Help! 1996 Toyota Surf Key Intermittently Wont Release!

[Surf185]

I have a 1996 auto Surf, recently the key hasn't been coming out of the ignition on and off, now it pretty much never comes out.

I have tested the solenoid and also the lock mechanism that locks the key in the barrel, tried replacing the switch on the gear shifter that tells it that it is in park. Still no luck.

I cant think of anything else that it could be? Is there some sort of computer box or something that controls this? At the moment i have just disconnected the solenoid completely so that it stays unlocked.

Anybody else had this problem before and fixed it?

Cheers, Ben.

[kbushnz]

My Prado has the same interlock.
Mine played up and it turned out it was out of alignment.
When in P the key wouldnt come out, push it hard up and it would work.
Pulled it all apart and cleaned and aligned it all again.
Works fine now.

Calvin

[Surf185]

My Prado has the same interlock.
Mine played up and it turned out it was out of alignment.
When in P the key wouldnt come out, push it hard up and it would work.
Pulled it all apart and cleaned and aligned it all again.
Works fine now.

Calvin

Ive had it apart and even replaced the switch mechanism that lifts up when you put it in park and still no luck

[kbushnz]

Also check the linkage system, from the gearbox thru to the lever inside.
Mine was slightly out on this adjustment.

Ie the inside lever wasn't aligned with position properly at box, but it still drove o.k
Adjusted it under the truck...

Have a guide somewhere will drag it out.

Calvin

[Surf185]

Also check the linkage system, from the gearbox thru to the lever inside.
Mine was slightly out on this adjustment.

Ie the inside lever wasn't aligned with position properly at box, but it still drove o.k
Adjusted it under the truck...

Have a guide somewhere will drag it out.

Calvin

Ok thanks very much will look into that

[kbushnz]

Sorry for the late reply, been away from PC.
Here is a link to some files on how the system works.
Toyota use common systems in all their vehicles.
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/AT12.pdf
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/AT11.pdf

Or go here for a list of articles.
http://www.autoshop101.com/autoshop15.html
Excellent reference stuff.

Cheers
Calvin

[kbushnz]

Bump.

Did you get this fixed Surf185 ???

I had the same issue only just last weekend....
During a trip to Stadia, my auto lever wouldn't select gears and couldn't get the key out.

Had to push shifter up hard in park... Then key would release.

So I put her in N and got under the truck and loosened the arm that attaches to the auto.

Its on a slot, took it to the mid point of its loose travel.

Now all is good again.

Must have knocked it on a rock or thick mud....

Cheers
Calvin

[Surf185]

I never got round to fixing it just left the solenoid disconnected, i should have a look though, I have had a look at the mechanism what position should the bolt that locks it be in that slot? Strange thing is it happened randomly hadn't been off road or anything.

[kbushnz]

Basically what you are trying to do is align the N position in the box and the N on the gear selector.

It can be bias one way or the other slightly....

So put your auto in N.

Get under it and loosen off the bolt on the slot.

It should find its own center and do it up again.

Or gently move the rod to the auto.....one way then the next without it selecting a gear.
And pick the mid spot.

Have fun

Calvin

[Surf185]

oh i see exactly what you mean, cheers i will try it this weekend