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What To Do When the Ignition Key Won't Turn

80K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  Special Edy 
#1 ·
You may never run into this problem, but I have met a few who have. I've even helped a few people get their van going again who were having this issue.

When I first got my Caravan, a problem developed where I couldn't turn the ignition key.

For about a week, I thought I was in trouble and was going to have to do an ignition lock change.

Occasionally, I could insert the key into the lock, but it wouldn't turn. This was a SERIOUS problem for me as I found myself stranded a few times until I was able to eventually "muscle" the key to turn (but also by figuring out the dynamics of the problem).

For anyone who runs into this issue, I never changed the lock or switch and no longer experience this problem.

An immediate fix is to tap on the metal ignition lock (right where the key goes in) firmly with a solid object that fits the diameter (or less) of the ignition lock. Usually, this will free the lock until you park crooked again. The head of a screwdriver is usually all it takes.

The permanent resolution was an adjustment in how I parked the van.

I learned that no matter where I parked, all I had to do was keep the front wheels dead straight ahead by centering the steering wheel before I turned the key off and this problem has COMPLETELY gone away. I no longer even realize I do it. It is habit and I never really notice I'm doing it anymore so it's no bother at all. I suppose I could replace the ignition lock, but I am satisfied with the method mentioned.

If you are having this problem, try that.
 
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#2 ·
I have the habit of keeping the wheels straight when parked because they taught it in drivers ed. I'm not really sure why I can remember stuff from that class from 5 years ago but not from the classes I finished last week haha.

It is a good habit especially after parallel parking.
 
#3 ·
I have not yet experienced it on my Voyager, but I can think of a causs for this in general and while we're at it a cause for not getting out of park.
1. Like you said, the steering is off centre and it's pushing back on the column lock so you have alot of friction to overcome whilst turning the key. In normal circumstances, the fix is to turn the steering wheel away just a couple degrees to relieve the pressure, and holding it away while turning the key. It sounds from your description that it's not quite the same ailment though, but similar.
2. If parked on a steep enough grade so there's significant weight on the park pawl, and said pawl is old and has a groove worn in it, the shifter won't be able to slide off the pawl. The fix is to get a couple of willing and burly men to push the car up the hill a couple of inches to take the weight off the pawl and you can shift out of park.
 
#5 ·
If they are like my intrepid was, if there is pressure from the steering wheel it will lock the ignition ...just take the pressure off and the key will turn.
That is why it won't do it with the wheels pointing ahead,
In theory it would seem this would work.

In practice, turning the wheel seldom helps in this situation for some reason. Usually once it locks, you will not be able to turn the wheel far enough to un-jam it. At least in a Caravan.
 
#7 ·
ok.

Never seemed to work with mine and I assure you I can apply quite a bit of torque :)

I have a neighbor who's Jetta did the same thing and it didn't work with hers either.
But I have seen it work on some cars occasionally.
Guess it's a different scenario in different cars.
 
#8 ·
Sounds like you are applying the principle of a "bump" key, which does work.
 
#9 ·
The failing/jammed lock cylinder on the Dodge of this vintage is a known fault, exacerbated by long service with a heavy key ring.

A locksmith and $90 solves the problem permanently.
 
#10 ·
Ignition key won't turn for my 2008 Chrysler Town & Country

For 2008 and newer models, the easiest way to solve this is to disconnect the battery, clean the terminals, wait for the computer to reset (a couple of minutes will do), and it will turn and start again (assuming you have a good battery).
 
#11 ·
For 2008 and newer models, the easiest way to solve this is to disconnect the battery, clean the terminals, wait for the computer to reset (a couple of minutes will do), and it will turn and start again (assuming you have a good battery).
Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for posting but, First: you are replying to a 7 year old post, Second: You are replying to a post on a 1996-2000 3rd. Gen. Section.
 
#15 ·
Old thread.

I'd recommend you immediately get the problem fixed. Mine had this issue, but the key locked into Run. I had to kill the engine pulling fuses, disconnect the battery. Couldnt get the keys out of the ignition. you have to turn the key past accessory IIRC to remove the lock cylinder, it pops right out. If you let this lock cylinder fail completely, you wont be able to release the lock cylinder. I had to disassemble the entire steering column to get to it, I was about to replace the entire column before I got lucky and unjammed it with a sledge hammer and was able to release the cylinder.
 
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