Key Ignition

[PGreen923]

Hey folks, perhaps one of you could help we with this. I have a 1990 Dodge Ram 250 and suddenly the key ignition is not wanting to turn. I'm spending five minutes just trying to get my truck started every time. Any suggestions, experiences? Is this a quick fix or am I in for a more intense repair? I know sooner than later it is not going to turn at all. Thanks.

 

[MEby]

any more details? like will it crank but not start or you turn the key and nothing happens or the key itself will not turn?

 

[PGreen923]

It is the key itself, it doesn't want to turn. I've tried a couple different keys, original and remake, but to no avail. The engine is fine, starts immediately once I get the key to turn. Sorry about the vagueness.

 

[JLEONARD]

I had to replace mine a few years ago when it started acting up in a similar manner... after only a few times of being a PIA it quit altogether.

I removed the key lock section and used a screwdriver to start it for a few days until I could get all the parts from the dealer.

Then I had the tumbler changed by a locksmith to match the old ones so I didn't have two keys.

Not too bad a job really. You'll need the tamper-proof torx bit (I forget the right size).

If you search the archives you'll find threads from a year or so ago that go thru the details.

 

[Don Tanklage]

i am waiting for this to happen to my truck



the key practically falls out in any position (run, start, and off, where it is supposed to come out)



my '92 dakota was like that too



handy if you forgot your coffee in the morning and want to leave the truck running while you run back inside but also makes it easy to lock yourself out of your running truck!



lol - no i have not done that with THIS truck... ... . yet



do they all end up this way or do i have the only 2 in the country like this? (lol)



don

 

[JLEONARD]

No my key never was able to just come out.

The diecast housing on mine was what cracked and would wedge inside the outer housing so it couldn't rotate.

Nothing to do with the tumbler portion.

 

[MEby]

handy if you forgot your coffee in the morning and want to leave the truck running while you run back inside but also makes it easy to lock yourself out of your running truck!





don

You can pull the key out of my truck with the key in one way, if I rotate it 180 degrees I cant remove it. and it works that way with the original key only.