Archived Ignition key In Column - Will not turn!!

[BMiller7]

Came home today and everything shut down as normal. An hour later, I put the ignition key into the the switch and it acts as if it is the wrong key. The key goes in fine, but will only jiggle a little. Tried rocking the truck back and forth, as well as making sure the steering wheel is not cocked and free, noting works. Of course, like it is, I can't roll the electric windows up or move the shift lever.



What's up???



Is it something that I can get a locksmith to fix tonight, or is it something I have to tow the truck for the dealer to fix?



Help!! I can't move it out of the driveway and it's blocking everyone from moving!

 

[CCahill]

The steering wheel is likely in a bind. Grab the wheel and turn hard and the key will then turn.

 

[JRBurton]

What year is your truck?



John

 

[JRBurton]

If the stearing wheel is not in a bind then more than likely it is your lock and a locksmith should be able to take care of this depending on the year. the newer trucks I believe have an anti-theft device in them. If this is the case then more than likely you will need to take it to a dealer.

John

 

[BMiller7]

The truck is a 2005 3500 4x4 automatic.

Checked the steering wheel anbd there is no bind.



Thanks,



Bruce

 

[BMiller7]

I went ahead and called a locksmith. They will be out in 30 minutes. Of course, they said that if they had to replace the ignition switch, it would be $125 cash.



My only other option is to have have it towed on a flatbed. I don't like that idea as they would have to drag it up the ramp while the truck was in park.



Either way, I don't think a dealer would be any cheaper.



At least my auto insurance will pay for the actual locksmith roadside assistance.



I'll let you know how it goes.



Bruce

 

[Missouri Mule]

Don't know if this applies to newer truck keys but my original set of keys wore out. They would open the door but wouldn't turn the ignition. Had a spare key(s) (mechanics key) I tried that one and it worked I had two more keys made from the spare.

 

[BMiller7]

Wow, the locksmith just left...

He had to replace the lock, only he didn't have a new one onboard. He ended up replacing all of the wafers and springs. Completely rebuilt everything right there at the truck.



It works!!!



Back on the road!!!



Thanks all for the quick responses.



Bruce

 

[Sticks]

Glad to hear that it is repaired.

I have run into that issue with the Chevy trucks in my work fleet. Tumblers get worn and dirty (dust). Easy enough to replace by yourself.

1 trick to do is to get the plastic off the column, DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES wat a few minuets (don't want that air bag deploying at point blank) and while trying to turn the key, tap the ignition housing with a small, and I mean kids size hammer. On the 4 that I have done, that has been the trick to get the ignition to rotate like it should. This is not a fix, this is a replacement in hand or get back on the road to a better position to replace band aid.

 

[BMiller7]

As the locksmith was taking the tumbler assembly apart, I saw that the #1,

2,& 4 wafers almost appeared to be dry and a little oxidized. It looked like if I had just known where to tap on it, maybe it would have gotten it going again.



At this point, and since it is like new now, I just hope that if it happens on another vehicle, I will remember to try a couple of tricks to at least get me home.



I can always do a search on this forum.



Thanks All!



Bruce