Automotive Forums

alleyb26:
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.

Thanks Caleb5505!!!!!!

Fixed the problem.  It was as easy as you said.  The locksmith said that I didnt even need to rebuild the thing.  He just pulled out the bad tab and sent me on my way.  He said there was only 1:250,000 keys to match it instesd of 1:1,000,000.  $5.00  15:00 minures of time.  Fixed!

"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 just wanted to say thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. I had the same issue with the key on my 2001 Wrangler and it was a miserable snowy Chicago evening when the key refused to turn. After finding the tips in this thread I went back with a rubber mallet and got the key to turn. I then took off the plastic shroud on the underside on the steering column (2 phillips screws) which allowed me to visualize the cylinder. Turned the key part way and depressed the release button...out came the cylinder. I quick trip to the locksmith got the tumblers repaired (he had three others that day alone). Reversed the procedure to replace the cylinder and away I went. Saved a few hundred dollars in the process and a whole lot of aggravation. Thank you all.

John  

Well, I just had the same issue, got it going this morning using a doorstop against the key and it started right up. Thanks for the info on starting it up, it saved my a tow.  Now a locksmith is putting a new one on for 200 bucks  

Like everyone else, I too am unable to turn the key in the ignition.  While this has happened a few times in the past, the key would eventually turn and start the car.  Now stranded, the car is being towed to the dealership.  The Service Consultant just advised me that the ingition switch is locked up and must be replaced at a cost of $332+tax.  The worst part is they act like they're actually doing you a favor by setting the new ignition switch to match your current keys and saving you money.  

My son had the same problem.  When you have car trouble, it's never at a convenient time lol.  He took his girlfriend to lunch (high school lunch break) and couldn't get the car started.  Quite a pickle they were in as no one was available to pick them up and get her back to school on time.  If this is a regular problem, why hasn't Chrysler addressed it and made the necessary changes to prevent this?  People rely on their cars to get them where they have to go and to be on time!  What's up with Chrysler? My husband went online at the suggestion of a friend and found out about the rubber mallet and they got the car started.  Thank you all! Now we need to complain to Chrysler!  Power in numbers folks!  

I have a 99 Grand Cherokee and had this problem a few times over the last couple of years but now that my daughters are using it I'll be replacing the tumbler. Thank you for the key tapping tip, I'll use it as a temporary fix till I can change the tumbler.
I've replaced and repinned car lock sets quite a bit at work over the last few years. In most cases if your key is not badly worn you will not need to buy new keys and have them programmed. A locksmith or a good dealer will replace the individual pins and little springs. They will use pins matching the ones you have now so your existing key works. The part that's probably worn would be the spot on the open slot within the pin where the bumps on the key hit it going in and out. Here's a typical ignition tumbler diagram.
 
I would replace all the pins (There should be a number 1 to 4 stamped on the pin) and springs even though you may only have one pin worn to save on future hassles. The problem may even just be the little springs holding the pin in place. With the tumbler removed and key inserted,  all the pins should be flush with the body of the tumbler. There could be up to 8 pins, half coming out one side and the other half on the other side. The pin or pins (flat rectangular shape) which stay up past the tumbler body would be the bad ones. To remove a pin with the tumbler assembly out of the ignition pull the key out and all the pins should raise up, with a needle nose pliers wiggle the pin out carefully because the tiny spring along side it may fly out. Remember to lubricate the pins with something like white grease and put the spring back in. Wiggle the new pin back in and make sure it travels freely up and down.  

Buy a can of Dry Graphite Aerosol Lubricant. $4.00 at Ace Hardware but similar products are readily available elsewhere. I used GM's version of the product to correct the "frozen" ignition problem on my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and have had no further issues with it in over a year.
1. Spray the product in the key hole slot and let it dry.
2. Put key in ignition and turn.
3. You might have to wiggle key a number of times but "unfreezes" 9 out of 10 times.
4.Be sure to reapply graphite spray to igntion slot every 3 months or so... problem solved!  

The internet is a beautiful thing!  My 2004 Jeep GC exhibited this issue for the first time today.  No prior indication it was coming.  Key would not budge.
I tried the rubber mallet solution and voila, the key turns.  I just inserted the key into the ignition and tapped it three times and the key now turns.  I will soon make my way to a locksmith for a real fix.  No dealer needed, thankyou.
Thanks to all who've posted solutions...  

4:30 am on Friday, my mom was taken to the hospital and my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee decided that the key shouldn't turn! Pouring rain 4:30 am, not a good start to my day. My husband tried using that graphite stuff, but no go. My cousin came over hit it with a hammer and it started right up. The next day gave me problems. I took it to the locksmith he replaced the tumbler for 50 bucks and now I'm on my way. Thanks to this thread we wouldn't have known what to do or where to start! It's much better to just get the thing replaced because the other stuff is only a quick fix and you don't want to get stuck somewhere.  

My key wouldn't turn either. However I found this site and was saved. Thanks! I am now calling a locksmith to replace the tumbler.  

Here's a thought: on the '01 Cherokee there is a little flat silver block just under the lock cylinder. This is connected to the shift lever via a cable, and I think it  prevents you from turning the key while the shift lever is not in Park. There is a 1/4" wide yellow tab sticking out of the front face; when pressed this allows you to ignore the position of the shift lever and turn the key. Is it possible that some of these problems are actually caused by the shift lever not pulling this cable, and its associated lug, sufficiently to allow the extension of the cylinder to turn?  Anyone know?  ( I do point out that this is only visible when one has removed the lower steering column shroud. This has 3 phillips screws, and the back one can only be seen, and accessed, when the steering column is in its uppermost position.) Does anyone know if this is applicable to any other years or models? Best of luck to you all.  

I HAVE A FREE FIX ...... .......READ BELOW

Yes same problem here. Absolutely a nightmare.  Car was parked in a horrible spot behind other people with the windows left down. I had just stopped for a second and shut it off went to restart it and would not turn the key. Now for the fix.

In a jam, take something hard like a wrench and beat the key into the ignition while trying to turn it at the same time. If you cant get that to work beat on the bottom of the ignition which you can see through a hole in the plastic. If you have a phillips screw driver you can take the plastic off and make it much more accessible. beat on the  bottom of of the ignition while turning the key. One of these two ways usually works.but once started dont turn it back off or take the key out or you will be stuck again.(this took a long time to figure out when you are stuck in the middle of no where to beat the crap out of it to get the ignition to turn)

Okay for a real fix once you are back to your house or garage. Once again use one of the techniques above to get the key to turn to the on position without starting the engine. with a phillips screw driver take the bottom plastic off the steering column cover. Then you will see where the key goes into the ignition. On the bottom of that there is a pin sticking down locking the ignition in place. with the key on push the pin up and pull out on your key and the ignition will come out. Then pull the sleeve off the ignition and blow it out with air and then spray wd-40 all over it and work the key back and forth. take the key out and put lube inside it and work it very good. put it all back together and back in your jeep and it as good as new. Just gonna cost you time and some wd-40.

Let me know if this helps anyone.  

I have a 2000GJC TAustin's advice is the  Best and Cheapest solution. Its turning just like new. Once you get the white plunger on the opposite side of the key slot moving freely you are golden.

Thanks.  

Find TAustin on this blog, he has the best solution...  

It works, easier than I thought. Not trusting myself, I took the cylinder to the local locksmith, they cleaned it, lubed it (said not to use WD40, but silicone)for free. If it stuck again, they would rebuild it for $25 but so far so good. Jeep dealer quoted $300 +.

Many thanks
FS - Orange, CA