My 1997 Toyota 4 Runner Limited 4 WD works great -
except that it won't start. The key first became stuck in the ignition
several days ago, and I had to "jimmy" it for several minutes to make the
key turn in the ignition. Once it is "unstuck," the car performs
perfectly. The key problem has increased in the last few days, however,
and now the key won't turn over at all - no matter how much I massage the
steering wheel or the ignition. I purchased it used, and only have one
key. Also, I don't have the tag with the key number - just the key. Is
this a "monster" problem or an easily remedial one? Thanks!

"valeriejr" <valeriejr@earthlink.net> writes in article <6017508794d18c036e6c76eea680950c@localhost.talkaboutautos.com> dated Mon, 04 Jul 2005 23:26:46 -0400:
>My 1997 Toyota 4 Runner Limited 4 WD works great -
>except that it won't start. The key first became stuck in the ignition
>several days ago, and I had to "jimmy" it for several minutes to make the
>key turn in the ignition. Once it is "unstuck," the car performs
>perfectly. The key problem has increased in the last few days, however,
>and now the key won't turn over at all - no matter how much I massage the
>steering wheel or the ignition. I purchased it used, and only have one
>key. Also, I don't have the tag with the key number - just the key. Is
>this a "monster" problem or an easily remedial one? Thanks!

A Toyota dealership should be able to make you a new key based on the VIN,
after looking at your proof of ownership (i.e. registration). If the new
key works, get it copied! If not, you need a new ignition lock or complete
lock set, depending on whether you're willing to carry 2 different keys.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.