1999 Van

JERIANN

MEMBER
1999 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
195,000 MILES

The key will not turn to start car

Thursday, January 20th, 2011 AT 9:14 PM

5 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,874 POSTS

Tug on the steering wheel to either side. If it is parked and turned off while the steering wheel is off-center, it will put pressure on the ignition switch.

Caradiodoc

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 7:34 PM

JERIANN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So do I take the van to a shop or a locksmith?

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 7:41 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,874 POSTS

How are you going to get it there if you can't start it? Did you try turning the steering wheel a little?

If you normally have to press the brake pedal to let the ignition switch turn, check for a blown fuse.

Caradiodoc

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 7:54 PM

JERIANN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

My van is starting now. But it locks up once in while. If I turn the steering wheel it bangs and then lets me turn the key

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 7:58 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,874 POSTS

It sounds like the steering column is putting pressure on the lock cylinder. That's actually pretty common. When you turn it off, watch to be sure you've let go of the steering wheel first so it's free. It doesn't have to be straight ahead, just relaxed.

If that doesn't seem to be the problem, many newer vehicles require the brake pedal to be pressed before the ignition switch will turn. Intermittent contacts in the brake light switch can cause the lock to not release.

Caradiodoc