Hi, my name is Abigail and I am having problems with my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I can not turn my key in the ignition. The steering wheel lock does not seem to be engaged. The car will start with my automatic starter, but even with the car started the key will not turn. I have tried jiggling the key, moving the steering wheel, and applying pressure to the gear shift. Nothing is working. Please send me your ideas! Help!!

 

My 98 Cherokee is doing the same thing every once in a while. I usually move the tilt up and down and that frees it up. Maybe need a new ignition but don't quote me on that. Somebody who really knows will jump in here I'm sure. I am interested to see the answer as well.

 

Have yo tried to spray a little penetrating oil into the switch. Also if you have a spare key and see if it work. If you are lucky it's the key and it has been worn out. If not it does sound like you may have to change out switch or maybe the internals of the steering column have come loose or broke. Just a few things to try. Good Luck.

 

I did also try oil and a different key. Both do not work

 

Ok so I google searched this problem and found the same issue on a wrangler.
Here is the link to the jeep forum board it was discussed on. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ke...nition-655409/

basicly you need to take it to a locksmith and have the lock cylinder changed out. For the part just go to any of the major auto parts sites.. advance, oreilly or napa and enter your vehicle info and search for lock cylinder. Should be about 65 or 70 bucks for a new one. OR .. If you are lucky the locksmith can repair the one you have. Either way you may have to take it to a smith because I don't know if you can change it without the key being in the "on" position.

 

My '98 does this occasionally.I take a heavy object & beat the part the key goes into & it usually works.If not,repeat.

 

My '02 Wrangler did this for awhile. Unfortunately, I just kept jiggling it and otherwise effing with it to get it to turn, until the day that no amount of trickery worked. Because I didn't have the luxury of waiting for an online purchase to get to me, I had a buddy take me to the Jeep dealership for a new one.

$172.00!!! Pound-for-pound, one of the most expensive car parts I've ever bought. The Grand Prize winner was the replacement headlight switch I once bought for a 1991 Mazda RX-7 I had. $364.00!!

If you have the option, buy a new lock cylinder from www.rockauto.com or www.partsgeek.com and then take it to any local locksmith to get it keyed to your existing key.

Rock Auto has one for $45.79
It's Dorman brand with a part number of 924703.

 

I had this happen on my 99. A friend reminded me that AAA has a locksmith deal.

I called AAA and they sent out a locksmith and replaced the lock for a very reasonable price.

The important fact for AAA to cover the cost is that the jeep is not drivable cause the key will not turn. If the key turns they will not cover it.

I got lucky with the lock jamming in the driveway.

Whacking the key only works a few times then you are really stuck as you can not get the lock to turn to replace it.

 

Every once in a while my cherokee does this too. cause is unknown. But i usually turn wheel side to side and play with the wheel a little bit, sometimes it allows me to turn key in matter of seconds and sometimes it takes a little longer. Goodluck

 

Jeep Cherokee 2001
I had a key that I had to thump with my hand half the time to be able to turn for about a year. Finally I waited too long and it would not move. I tried all the tricks with lube and a hammer but in the end I took a pliers and forced it to turn to start. It now works fine. Im sure something is bent out of shape in the cylinder now but I dont care!

Note I used the pliers on the rim of the cylinder, not the key! Dont break your key. I had clear contact to the edge after taking off the steering column casing and a black plastic clip.

 

This would have been good to know... six years ago.

 

Question; why did you search to restore a prehistoric thread instead of starting a new one? I find it amusing that nobody blew the lady off for being in the wrong section like they do today.