"Ignition Key Problems on 1997 Toyota Tacoma"

1997 Toyota Tacoma Right Side View

Please someone help me, my 1997 Toyota Tacoma ignition key won’t turn and the steering wheel is locked. It happen intermittent but now it’s getting worse.
Answer: Since the problem is “getting worse,” it is probably the tumbler assembly (key cylinder) that is wearing out, which is a fairly common thing. The cylinder is linked to the steering column lock. When the key is removed, the lock (like a house dead bolt) engages the column. If the steering has a lot of pressure on it, either direction, that bolt can be pinned so that the key is very hard to turn. Cranking on the wheel will alleviate that and you can turn the key freely. But if the problem is in the key, which is what it sounds like, no amount of turning the wheel will change that. The tumbler will have to be replaced. The part is about $60, and the labor usually runs $50 to $100 depending on where you live. (Notice I didn’t say it was WORTH that much labor, just how much it usually costs!). Hope this helps.