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1999 Plymouth Voyager Key Won't Turn

1999 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
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BRYLIGA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I cannot get the key to turn in my 99 plymouth voyager minivan. it acts like it is locked. the van is in park. however, yesterday the brake light came on...i've had the brakes worked on withing the past 3 weeks. the van has about 112,000 miles on it. could it be low brake fluid? if so, where do i add more brake fluid? i could not find a cap labeled "brake fluid" when ii popped the hood. Please help!!!
thanks for your time-
bryliga
Mar 20, 2006 at 2:33 AM
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VANDRAGON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 298 POSTS
the brake fluid would have nothing to do with the ignition switch. as for the switch locked, try moving the steering wheel up and down if it is adjustable. and try turning or jerking the wheel hard left or right while trying to turn the key. at 112,000 the ignition tumblers or the key could be worn down! the brake master cylinder is on the drivers side at the top of the engine compartment. the fluid is plastic lite tan in color and has a removeable cap on top at the front.
if you wipe the plastic container off with a paper towel you should be able to see the level of the fluid. it is below the seam in the middle of the container it's too low. fill it only half way between the seam and the top. if that don't work, take it back to whom ever worked on it and make them fix it. provided you can get it to start!
Mar 20, 2006 at 4:54 AM
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BRYLIGA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
you solved 2 problems for me-
the jerking the steering wheel while turning the ignition unlocked the tumbler-
also-
the brake fluid is low so i need to add more-
do you know what kind of brake fluid the voyager needs?

i know little to nothing about cars/vans-
thanks for the help-
saved me quite a bit of $$$ to have it towed and worked on.

i will be getting the dealer to make a new key cuz i think this one is probably worn down a bit-

again-
thanks so much for the time and advice

bryliga
Mar 20, 2006 at 11:42 AM
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RAYHUT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 134 POSTS
any DOT 3 break fluid will work
Mar 20, 2006 at 8:08 PM
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Suggested Repair

Rock or firmly turn the steering wheel left and right while turning the key to release a locked ignition. If the key or tumblers are worn at high mileage, have a new key made. Low brake fluid is unrelated to the ignition but should be checked in the light tan master-cylinder reservoir on the driver's side at the top of the engine compartment; if below the middle seam, add DOT 3 brake fluid only to halfway between the seam and the top, and return it to the shop that recently serviced the brakes if the level stays low.

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Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Plymouth Voyager could not turn the key even though the van was in park, and also noticed a brake light after recent brake work. An expert said brake fluid does not affect the ignition and advised moving or firmly turning the steering wheel while turning the key, noting the key or tumblers may be worn. The owner confirmed that method unlocked the ignition and planned to have a new key made. The expert located the master-cylinder reservoir and said to add fluid if it is below the middle seam; another expert said any DOT 3 brake fluid is suitable.

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