The ignition switch/steering lock in my 1991 Townace is starting to get difficult to operate. I have tried lubricating it with WD40 with little effect. I am worried that it is about to fail completely. Does anyone know if this lock is fitted to any other Toyota model, this will make sourcing another one a lot easier. Or does anyone have a spare that I could purchase?

- (#3160) Martin Jordan, 27 May 02

Same lock barrel is used in others,yes. try a mid-80's Corolla

- (#3167) david miller, 28 May 02

Martin, funny you should post the same question as me on the same day. Toyota do the O.E.lock, complete unit - ignition barrel & steering lock assembly for approx.£27 + vat. Looks like you have the same problem as me, very difficult to operate & get the key to turn in the ign.barrel.
Mine is a Masterace, but i'd imagine there pretty much the same.
HTH, Tony.

- (#3172) Tony Lloyd-Jones, 28 May 02

Hi, when I bought my townace last year from Bullivants of derby I could remove the ignition key without turning the engine off. In fact you could start the engine with only the first quarter inch of the key inserted.

they replaced the lock without too much of an argument and okay I now have two seperate keys but who cares.
- (#3195) Jim Grice, 30 May 02

Mine is doing exactly the same & hard to get key to turn, picking new unit up from Toyota tomorrow - will let you know how i get on.

Regards all,

Tony.

- (#3198) Tony Lloyd-Jones, 30 May 02