Ignition switch stuck

Tiny
RABAB
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 20 MILES
Hi, I have put the key into the vehicle but it will not start the car and now the key is stuck and will not come out. I tried turning the wheel and getting the key out but that will not work either. The vehicle has no signs or lights of it working and the key is not working. What should I do?
Sunday, January 7th, 2018 AT 7:51 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
Hello,

What happens in the lock gets jammed up which sometime you cannot get to come loose. I would try some WD40 in the lock and let it sit then work the key up and down back and forth to see if it will come out. If so see how the key works now that it has lube on it. If the key seems too far gone you will need to replace the ignition tumbler and switch. I do not think those cars have a chip in the key if it does the dealer will need to program it for you. Below are diagrams of the how the job is done.

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, January 8th, 2018 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
INSIGHTBYJAKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 JEEP CHEROKEE
My key will not turn the ignition. The key is in good condition, and I've tried it in two directions -- I've also tried the spare key. It appears the tumblers are not releasing. Any ideas on how to solve this? The car is in park; wheels are not turned much and I've tried the jiggling. Is replacing a lock cylinder difficult? It appears this is the problem -- as it has been acting up over time (sometimes you have to reverse the key to make it turn, now, nothing turns.)
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This is not complicated to replace however, I would try something first if the other keys are not turning it either.

Spray the key with WD 40 or some spray grease (white lithium grease) and put the key in and let it sit for a couple minutes. Then start working it back and forth and see if you can loosen it up.

More then likely it is just gummed up with dirt and this will help break it down. If it works loose then you will want to do this every other month or so. Just keep it lubricated and this won't happen again.

If this doesn't work then you will need to replace the cylinder with the attached process.

Here is a guide that will help with some other ideas as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Let us know what questions you have. Thanks
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DGBIRDIE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
The key cannot be turned either way to start the truck or to "ACC". The steering wheel is not locked and trying to turn it does not allow you to turn the key to start the truck.

Please provide any suggestions.
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
It sounds like a ignition lock cylinder problem. If nothing is locked up and the steering wheel is not putting pressure on it and the shifter is all the way in park then I would think it is the lock and tumbler in the key switch itself. Have you tried to move it from park to neutral and back to see if this changes anything? Hope this helps Thanks and have a great day.
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DGBIRDIE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I tried to move it from Park to Neutral and was unable to move the shifter.

Does this change the diagnoses?
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
You did step on the brake before trying to move the shifter? Let me know as this may change things.
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DGBIRDIE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes.I stepped on the brake before trying to move the shifter to "N".
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Sorry my bad if the key won't turn then you can't get it out of park. I had to go check on my wife's 99 G. Cherokee sorry. So no we are back at the original problem. Ok to remove it you need to be able to turn it and you can not so I am not sure how to help you to remove it so you can replace the Lock Cylinder. Have you tried to use some lock ease? If you can get it to turn then you can replace it otherwise you will need to get it to a shop to do it. The key is in good shape it isn't bent or anything is it?
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-2
Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
J SICKELS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Drove to store. Got back in to go home. I can not turn the ignition. Its locked
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
If you have a different key, try it. I've seen them actually wear out. If that doesn't work, chances are the tumbler is worn out.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM (Merged)

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