Automotive Forums

Has anyone else had the problem where the key will not turn?  This has happened a few times in the past, and we were able to eventually get the car started.  We don't have a spare key so I'm not for sure if it is a problem with the key.  Any suggestions?  We tried WD-40, putting graphite on the key and also cleaning out that area.  Thanks everyone in advance.  

Only suggestion is to have another key cut from the one you have but slighty deeper. Other than that go to Jeep dealer, prove you own vehicle, provide vin # and they should be able to help you.  

What is strange is that the vehical is only 6 years old. Another problem that can occur the silonid is worn out (the piece you put the key into to start the vehical) but that doesnt seem right. I would try to take the key to someplace and have a copy made and see what happens, it might simply be that the key is worn out itself.  

Sorry. Refering to my previous post, I called it a "silinoid" and its not called that. It is called a "tumbler" which you put your key into, sorry for the confusion and goodluck!  

Sorry. Refering to my previous post, I called it a "silinoid" and its not called that. It is called a "tumbler" which you put your key into, sorry for the confusion and goodluck!  

The next time the key won't turn try turning the steering wheel left or right hard  while turning the key.  I had this problem on a 97 ford van and found the wheel lock would bind at times.  Also set the wheels straight when parked. Turned wheels when shuting off the car was also a cause of the wheel lock binding.  

A friend had a somewhat similar problem with his pontiac gran prix but the key wouldn't come out one day it finally just came out with little effort, i think his car was haunted  

I had this problem with a 99. Turning the wheel while turning the key didn't work. A suggestion to hit the key while in the ignition with say, the end of a screw driver, did work. Make sure not to use a hammer if you're already discusted with Jeep problems.
I finally got the tumbler(?-where you put the key) replaced. That worked. Though the mechanic said something about having it rekeyed too. So...  

This may be stupid answer but here goes.
   Does park position location effect the key funtioning correctly?  

Had it happen to me the first time yesterday when I came out of Mc,d,s.

Jeep is a 2000 Cherokee sport.

  Steering was in theft lock position under turn stress of wheels. ***
soon as I turned the steering wheel to relieve this' key turned as normal.  

I have been experiencing the same exact problem for the past three weeks.  I thought it may have something to do with the alarm and some of the doors not unlocking properly, but realized that if the steering wheel is straight (tires pointed forward) when I turn the vehicle off, I don't have this problem.  I have a spare key and have had issues with both sets.

Anyone determine the root cause?  I read on the thread the replacing the tumbler and / or rekeying may have solved the problem.  I'm not sure if the tumbler is the root cause because the key does eventually turn.  The tumbler also senses when the key is inserted because if I leave the key in and open the door I hear the reminder ding.

I have had nothing but electrical problems with my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (85K miles).  From power window motors (3 windows for a total of 4 replacements; one of which was at 2000 miles) to power locks (front passenger and rear driver)...  

I've also been experiencing the same problem with my 2000 Grand Cherokee. It feels like the tumblers aren't contacting the key properly. I sprayed lock lube into the ignition and it worked flawlessly for 3-4 days and then started refusing to turn again.
Tonight I tried for about 30 minutes straight (can you say frustrating)
and it wouldn'y budge. I've tried hitting the column, tapping the key, jiggling the key, and nothing is working.

I've tried to find out how to pull the tumbler on the NAGCA.com site and nobody seems to know. I was hoping to replace it myself, but I'm guessing I'll have to have a new tumbler set to my key so that I can still use one key for everything.

If this thing didn't have an airbag I would have been tempted to screwdriver the ignition. Of course since my screwdriver isn't "programed" with the proper chip I guess that wouldn't have worked either.

I'm starting to love my '66 Buick project car more and more every day. LOL  

see my post "Ignition won't turn"

You need to get a locksmith to replace your pin set.  DO it before you get stuck somewhere like I did.  

Yo, the simplest fix is go to the dealer, drop $100+ for a new key cylinder fix and go on with life.  Yeah, WD40 and a new key might work for a short while but this is a known flaw.  I just put a new cylinder in my 02 wrangler in about 10 minutes and I no longer am concerned with not getting it started anymore.  With the old key cyl, I could remove the key while with the engine running or if I turned it towards me to just listen to the radio.  The new one won't allow me to remove it except when the engine is off.  I did have to bang my key to get the engine lights on.  If yours won't turn, then you will have to do some drilling.  Happy trails.....  

The same thing happenned to me yesterday on my '99 Grand Cherokee. The ignition key would not turn. Tapping the end of the key with a hammer while jiggling and turning worked as a temp fix.

The dealer quoted me over $200 - that is CRIMINAL! An Auto Locksmith Service quoted me $125 plus parts - better, but still expensive.

I'm not a mechanic. In fact I disdain working on cars. But to save money, today I took off the steering column cover (one phillips screw underneath the steering column) and figured out how to take out the ignition key tumbler. It's really easy if you can get the key to turn. On the underside of the tumbler there is a square spring loaded "button" that holds the tumbler in. Once the key is turned part way, just press the button and the key will pull out with the tumbler attached. This whole procedure including figuring it out took under 10 minutes.

Since I only had access to one vehicle, I put the tumbler back in and drove to a locksmith. Then I took the tumbler out again in the parking lot. The locksmith (All-Safe Locksmith in Sacramento, CA) rebuilt my ignition tumbler in about 5 minutes. He charged me $8. That's right EIGHT DOLLARS!

I asked the locksmith what causes this problem. He said "bad design."

If anyone else is having the same problem, I'm happy to help if I can. You can email me at Caleb5505@yahoo.com.