The Chrysler Minivan Fan Club Forums banner

ignition cylinder stuck

18K views 20 replies 10 participants last post by  GrannieJ50 
#1 · (Edited)
HELP! my 99GC ignition cylinder is stuck and trying with both master keys it won't turn. The steering wheel won't lock in both directions but I did hear the lock clicking mechanism when turning the steering wheel half round in both directions.

Problem now is I can't even take the lock cylinder out to check as it needs to be in the "run" position to be removed. Shifter feels locked in "Park" position, any other components I can check?
 
#3 ·
I checked www.advanceautoparts.com, under SHOP ONLINE, and you're right, they don't have it for your vehicle. Unfortunately, you will probably have to buy one from the stealer. Good luck!
Dublin, Ohio -- Home of Notre Dame stars Chris Quinn and Brady Quinn. Go Irish! Beat the Bucks in January!
 
#5 ·
I just had this same problem in my new-to-me 2000 Jeep Cherokee with 116,000 miles. I put my 1996 Yoyager key in there by mistake and it wouldn't work with the correct key afterwards. I thought perhaps some of the tumblers got pushed into an area that they had never been and the springs wouldn't release them.

I sprayed the cylinder with WD-40 and let it sit over night. Next day I tapped with a wood dowel and a light hammer. Put the key in and voila....worked better than before. It was sometimes temperamental prior to getting stuck.

A fair amount of dirt/grease came out with the WD-40 and tapping.

Jay in MA
 
#7 ·
trcar54 said:
I just had this same problem in my new-to-me 2000 Jeep Cherokee with 116,000 miles. I put my 1996 Yoyager key in there by mistake and it wouldn't work with the correct key afterwards. I thought perhaps some of the tumblers got pushed into an area that they had never been and the springs wouldn't release them.

I sprayed the cylinder with WD-40 and let it sit over night. Next day I tapped with a wood dowel and a light hammer. Put the key in and voila....worked better than before. It was sometimes temperamental prior to getting stuck.

A fair amount of dirt/grease came out with the WD-40 and tapping.

Jay in MA
Although this is good advice, I would caution against using WD-40 for this purpose. WD-40 can sit in the lock cylinder and collect MORE dirt and dust over time. Liquid graphite is generally a little better to use on lock cylinders, as it won't do this.
 
#8 ·
lock cyclinderq

I actually used the WD-40 on the advice of a locksmith. I wanted to use the WD-40 primarily as a medium to loosen up the tumblers if in fact they were stuck because of accumulated dirt. It seems that the WD-40 cleaned the tumblers and helped to carry some of the dirt outside the lock cyclinder.

I don't think graphite would have had the same effect in my particular situation although I do think graphite as a followup would be a good idea if graphite is recommended for the application.

Still working great.....

Jay in MA
 
#9 ·
Powedered graphite is the best option for any lock. You don't want moisture in there.
 
#10 ·
The "WD" in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement.
 
#11 ·
brickauto said:
HELP! my 99GC ignition cylinder is stuck and trying with both master keys it won't turn. The steering wheel won't lock in both directions but I did hear the lock clicking mechanism when turning the steering wheel half round in both directions.

Problem now is I can't even take the lock cylinder out to check as it needs to be in the "run" position to be removed. Shifter feels locked in "Park" position, any other components I can check?
I am having the exact same problem..........and like you, I cannot get the lock cylinder out. Do you have any advice as to how you got it out, besides just jiggling the key around for a while until you get it to turn?

I have soaked it in liquid wrench, a lot of dirt and grime appears to be in there (evidenced from the junk on the key that I have put in a wiggled around), but it does not seem like it is going to turn any time soon.

Finally, where did you end up getting your new lock cylinder? I want to try and avoid getting it from the stealership.

Thanka a lot!

:thumb:
 
#12 · (Edited)
pnthr30 said:
Finally, where did you end up getting your new lock cylinder? I want to try and avoid getting it from the stealership.

