ignition lock cylinder failed STUCK!

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sat Jul 08, 2006 1:37 pm

Anyone have this happen to them yet? I was doing errands, and get back into the KJ, only to find my key wouldn't turn the ignition. VERY FRUSTRATING! (YES, OF COURSE I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO RELEIVE TENSION. AND YES, I JIGGLED THE AUTO SHIFTER TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN P)

It happened once before while off roading, but just for a moment. I hadn't notices even slight hang ups with it since. But since this time I was really stuck, once I got it to work (see below), I drove it right to the dealer for replacement. $145 for part, 190 for labor, plus 25 to key it to existing keys. With an extra key and an oil change, it was a $400 day! There's my locker!!! OUCH

I figured it was better to replace it now, without needing a tow, than after I was stuck on a trail somewhere FAR FAR from a dealership (with my kids in the back seat, no doubt).

Anyway, the trick that worked to get it to start, was to put the key in the ignition, then reach in and rest a screwdriver on the key's metal shaft, then tap hard on the other end of the screwdriver. The idea is that the tumblers that aren't falling in to place, will fall into place. it worked!

2003 with 54k miles. Lots of stop and go. But still, seems pre-mature for lock cylinder failure.

BlackOps · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 12:36 am

Mine constantly got stuck trying to turn it off and get the key to release. Took it in and they said it was fixed. Started happening again the next day. Waited like six months running around with it intermittingly getting stuck. Regularly leaving the key in it and just carrying the key fob around. I know I know but I live in Central Illinois.

Finally lost my patience on my Birthday (3/17/06) of all things I left the keys and the key fob in the ignition and somehow (no I wasnt drunk) the door got locked. Took it to the dealer and said fix this or Im gonna kill someone.

--BlackOps

corwyyn · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 1:16 am

Wow, I've got 55k on my '03 and haven't had a bit of trouble (probably not good to say it out loud with the KJ sitting only 30 ft away). Hope you don't have to go thru this again :shock:

dirtykj · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:31 am

Mine started not giving the key back to me. Mike R who works at Jeep dealer checked it out and said it had to do with the interlock cable. He wiggled the cable and it worked OK for a while, but it started to get stuck again. When I took it in to the dealer I guess they took the floor console apart and cleaned and lubed everything really well. It's been working OK again.

Just saying, maybe bring the Jeep in and mention the interlock cable in the steering column?

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 7:38 am

Not giving you the key back is a totally different problem than not allowing the key to turn and start. My problem left me stranded! It's like being locked out but WITH your keys in hand!

Hopefully, it was just a bad lock cylinder and I'm good now. BETTER BE after $400!

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 12:47 pm

AdamIsAdam wrote:

Not giving you the key back is a totally different problem than not allowing the key to turn and start. My problem left me stranded! It's like being locked out but WITH your keys in hand!

Hopefully, it was just a bad lock cylinder and I'm good now. BETTER BE after $400!

It cost you $400 to get that thing replaced!! That used to happen to an old work truck I drove sometimes. We ended up changing keys and it worked just fine. I guess some of the teeth wear away on it and will not let it turn.

waddy whiteguts · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 1:48 pm

On two of my cars I had the same thing happen though with higher mileage than yours. I couldn't turn the key on and start the car. A half hour of spraying silicone into the lock and sliding the key in and out, turning it etc. while wiping the key down with a rag and spraying more silicone fixed it up for me, no problems since. I just kept at it until the key came out perfectly clean. The issue with both mine I'm sure is that the tumblers were dirty and sticking and not falling down onto the key. I've had no issues with my KJ though... $400 ouch!

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:27 pm

145 for the part. 190 for basic labor. 25 to key the lock. a few buck for the extra key (as long as they were cutting). Plus tax, plus the oil change while it was there. $400.

DaveKJ02 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:41 pm

Guess its too late now, but, did you try spraying graphite powder into your ingnition lock to lube the tumblers? Dont use any oil (or silicone like recommended above), just graphite! Oil will gum up with any trace of dirt and make things worse.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:53 pm

DaveKJ02 wrote:

Guess its too late now, but, did you try spraying graphite powder into your ingnition lock to lube the tumblers? Dont use any oil (or silicone like recommended above), just graphite! Oil will gum up with any trace of dirt and make things worse.

I head that one from someone else. I guess it would have been nice to try, but given the circumstances, I felt I would be best off replacing it. Next time I'll try the graphite powder. Where do you get it?

DaveKJ02 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 10:46 pm

AdamIsAdam wrote:

I head that one from someone else. I guess it would have been nice to try, but given the circumstances, I felt I would be best off replacing it. Next time I'll try the graphite powder. Where do you get it?

You can get it at most hardware stores, hobby shops, or at any cub scout pinewood derby race-look for the kid with the fastest car.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 10:57 pm

DaveKJ02 wrote:

AdamIsAdam wrote:

I head that one from someone else. I guess it would have been nice to try, but given the circumstances, I felt I would be best off replacing it. Next time I'll try the graphite powder. Where do you get it?

You can get it at most hardware stores, hobby shops, or at any cub scout pinewood derby race-look for the kid with the fastest car.

Haha, we used to run these little wood cars at church and I always used that stuff.

Take some lead from a pencil and run over it a couple of times, then you have graphite powder!

ignition lock cylinder failed STUCK!

Who is online