1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Key won’t come out of ignition

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Kpaul1991, Apr 24, 2021.

  1. Apr 24, 2021 at 10:15 PM
    #1
    Kpaul1991

    Kpaul1991 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2021
    Member:
    #21121
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Kristine
    Vehicle:
    2001 Toyota 4runner
    I have a 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 limited Non-gold edition and my husband drove it to the store and back and the key won’t come out of the ignition. Any ideas on how he can get it out?
     
  2. Apr 25, 2021 at 4:42 AM
    #2
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,641
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Any luck?

    Maybe try turning the wheel left or right as you're trying to pull the key out.
     
    Kpaul1991[OP] and Moon Landing like this.
  3. Apr 25, 2021 at 8:27 AM
    #3
    Kpaul1991

    Kpaul1991 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2021
    Member:
    #21121
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Kristine
    Vehicle:
    2001 Toyota 4runner
    My husband did that several times he watched a video and apparently where the shifter is there’s supposed to b a small white piece that when u put it in park the shifter is supposed to click into that and release the key and in the video it shows the guy taking the piece off around the shifter and disconnecting a cable to get the key out. Has anyone tried that?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  4. Apr 26, 2021 at 10:37 PM
    #4
    negusm

    negusm New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2019
    Member:
    #11745
    Messages:
    2,095
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner SR5 4WD
    So there is a release in automatic shifter like you say. Sometimes a key or a piece of wire is used. It depends on the shifter. On Hondas., I have seen a key used...on these cars, not sure but I think it may be a small hole on the shifter bezel for a wire. This will release the key when the car thinks it is still in gear.

    Try moving the shifter back and forth a few times.

    Also, as has been mentioned, if the steering wheel is locked, it will bind the key. Turn the wheel HARD one way and try to get the key out and then the other way and try to get the key out.

    If those don't work...it may be a bum ignition switch.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top