ignition cylinder stuck

[brickauto]

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?

[brickauto]

Update: Got the lock cylinder out after wiggling the key for 30mins, could not find a replacement cylinder in the local Advance Auto Parts or NAPA. Is this a dealer only part?

[pghturbo88]

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!

[brickauto]

Thanks, I went to NAPA and Advance and they both don't have the part. NAPA listed a lock cylinder up to 1997 and it looks different from the one I have.

[trcar54]

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

[brickauto]

I had the lock cylinder replaced and re-keyed at a local locksmith, for $42 that's a ton a difference compared to the stealer quote of $140+

[jazztrumpet216]

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.

[trcar54]

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

[AMD Rules]

Powedered graphite is the best option for any lock. You don't want moisture in there.

[mmahamm]

The "WD" in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement.