99 Grand Caravan - key won't turn in ignition.

[monroebz]

Hi - I've run into this infamous problem for the second time. I bought this car new and it currently has 90k on it. First time I hit issue it had around 50k and was under warranty. The symptoms are that the key sporadically won't turn in the ignition. Tried flipping 180, tried all 3 keys, tried jerking around steering wheel. I can get it to work by tapping key while it is in ignition. I think everybody knows about that one. Since I'm out of warranty should I expect anything out of Dodge? I can't find a recall. By using the tap method am I hurting anything?

I appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks

[Bear]

Ah yes I remember it well. You need a new key lock cylinder. I had this issue and it was a PITA in fact getting the key lock cylinder out was a PITA. Remove shroud arouund the steering column, put key in lock and turn to on (if it will not go to on, start tapping the lock cylinder and key until it goes to on), once key is in the on position look under the lock cylinder and you will see a plastic or metal piece protruding from the cylinder, push this in while pulling out on the key until the cylinder comes out. Take cylinder to dealer parts department (along with a weeks wages) and purchase a new cylinder. If you are lucky, I was, the parts person MAY rekey the cylineder for your for free. This happened on myNEON and the lock cylinder was about $90.00.

[RIP]

Might try some dry graphite powder lubricant first. Might save some hassle.

[monroebz]

Thanks Bear. Do you know if I'm doing damage to it by tapping on the key to get it to run? I guess I'm trying to understand what's holding it back - pins I presume. I don't really have the time to go argue my case with dealer now so if I can nurse it for a while I will. I did add a bit of wd-40 to the key and turned car on and off a few times last night. It doesn't seem to be locking on my wife today but she said she had to slide the key in hard. She has a small rubber handled screwdriver in the glove box to tap the key if it won't turn again.

Thanks again. Pretty lame that I've had this happen 2x in 90k.

[Bear]

Just farstalls the inevitable, tumblers are shot.