99 Tacoma 4x4 key won't turn to the lock position.

Hello everyone, I'm trying to figure out why this 99 Tacoma 4x4 auto trans. It won't turn to the lock position without shaking, moving the gear shift around and shaking it. At first I thought that it was the ignition switch, I replaced it, thought my problems were solved, nope! I was just getting out taking the battery cable off and then the key turns off without power, watched other YouTube videos, a couple of people said spray wd 40 on the shift assembly while moving shifter from park to low. Well I reckon that I just wasted $ and time on that! Nothing different, if anybody has any idea on what the problem is? I would appreciate all the help. If it's made of wood I can fix it, but I have never been any good at mechanical problems. Thanks to everyone who sees this. Sincerely Keith Knight

 

I’m not quite sure I understand the problem you’re describing, but some key issues can be resolved if a brand new key is made from a dealer/locksmith that cuts a new key using the VIN number.

Worn out keys will start having issues functioning in ignitions and door locks properly, and if a new key is made by simply copying the worn out key, the issues will persist.

I’ve had new keys made by using the VIN number and they have worked perfectly in my doors and ignitions, every time.

 

Well I have replaced the ignition switch and no help with that, someone said to spray wd 40 into the shifter assembly while shifting from park to low, no help there either. One person said that he has been holding the gear shift in park and pushed towards passengers side. I can do that and wiggle the key and hear shift and it will turn off/lock position, sometimes. I read somewhere that the shifter bushings could be worn out? I'm not a mechanic, I'm a carpenter, if the truck was made of wood I could possibly fix it. Lol have 7,000.00$ for it, and then I had to call the man to ask about the key not turning off. He only said that a Toyota has to have the wheels straight or that would happen. I've been driving Toyotas for 20+ years and I knew that they did that. He just sold it to me because he knew everything was about to have to be worked on. Thank You sir

 

Automatic Transmissions have a park safety switch that controls you removing the key not having a Auto I have no idea just where it is. This is not The park/ neutral switch on the transmission.

that is why removing battery voltage allows the key to be removed.

I would guess it needs lined up with the shifter in park to open or close the switch. A two pin plug !!

Good luck!

 

What do you have to lose look for the switch.

Long ago I failed wood Shop I signed paper work I would only touch wood for the wood stove or scrap.

 

If you have a floor shifter the bushings in the shifter get bad and it won't allow the ignition interlock to release.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCY6XyxJjv4&t=6s