1996 camry le 6 cylinder. cannot get ignition key to turn to start car. gear is in park and have tried adjusting steering wheel

Jeff provides the best answer.

• Jeff Armer Jun 03, 2022
• Does the key turn to the off position an to start an back to off again,gear shifter is in park ?
• 
  Jeff Armer Jun 03, 2022
  Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder
  
  Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?
  
  Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
  
  Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
  Go to Step 8
  Go to Step 5
  
  5
  Verify the adjustment of the automatic transmission shift cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment .
  
  Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
  System OK
  Go to Step 6
  
  6
  Inspect the Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock.
  
  Does the Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock exhibit damage or signs of wear?
  Go to Step 10
  Go to Step 7
  
  7
  Verify the electrical operation of the ignition lock cylinder solenoid. Refer to Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear .
  
  Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
  
  8
  Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder.
  
  Is the lock cylinder damaged?
  Go to Step 11
  Go to Step 9
  
  9
  Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case.
  
  Is the case worn, damaged or loose?
  Go to Step 12
  Go to Step 13
  
  10
  Replace the Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock. Refer to Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock Replacement .
  
  Did you complete the repair?
  Go to Step 13
  --
  
  11
  Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  
  Did you complete the repair?
  Go to Step 13
  --
  
  12
  Replace the ignition lock cylinder case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  
  Did you complete the repair?
  Go to Step 13
  --
  
  13
  Operate the system to verify the repair.
  
  Did you correct the condition?
  

Does the car have floor shift or column ?
Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder (Column Shift)
Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder (Floor Shift)

Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder (Column Shift)
Step
Action
Yes
No
1
Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspection?
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
2
Verify the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock cylinder.
Is the key stuck in the lock cylinder?
Go to Step 3
System OK
3
Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 4
4
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 5
5
Verify the adjustment of the automatic transmission cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment .
Can the key be turned to the OFF position?
System OK
Go to Step 6
6
Inspect the linear shift assembly and cable for damage.
Is the linear shift assembly or cable damaged?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 7
7
Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder.
Is the lock cylinder damaged?
Go to Step 10
Go to Step 8
8
Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case.
Is the worn, damaged, or loose?
Go to Step 11
Go to Step 12
9
Replace the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 12
--
10
Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 12
--
11
Replace the ignition lock cylinder case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 12
--
12
Operate the system to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK
Go to Step 2

Does the vehicle start an run ?Can you turn the key to the off position ? And the key won't come out ? Did you try some key graphite ( lube ) ? New lock cylinder need maybe . Or is it a problem with
Steering Column Electric Park Lock
If the vehicle is equipped with a floor-mounted console gear shifter, an added safety feature is an steering column electric park lock system in the steering column. The steering column electric park lock system prevents the steering wheel from being locked when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle may be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a steering column electric park lock and a park position switch, that is located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The steering column electric park lock contains a spring-loaded pin that mechanically prevents the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the Lock position when the transmission is not in the Park position. If vehicle power is lost or the transmission is not in the Park position, the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the Lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.

bad key if only 1 key fails.
bad cylinder, (LOCK SMITH TIME)
did you wiggle the steering wheel, at same time and gear shift in park.
read the operators guide.

If the key will not turn the lock cylinder and you have removed the switch, you probably need a new cylinder.

Try turning the steering wheel, fairly firmly, while trying the key. Sometimes a significant preload happens when the power assist is helping the wheel positioning, just prior to shutdown.

YOU MAY HAVE A FAULTY ITERLOCK SWITCH ON BRAKE PEDLE TO IGNITION CAPSULE, CHECK FOR A SHORT OR OPEN CURCIT

Have you tried getting a new key cut? Worn keys can do that. Other than that I would say a worn out ignition lock cylinder. Mike

It sounds like your ignition lock cylinder has a problem. These can be replaced and keyed to match you present key by a locksmith. Call a locksmith for a estimate.

Have you tried moving the gear shift back and forth? The shifter is connected by a cable to your ignition switch. It keeps folks from putting the car in neutral when the steering and ignition is locked, so they don't take the car when you're not around. If moving the shifter helps, then maybe that cable has stretched some and needs replaced. If not, then perhaps an ignition lock cylinder and key are in order.