Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

I just had that same problem. The key would not turn unless I spent some time wiggling the key. I told my locksmith friend about it and he thought it might be a bent tumbler. It took my friend about an hour to take the cylinder out and replace the bent tumblers. All total it cost me $45. What ever you do dont take it to the dealer they will charge you through the nose.  

I just started having a similar trouble this past sunday.  I was getting off work and when I turned the key to start the jeep it just spun freely about 90 degrees without engaging.  it finally turned to run, but I had to jab the end of my jumper cables into the starter solenoid to get it started.

I've been messing with it ever since, it's started on it's own TWICE and most of the time the damn alarm system is flashing.  I've tried smacking it with a mallet (hey, I figured if it didn't work it at least helped me feel better) but that only worked once.

oh, and to top it off I just signed the title the day before it quit so now I'm running out of time before I have to get it inspected! my bronco wasn't starting and it turned out to be the shift sensor -- 18 gauge wire and electrical tape was enough to make it run.  

Thats cool, Im here in NY, and everyone wants to rip you off, I the dealer want almost 100 bucks for a new ignition, and like a previous owner said here, its like they are doing you a favor to let you keep your own key, I've called several locksmiths around here, and its like they think they are dealers, not one has said they can rebuilt it or just change the pins, are they thieves or is it a NY thing! I thinking of just taking it apart myself and cleaning things up in there like I've read in previous posts, any ideas, Jeeep Cherokee Sport, (got it for 1,500 140K, not a bad deal) but this just started to happen with my ignition.  I have been using the mallet trick and it works good so far.  

Steps to fix My 2001 Jeep

1. Remove Bottom Steering cover 1 Screw

2. Put key in ignition and turn forward (bump with rubber hammer if needed)

3. Push in Lock release button with small screwdriver and pull out key at same time.

4. Use Large Screwdriver (flat) to turn ignition off.

5. Hold in hand and turn key backwards to stop pin.(Do On work Table)

6. Use very small screwdriver to push stop pin in and turn key past stop pin to remove from cylinder. (Watch out not to lose the two stop pins)

7. Remove key and file sharp edges(using Small File) of rectangle lock stop.(Moves up and down when key inserted)

8. Put key back in and put back into cylinder and test for workability.

9. Use large screwdriver turn ignition back on and insert key and assembly back in.

10. Replace Bottom steering cover.  

Re:  '...but I can't talk about window motors...'  My Mom's jeep which is now mine's driver window got bad--so I figured after getting a 150 quote on new power window motor--what have I got to lose so I tore the motor apart and wallah!! the brushes were toast.  a trip to ace hardware found some brushes close to size(sandpapered them to right size--soldered them in and have had no further problem.  Cost $ 7.00.

Now tell me about transmission output sensors--cause mine won't shift right, air conditioning not working AGAIN!  speedometer works once in a while.  it started at 309,487miles and 9 months later is only up to 315,000 miles.  Trust me I've put more miles on thatn that.  

Put the key in the ignition then tap the key in with a wooden mallet. I just started my 98 Chrysler Town&Country this way. A parts person at a junk yard said Chrysler has many problems with the steering columns.  

i have had a few customers with speedometers that did not work...    seems the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the drivers side rear of the trans has a problem...     the crimped part on the speedo driven gear that drives the square input to the Vehicle Speed Sensor wears ... the square input shaft on the Vehicle Speed Sensor also wears..   it takes about 5 minutes to change them...  you do need to match the color of the driven gear to get the right gear count...  and the part number off the top of the Vehicle Speed Sensor to match it up... there are 2 different Vehicle Speed Sensors available..   this will fix most of the problems...


you might want to pull the sensor and hook it up to a power drill to spin it to verify the electrical portion of the system works..


as for the ac unit... the control head in the dash... takes about 20 minutes to get it out has some weak solder joints...   if you do not soldier... take it to an  tv vcr repair shop... they know how to resolder circuit boards.. you will have to pull slightly on the wiring and vacuum connector to get it up to the point where you can unplug it...       it is behind and below on the right side of the control head unit...


hope this helps a few people....  

wOW! THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING  

how much does a tumbler cost? is that replacing the whole ignition?    

im having the exact same problems! I was out for over a half an hour trying to turn the key and guess i will have to get a new ignition.  

I know this is an old post but here's the solution if this happens to anyone else.  I just went though this and it can save you a lot of money.  My key would not turn at all,  this is definitely a tumbler issue but STOP do not call the dealership or a mechanic.  The one dealership I called told me there would be a $150.00 diagnostic fee.  I told him I KNOW what the problem is already.  Their total estimate to repair was about $450.00.  So then I called a normal mechanic, he told me we would have to drill it out, cost about $400.00.  Anyway,  back to what to do,  if your stranded and your key won't run,  first call a locksmith.  They will come out and fix the problem in just a few minutes.  My cost $90.00 and they came to me.   Here's a couple hints,  if your key will not turn ( which is what you need when you want to remove the tumber) slightly tap on the key while it is in the tumbler with a soft rubber hammer.  This will probably free it up,  if not go to the auto parts store and buy "TRIFLOW" lubricant and spray in the tumbler,  give it a heathy dose, then move your key in and out a couple times.  This should free up the brass slides that are in the tumbler.  Once your key turns again you can remove the tumbler by depressing the small latch on the bottom of the housing (after removing the shroud) the key must be in the ON position.  Then you can clean each brass slide thoroughly with the TRIFLOW.   The last thing, since this is a bad design, remove the "FIRST" two brass slides from the tumbler, one on top, one on the bottom. You don't need them!!  What happens is when you insert your key,  the key usually goes in depending on you slightly pointing up or down,  this scores the first brass slides and cause them to stick open.  Once the key is inserted pass the first slide it ends up in the proper groove and goes in straight.  Remove the first two slides and keep a can of Triflow handy and tell the dealership to kiss your butt!!  Keep a good auto locksmith number handy and spend the money you save on beer!!!  I hope this helps someone else.  

2003 Jeep with same problem.  I had to tap the key with my palm to get it to be able to turn over.

My solution was to LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, after the key engaged the tumblers.  Then I covered the key with a black glove to hide that I had a key left in the ignition.  With the remote, was able to lock and engage the alarm.  Hope this helps other...Key seems to work as long as you don't remove it from the ignition again.