1999 Honda Odyssey Key won't turn in ignition

1999 HONDA ODYSSEY
140,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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PATRICK.CARLIN
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OK - before you tell me to turn the wheel back and forth, wiggle the key, etc., been there done that. Tried all 3 keys we have. Even jacked the van up to take pressure off the steering column. Free'd the shift to put it in neutral, then back in park. Nothing seems to free the key up.

It seems to me it's likely a stuck tumbler or worn assembly. So, anyone encountered similar, and or have any suggestions? Ideas to free a sticky tumbler? No, we have not had any problems with the key sticking or difficulty turning the key before...

Basically, I'm at a loss, and short of taking it to a dealership to have them fix it, I'm looking for suggestions.

Thanks!
Jan 6, 2008 at 2:50 PM
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JANPS
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Did you find an answer? I have a 2002 landrover and have the same problem. Its exasperating cause no one seems to have a solution that works.
Apr 16, 2008 at 8:15 AM
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PATRICK.CARLIN
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[quote:983a971b2d="janps"]Did you find an answer? I have a 2002 landrover and have the same problem. Its exasperating cause no one seems to have a solution that works.[/quote:983a971b2d]

What ended up working was spraying a small amount of WD-40 on the key, or in the ignition (careful, don't use much!), then working the key in and out of the ignition, while trying to turn the key each time. Eventually, it worked loose, and we haven't had the problem since!

Hope that helps!
Apr 16, 2008 at 4:21 PM
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IAMSUSIE3
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Yeah, I have the same problem with my 2003 Honda Odyssey...Just happened one day out of the blue. I sprayed the WD40..didn't help. I got my husbands compressor and sprayed air in the key hole....didn't help.

Since it started sticking, a few people have accidentally taken the key out and I panic because it takes me forever if even then to get it to turn again.

My 12 year old daughter takes over and after about 5-10 minutes, she gets it working again. So I never, ever, take it out. Yes, I leave the key in wherever we go. Last night, I took the kids to the movies and I said make sure ya'lls doors close...the automatic sliding doors get stuck often and re-open...anyway, I didn't do a double check and walked inside, got the kids settled, and left. I came back 2 hours later to get them and Mr. Police officer starts walking towards me... I asked him if he was going to yell at me for parking crooked...I took up 2 spots, sort of.
(Hey, it was 12:15 am and there weren't very many cars!) He said, "No, I'm gonna yell at you for something else. Your passenger middle door was wide open and you left your key in the ignition." I told him I had to or else I couldn't get it back in. He told me that was illegal...UGH!!! So anyway, I showed him which kid left the door open and he attempted to handcuff her...lots of fun. HA I'm sure my car is now targeted and they will be looking to see if I have fixed it. Nope, can't afford it. Oh weill. Any suggestions?
Jul 25, 2009 at 2:38 PM