Ignition switch stuck

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

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.)

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

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.

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.

I tried to move it from Park to Neutral and was unable to move the shifter.

Does this change the diagnoses?

You did step on the brake before trying to move the shifter? Let me know as this may change things.

Yes....I stepped on the brake before trying to move the shifter to "N".

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?

drove to store. got back in to go home. I can not turn the ignition. Its locked

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