Thanka a lot!

:thumb:
I would call around to a couple of the local locksmiths in our area. They may be able to do it for you. It'll be a lot less than going to the dealer for it.

Let's hope the Panthers knock off Detroit Wednesday. The thought of losing to UWGB still makes me sick.
 
#13 ·
jazztrumpet216 said:
I would call around to a couple of the local locksmiths in our area. They may be able to do it for you. It'll be a lot less than going to the dealer for it.
Thanks for the advice, I will do that (as soon as I get it out). haha Happen to know of any good ones in the area? ;)


jazztrumpet216 said:
Let's hope the Panthers knock off Detroit Wednesday. The thought of losing to UWGB still makes me sick.
I hear that! I am not all that worried about Detroit.........but the game on Sat. against Wright State is going to be a very important battle!
 
#14 ·
pnthr30 said:
I am having the exact same problem..........and like you, I cannot get the lock cylinder out. Do you have any advice as to how you got it out, besides just jiggling the key around for a while until you get it to turn?

I have soaked it in liquid wrench, a lot of dirt and grime appears to be in there (evidenced from the junk on the key that I have put in a wiggled around), but it does not seem like it is going to turn any time soon.

Finally, where did you end up getting your new lock cylinder? I want to try and avoid getting it from the stealership.

Thanka a lot!

:thumb:
I got lucky and the cylinder finally decided to turn after half hour of jiggling, after getting the cylinder to turn to the "on" position I took out the cylinder and had the locksmith change it and re-keyed.

Just be careful jiggling the key as it bends really easily!
 
#15 ·
Well, like you, I FINALLY got "lucky" and had the key turn - after a ton of lubrication, soaking, and pressurized gas to clean/free up the lock cylinder. It seems to work well now, but I would like to fix the problem and not just band-aid it. So, I intend to take it out and .........I am not sure. I don't want two seperate keys, ,so I don't want to pick up a new one from a junk yard, and I don't want to pay a ton for a new one from the dealer. What exactly did you have the locksmith do? Can you still use the same key as the door? How much did it cost?

Thank in advance! :thumb:
 
#16 ·
A good locksmith will remove the cylinder and completly dis-assemble it. Cleaning all the pins and other internals and re-lubing everything. Then re-install it and verify that everything works fine. Also they will back up their work with a lifetime guarantee....at least that's what I got with mine. Best $75 CAD I spent on that.

Take care.
 
#18 ·
correct about the "WD" part and it was the 40th formula they used when going into production, hense WD40

Yes if the tumblers are "stuck" the WD40 or equivilant penetrating fluid is best. But not as a main lubricant. I find that graphite stays on the keys and turns your hands and pockets black

I use "Fluid Film" in all my locks and seatbelt locks

Rob/HBT :wave:
 
#19 ·
Just this past week, my father had his '03 GC ignition cylinder stuck. The gentleman from the CAA tow service simply used a small hammer to tap gently on the end of the key while turning it. It turned instantly. He said it happens all the time with a lot of vehicles, and the gentle hammer always works.

Lock cylinder was replaced by Chrysler that same day.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GrannieJ50
#21 ·
Just this past week, my father had his '03 GC ignition cylinder stuck. The gentleman from the CAA tow service simply used a small hammer to tap gently on the end of the key while turning it. It turned instantly. He said it happens all the time with a lot of vehicles, and the gentle hammer always works.

Lock cylinder was replaced by Chrysler that same day.
Well so I was trying to rip the cover off then decided to look up the issue. I didn’t have a hammer but I did have a screwdriver so I put the key back in an hit it a couple times and tried to turn it a wala she turned. Turned it offf and tried again. Apparently I will have to hit it every time until I can get the ignition fixed. Ugg one more thing to fix. But for a free van I really can’t complain. Thanks for posting “ just hit it” lol. I wouldn’t recommend hitting everything to get it to work but most things you can lol
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top