Greetings, all
My ignition key is reluctant -- or refuses -- to unlock the steering column and start the car. The key just won't turn. A squirt of DW40 two days ago let it ease over with a clunk but situation is getting worse. A ftrustrated bang on the wheel seemed to jar things loose yesterday. But very soon I will be stuck.
I called AAA (yeah yeah I know but I am old) and asked for a list of approved AAA locksmiths here. The person answering couldn't help. I asked if I should drive to a supermarket parking lot -- assuming the key will turn one last time -- and then call it in as roadside help. In my mind I could see her shrug and she sort of said yes. Idiot.
Does anyone have any advice for me?

If no advice, is this an issue for (a) a local garage (b) a Jeep dealer given that it's a chip key (c) a locksmith.
Thanks and be well

 

I would look at the shifter. A cable blocks the ignition mecanism on pupose if not in P.
mine was reluctant due to this mecanism.

 

ok,this is not how I normally fix things but.
I had same problem (2000 xj with chip key) a couple years ago. Lube (graphite) sorta helped but problem remained. Saw something on the dreaded internet that said to put key in and,without turning it', tap/lightly wack the key into the lock with a piece of wood or a rubber mallet- you're not trying to kill the thing.i did it a couple times and the lock/key has worked fine.ever since
DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. IT WORKED FOR ME BUT OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WAS OFF, THAT'S NOT HOW YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO START THE VEHICLE.
I do wonder if there was some piece of crud in there after 20 years that I squashed so the key went in the last little bit....pocket lint or whatever

 

Avoid WD-40 too. It has a tendency to turn gummy once the solvents dry up and make things worse.

 

thanks. will try both a strong tap into park and a strong tap on the key.

 

Do you have any pressure on the steering? For instance if you are on a hill and have the wheels turned to the curb, it can put pressure on the steering column and make it hard to turn the key. In that case you relieve the pressure by turning the wheel the opposite way and the key usually frees up.
On my 99 XJ, (not chipped) the ignition locked up and I could not turn the key even with different keys to the same lock. It finally freed up and I drove it home bought a new key lock from local autozone and replaced the factory key lock and have not had a problem since.