Another mini story in the saga of my truck: Ignition key does not want to turn forward. Some times I have to sit there and jiggle it before I can turn it to ignition. It will turn back just fine….pull out, go in….some times go forward…but most of the time these days….it sticks there…needing to be jiggled…..like a naughty little truck…before I can turn it on….

Any ideas?

 

Sounds like the "tumblers" in the ignition switch are sticking. I believe there are little "rollers" in there that are strategically placed to be pushed out of the way when you insert the key and allow the ignition to turn.

First question is how old is the key you have? Sometimes new keys are not cut just right and can be sticky.
The next time it sticks, try pulling the key out a little and then turn. (im talking like 1/16" to 1/8") very little but may work and can diagnose a key issue.
If that dosent work, give a shot of silicone lubricant in there. ONLY A SHOT. then stick the key in and out a bunch and cycle the key a few times to lube it good.

 

Is the steering wheel ever locked when the key won't turn? Try turning the steering wheel as you turn the key.

 

thanks again folks.....the steering wheel was locked once...but I turnd it a bit as I did the key like you said....it workd....most of the time the steering is fine though....I think the key I have is the original...I got a spair key when I bought the truck...but it does not work in the door or the ignition...looks like it should from the way it is cut...but just wont work...think its a bad cut.....ill try the key manipulation route, move it a bit, see if that helps. Maybe the silicone.....is DW40 silicone? prob not....should I use that or no? I hear it can be the wrong thing to use in many cases...

 

get a small can (like 4 ounces) of "Silicone Spray Lube" It will work better and last longer than WD40 and it wont run and drip as much because its thicker.

Any autoparts store

 

My .02 is to use graphite powder-no run or no mess--just a "poof" in any cylinder & cycle it a few times works wonders. Plus if you use it in any outside lock it's not going to freeze in cold weather.

 

on my 89 i start it, pull the key out and leave it run. it's great for beach parties because i can turn on the stereo and put the key in my pocket.

 

LOL!! Well that ain't worn out at all!

What does someone have to do to get their ignition cyl that worn out? Cause that would awesome!

 

Ive had a couple cars like that. Usually on my broncos. I have a cylinder set for the dakota thats that worn out. I replaced it with my parts trucks. The spring doesnt work in it either, so if you hit a large enough bump while driving the truck turns off.

They are super easy to replace, and honestly not as expensive as youd guess. Just swap it out.

 

the great thing about it slt is that whatever position you put it in, acc or run you can't change it without the key. the stereo in it plays cd's, sd cards, i-pods, and usb drives. i put an 8 gig card in it and let it play.