Key stuck in ignition..., Please help.... Options

[mitch1911]

I have finally got my 97 ready to run with a new radiator and condenser, and when I connected the battery back up and went to start it, I got nothing. After a few attempts, it turned over and ran fine, but when I turned it off, the key would not come out of the ignition. After looking through other posts, I couldn't seem to find an answers. Some say it is the factory alarm, others say it is a grounding issue. The little red light stays lit with the key in the ignition. I am afraid by leaving the key in the "ON" position, this will just drain my battery. Any ideas are appreciated on where to start looking for issues. Thanks.

[razor7]

I have finally got my 97 ready to run with a new radiator and condenser, and when I connected the battery back up and went to start it, I got nothing. After a few attempts, it turned over and ran fine, but when I turned it off, the key would not come out of the ignition. After looking through other posts, I couldn't seem to find an answers. Some say it is the factory alarm, others say it is a grounding issue. The little red light stays lit with the key in the ignition. I am afraid by leaving the key in the "ON" position, this will just drain my battery. Any ideas are appreciated on where to start looking for issues. Thanks.

My friend had this happen to him on his 7th gen. Try wiggling the steering wheel (sometimes it locks), turning the key into accessory mode, etc. If all of that fails, then I would place my bets on your ignition failing. You should be able to get it replaced at a toyota dealership, but expect to be paying 300+. You may be better off finding one in a junk yard and having a locksmith redo the tumblers to match your current key.

For the time being I'd disconnect the battery if you can't get the key out.

-TC