Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

Shilly

Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« on: March 16, 2006, 11:03:56 AM »

I went to leave for work the other morning and found that my ignition key won't turn in the ignition. It feels like there's a detent pin or something that will not release to let the key rotate.Ã‚Â I've used three different keys (including the original) with no difference. It did turn once and was as smooth as silk, unfortunately, I was jiggling it at the time and it locked again. I've tried spraying lubricant into the cylinder and every combination of jiggling, twisting, pulling and wiggling I can think of to get the blasted thing to release.Ã‚Â Any ideas would be helpful, since I can't release/remove the lock cylinder until it's in the ACC or On position. TIA...

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ebewley

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ZUKIWORLD Online, Editor

Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2006, 11:08:19 AM »

Quote from: Shilly on March 16, 2006, 11:03:56 AM

I went to leave for work the other morning and found that my ignition key won't turn in the ignition. It feels like there's a detent pin or something that will not release to let the key rotate.Ã‚Â I've used three different keys (including the original) with no difference. It did turn once and was as smooth as silk, unfortunately, I was jiggling it at the time and it locked again. I've tried spraying lubricant into the cylinder and every combination of jiggling, twisting, pulling and wiggling I can think of to get the blasted thing to release.Ã‚Â Any ideas would be helpful, since I can't release/remove the lock cylinder until it's in the ACC or On position. TIA...

Is it an automatic? There is a cable actuated lock out associated with that.

-Eric

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Eric L. Bewley
Editor, ZUKIWORLD Online

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Shilly

Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2006, 11:14:51 AM »

Whoops, left out the details, didn't I?

'91 4WD with 5spd, no mods to the steering, etc..

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beercheck

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Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2006, 11:20:16 AM »

Does turning/wiggling the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key make any difference?

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'03 ZR2 2dr Tracker, '02 XL-7 drivetrain and electrcs
XL-7 front coils
1.5" rear coil spacers
Monroe 32316 shocks w/2" extenders
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Shilly

Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2006, 11:33:02 AM »

Nope, I ended up having to disassemble the turn signal/wipers combo switch and the ignition assembly in order to move it and release the Taurus from garage prison. The column is still in place, but the lock mechanism is hanging off the column.

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kymike

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Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2006, 06:35:26 PM »

u have a tracker or a samurai

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urbanwheeler

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Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2006, 06:43:34 PM »

I have had that exact same thing happen, but it was on a 1992 geo metro (same ignition). I have found that on these, the key wont turn if you push on the key while it is in the lock position. I think this is caused by wear, but I am pretty sure it should turn if you turn it slightly(enough to keep the key from pulling out) and pull on the key lightly. it should turn. If it doesnt, then it is something else is wrong with it.

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Runnin' it stock with 225/75R15s and an unmodified 8valve TBI motor (I need a doug thoroley header and a cam) (more power) (1.6 liters of madness) (vroom + sewing machine sounds)

92Sidekick4x4

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Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2006, 10:46:56 PM »

i had the same thing happen to me in my 92 sidekick. pull the key out slightly and turn it it should work

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my lug nuts require more torque then my engine makes

Shilly

Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn

« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2006, 05:18:47 AM »

Thanks for all the help guys, but it looks like it's thrashed. I have a line on a potential replacement switch, but it's got the same problem, just not as bad (some replacement!!

) At least I can drive it now; just have to be careful where I park it since there's not really a lock on the ignition. If I come across the magic bullet I'll let y'all know.

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Shilly

Re: Ignition key cylinder stuck, won't turn--FIXED!!

« Reply #9 on: April 04, 2006, 11:57:52 AM »

At last, success!! Thanks to a neighbor who has some spare time and a lot of ingenuity, my Tracker is once again safe. We removed the ignition lock by Dremeling off part of the arch over the lock mechanism so we wouldn't have to remove the steering wheel. Then my crafty neighbor removed the tumblers, cleaned the mechanism, and reassembled everything. It ended up being a stuck tumbler in the keyway, BTW. Reassembly was a snap, except for a trip to the hardware store for two hex key-headed bolts to secure the lock mechanism to the column. Thanks to all for the support, thoughts and ideas; you guys are the best...

P.S. Anyone else in a similar predicament is welcome to IM me with questions, too

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