contacts and find the necessary wires to start the power unit.
The complete disassembly option is suitable for all situations where the lock is jammed. The task is not an easy one - you need a tool and an understanding of how to dismantle the unit in a certain car model. The task is to get rid of the blockage and get to the contact group, whose shaft can be turned manually or with a screwdriver.
In any case, unscrew the plastic lining of the steering column and examine the fastening of the lock: you may be able to remove it. After unscrewing the nuts or screws, disconnect the housing and at the same time move the steering wheel to release the locking rod. If things go wrong, the only thing left to do is call a tow truck.
Replacing the larva
Replacing a Corolla AE 100 ignition switch with a new original one is an expensive undertaking. The cost of such work to order: $100. Buying this spare part at a disassembly site is not the best option, because it is unknown how long it will last, even though it costs 2,500 rubles. It may happen that the device breaks down again in a month.
The most reasonable option in the event of a breakdown is a new cylinder or repair of the old one, because this is the part that most often breaks.
In order to pull out the cylinder, you need to turn the key to the ACC position (120 degrees), and then press the stopper with a screwdriver as in the photo.
Using another screwdriver, remove the cover shown by the second red arrow.
Restoring the ignition switch yourself
Mechanical failure
This unit works thanks to special metal plates - pins (also called “levers”), which are spring-loaded from below. They are the ones who identify the key by falling into its grooves. Due to the fact that the pins for the Toyota key are made of soft brass, they quickly wear out due to friction. This is what causes most breakdowns. Repairs are carried out by replacing old plates with new ones. Price per set: 100 rubles. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the springs: they must keep the plates at the same height. If somewhere the pins sag compared to the others, then the springs in them need to be replaced with new ones.
If you don’t want to repair the ignition switch yourself, you can simply take it to a service center or buy a new cylinder with a key.
Electrical fault
If the key turns without jamming, but the car does not react in any way, then in 100 percent of cases it is an electrical issue. The most common cause of this problem is contact oxide. In this case, it is worth cleaning the terminal connections from plaque. If stripping does not produce results, then you should ring each wire. According to the diagram below, the terminals are connected as follows: hold the first contact of the ohmmeter at position “1”, and alternately touch positions 2–7 with the second contact. There must be the same resistance between all terminals, otherwise the wires need to be changed.
Toyota Corolla E2006-2013 — Ignition switch contact group
Central locking of Toyota Corolla. Electric windows. Schematic representation of the ABS system, which, by the way, is a standard safety system in any European car starting from the year.
The cigarette lighter, the signal, and the clock are the general electrical circuit. Wipers and glass washer - a simple electrical circuit. Radio receiver and stereo of Toyota Corolla. Instrument panel. Radiator and air conditioning cooling fans. Consists of two schematic drawings. Sequence of work: The steering column is covered at the top and bottom with casings secured with screws that need to be unscrewed.
For convenience, you can also remove the steering column pad, which is attached like this.
After removing the Toyota Corolla contact group covers, disconnect all the wire connectors. The lock itself is fixed to a metal bracket with 4 bolts. For anti-theft purposes, these bolts are tightened at the factory, and the heads are specially broken off, but they can be unscrewed using a chisel and a hammer.
Replacing the contact group of the ignition switch (lock) of Toyota Corolla
It is necessary to rest the tool against the side so that when you knock on it, the bolt turns counterclockwise. Replacing the cylinder Replacing the Corolla AE ignition switch with a new original one is expensive.
The cost of such custom work: It may happen that the device breaks down again in a month.
Removing the ignition coil on Toyota Corolla cars
The ignition coil on Toyota Corolla cars cannot be repaired, so if it fails, it must be replaced with a new one. On Toyota Corolla car models produced at different times, the coils can be installed in different places.
To replace the coil of cars produced recently, you must:
- remove the engine decorative grille;
- disconnect the coil connector and unscrew its fastening;
- remove the coil and replace it with a new one.