Q&A

try squerting a couple drops of wd forty in the key inlet that shood free it up try moving it around with the key a few times the graghite is prettygood but you will need to have your engnition switch replaced the toyota dealership is the wrong place try to find some one you know that can change it for you you can get the switch at o.rielys or autozone for a reasonable price

I've had this problem as well for the last 3 - 5 years.

2 things you can do:

1) Buy some graphite at the Hardware store and put it in the key hole. This works for a while but needs to be repeated and can be a bit messy.

2) Put the key in the ignition slowly and gently, gently try turning the key as you are putting the key further in. Eventually, you will reach the point where the key turns and you should be able to start the vehicle.

Hope this helps

I had this problem with my 95 Toyota Camry. My steering wheel could turn hardly but my key did not turn at all in ignition. I tried many possible solutions like WD-40 and pushing the car from the back when and simultaneously turning the key, but No one worked. Finally, I bought graphite lube and put graphite powder on key and then put key in ignition. I took off key and then I used dust remover (that I bought from Walmart) to push graphite completely in ignition. After 5minutes try it worked! I did not anticipate this method to work!! But now after 5day I have had no problem and key can easily turn in ignition.

1997 Toyota Camry Key Wont turn, Ignition Lock problem -1997 toyota camry FIXED!!! I see a lot of Douches with a capital D trying to charge people to fix this extremely common issue with this Camry ignition cylinder. OK pull the plastic guard off encasing the steering column. Get a phillips head screwdriver and remove the 2 screws holding the little off-white connector at the rear of the module(it has the wires to the ignition running to it). Get a pair of pliers or a small crescent wrench and while trying to turn the key use the wrench to turn the little rod sticking out of the back of the module. Make sure your turning it WITH the direction the key is trying to turn it. It should immediate be freed. Voila IT WORKS! AND THATS WHY PEOPLE DONT TRUST MECHANICS! HOW CAN YOU CHARGE SOMEONE FOR THAT INFO?

Most Toyotas have this problem. Graphite will not help. Do not replace the ignition system. Take your car to a lock shop that makes keys. They will adjust the tumblers. Total time about 30 minutes. Total cost about $80.
Talk to Bob's Lock Shop in West Valley City, UT for an explanation. http://www.bobslockshop.com/
My daughter had the same problem. Bob fixed the problem and said he has fixed many Toyotas which have the same problem making the key turn in the ignition.