Ignition key won't turn

2021 M/T Sport 13k on the clock 10 degrees F to start temp going up to 20s.

Ok, out in AM to start truck after the blizzard, battery flat, not sure why but may have left something on after getting the plow on. Got her started with a battery charger, after charging it on 30amp for say half hour. Ran her for a while maybe an hour or so, low range 4wd 2nd and reverse never more than 6mph. Got the plowing job done. Left her parked, came out in afternoon to shift the truck, started up, plowed a little maybe 10min. Then parked. Key out of ignition. Not a smart key on M/T trucks. Went to start after an hour or so, and got nothing, couldn't move the key. Clutch fully depressed and truck in neutral.

So what's going on? The immobilizer light is flashing when the key is out of the lock like it should be. Does a totally flat battery immobilzed the ignition?

Only thing I can think of off hand is that when I got her started first time battery wasn't completely flat so ignition key could turn. I didn't run it enough to get battery charged, but there was enough to start a second time with an engine maybe above freezing. Then I ran it down all the way. Plow does take some electricity to run the hydraulics.

If the battery is completely flat does that lock ignition switch? If it does I can trickle charge it for some hours then try again?

 

Mine does this periodically as well. Is your steering wheel turned hard to left or right?
I actually have to pull the wheel farther in the direction it is already turned. So, if turned left, pull farther left, and hold there while turning the ignition key.
When turned, the wheel, tries to center, and pulls back and puts a friction load on the ignition mechanism.
Kind of like the old GM steering wheels.

 

Sounds like a steering wheel lock

 

Using the right key?

 

Happened to my wife once. Work the steering wheel, it will go.

 

Must be a Toyota thing. My Tundra did that and now my new Tacoma does the same thing.

As others have said, just turn the steering wheel a bit and the key should turn.

 

I forgot about the wheel lock; I'll give it a shot before I get out the electrics.

 

Work the steering wheel...... oh.

 

Probably using the left.

 

As noted above, most likely steering wheel.

 

Brilliant. Thanks a million Sherlock

 

Nobody gonna ask if it's push start?

 

Never pushed my car left or right before to start it. Usually the wheels are designed to go forward and back. Idk

 

I did indeed need to work the steering wheel and the ignition unlocked. Thanks to all. But battery flat again, so now all I need to do is figure out what is draining the battery. I have a suspicion that there is a fault in the plow wiring, as I've only had the problem overnight with the plow hitched on and ready to work. Old school it used to be that when you pulled the ignition key everything except maybe a clock shut down. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a master switch on vehicles?

 

Plenty of aftermarket Battery Master Switches available. They’re prob a pain in the ass to use on a daily driver but I use this one on my boat (the red coloured part is almost like a key and comes out when in the Off position)

 

Typically a sign that you haven't changed the oil frequently enough on a long bed with 37 inch tires and the leather interior. Cloth interior doesn't do this.

 

Yep, ever since manufactures have used the steering wheel lock system it happen's every now, and then.

 

Nope, not only a Toyota thing.
Has happened on many manufacture's vehicles (since at least the '70s!).

 

Happened to a neighbors Hyundai recently. Dude was so convinced that the car was broken and wouldn’t listen to anyone that he had the car towed.