Archived Key Won't Trn

[LHeugel]

UPDATE: Sorry this took so long. This is a 2003 Automatic. I finally had the truck towed to the dealership (Okeechobee, FL) and they told me they would have to take a screw driver and hammer and break the ignition mechansim. However, they might also break the steering column, which they would fix for $1500. I suggested they drill out the ignition mechanism, which they did. I took it to a locksmith and then it was replaced, all costing about $300.







Need help fast! The key will not turn in the ignition. It's like it is locked. Tried turning steering wheel back and forth. Still stuck. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[mcsinfl]

is it an automatic and are you sure it's completely in park. sometimes when I don't move the lever all the way, it looks like it's in park but needs to be moved a bit more or the key won't move

 

[LHeugel]

That's the problem. We don't know if it's in park because nothing is on, and we can't move the lever further up. It's an auto, ho.

 

[kenny61]

had the same problem on my 96 a few times keep playing with it and you can try a little lock lubricant

 

[Moe]

Turn key on, pull wheel hard to the left and pull shifter down. Sounds like its on a hard bind.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have replaced many lock cylinders for that condition. You can try a light spray lube to free it up then when it does turn pull the cylinder out and try a good cleaning and lube with a very light weight grease. I have a synthetic I use.

 

[JFought]

yea my 06 has done this a few times

 

[Missouri Mule]

On my 96 (5 spd) the key wasn't turning the igniton before I broke down and bought and ignition switch I tried a spare key it turned the ignition.

My two main keys(OEM) had worn out I had two new keys made from the spare.



By the way my main keys(worn out ones) still unlock the doors.

 

[LMace]

I had that happen twice not long after I bought my 98 auto a couple of years ago. The first time was on the road and I was trying to beat the weather. Luck and a lot of jiggling freed it up. The second time was a few weeks later at home where I could play with it.

With the key removed I thoroughly sprayed electronic contact cleaner inside through the little tube supplied with the can. Alternated that with trying the key till it seemed to work correctly. This was followed up by some aerosol lock lube. It has worked flawlessly since.

I don't know if a locksmith would cringe... but I figured I didn't have anything to loose.

Thanks for all the info here folks.
I'll have to see if I can figure out how to post a sig.