Key won't turn in ignition

[John Scoggins]

Don't want to risk getting stuck somewhere for longer than a few minutes.

Don't blame you, you will need to turn the ignition to get the cylinder out (without drilling). When I replaced mine I got a Dorman lock cylinder from Autozone, it comes with the parts to key it so that it will work with your current key. I found a few videos showing how to change the tumblers(?) it is not hard once you start.

 

[theRealCrazy]

Can you post the link for the replacement cylinder you used? Found one on Amazon. Just wanted to check. My 01 has finally locked up completely. Can't turn key at all. I think a few days of below avg temps may have contributed. Thanks.

Here is the one I used:
APDTY 035814 Ignition Lock...

 

[Cornbread]

Mine is an automatic and has this weird quirk with the shifter. I have to push it in park and then some to activate the cable that allows the key to be turned. Swore up and down it was the ignition/tumbler.

 

[JW-RGV]

Thanks!

Here is the one I used:
APDTY 035814 Ignition Lock...

 

[John Scoggins]

Mine is an automatic and has this weird quirk with the shifter. I have to push it in park and then some to activate the cable that allows the key to be turned. Swore up and down it was the ignition/tumbler.

That could be the problem also, maybe JW-RGV can try it in /neutral to see if that is the issue first before going for the lock cylinder if he has an auto.

 

[JW-RGV]

I watched the "how to" video. Should be simple enough. I think I'll be able to get it to turn since it has been an intermittent problem (hopefully). I appreciate the input.

Don't blame you, you will need to turn the ignition to get the cylinder out (without drilling). When I replaced mine I got a Dorman lock cylinder from Autozone, it comes with the parts to key it so that it will work with your current key. I found a few videos showing how to change the tumblers(?) it is not hard once you start.

 

[JW-RGV]

I have manual trans. Pretty sure it is the cylinder based on how it has been happening. Also, not a steering lock issue.

 

[cruzcode]

I have an 2002 that is doing the same thing. My wife grabbed the rig yesterday and took it to work, and ended up stranded.

I took the covers off the column, grabbed security Torx drivers to remove the underside of the cylinder, and when I did a two inch spring popped out and is gone. Dang it. So I’m going to need to figure out what I’ve disassembled and how it goes back together. Any input is appreciated.

I’ll try the knife/two pin near collar approach as mentioned in the thread. I do want to retain the factory key settings though, for all of the reasons mentioned.

I’ll circle back after I dig into this a bit...

 

[Fonz54]

I had a similar issue but the key would not turn. I tried several times. Then finally pulled the key out of the ignition before I broke it. Once I pulled it out I realized I was trying to start my TJ with the key from my '06 Commander. Didn't mean to high jack the thread, but I was feeling a little giddy after reading the Tire Size post that got into ant penis size......A mind is a terrible thing to waste.....too much Orange Barrel and Micro Dot back in the day I guess.

 

[Actormike]

I wanted to chime in since this post comes up high on Google searches. Our 2004 with 100k miles started intermittently sticking and then frequently and then got to where it wouldn't turn unless you did the tap key trick.

I'm not a fan of many cheap replacement parts and love to keep the OEM part when possible. I actually removed the ignition cylinder and sprayed throttle body cleaner in it and the amount of black dirt that came out was mind-blowing. Long story short, the key works again like brand new. I shot a quick video that shows what I did. I saw another post somewhere while researching where the guy soaked his in brake fluid, but I found that to be unnecessary in my case. The plunger has definitely been freed by the cleaning.

 

[LONGJP2]

For anyone else finding this thread with a search.
Hitting the end of the key does sometimes allow the key to turn.
After that, I would replace the cylinder and/or ignition switch ASAP.

 

[Actormike]

After that, I would replace the cylinder and/or ignition switch ASAP.

Before replacing it with an aftermarket part, try cleaning the OEM ignition cylinder. I did that and it works like new again. You can see in my video how dirty it was, no wonder the plunger was stuck. It's a win/win. Retain the OEM Part and save 40 bucks in parts.

 

[ChrisTJ98]

I'm running into issues where one key works great for the doors and the ignition and still hangs up a little in ignition sometimes. The other keys will either work just in the doors or just in the ignition. I've ordered a Strattec brand ignition kit which comes with the tumblers. I was told its all made in Mexico which is better than China in my opinion. I re-keyed some full doors here and plan to make a video re-doing the ignition. My father drove the Jeep for a while and is known to be quite ruff on yanking the key out so I bet the tumblers are pretty messed up.
Thanks for commenting as I think its time for me to go into this ignition and pull it apart.