Hi folks. I have been lurking here off and on, and read some great stuff that saved me some $, but I could not find anything to help out with this problem.

2001 Dakota quad, 4.7 liter 5spd. about 88,000 miles. Bought new in November of 2000.

Last week the ignition switch decided to not turn while parked. I first thought it was just a glitch, but it has happened a couple more times.

I then thought maybe the key was worn, so I got my two spare keys, both almost never used. One was a spare I got from the dealer when I picked the truck up, it still has his lot tag on it and has not been used by me more than 3 or 4 times, if that.

That key also has this problem, as does the flat spare I have for keeping hidden on the truck, also not used much.

All keys work fine in the door locks.

So I think I need to replace the ignition switch, and maybe the door locks as well if I want to use one key for all. Unless some thing else could be causing this.

This is my only vehicle, so I need to be able to start it reliably. I am now forced to leave a key in the switch in the first position you turn it to, so that I can start the truck without messing around with it for a few minutes to get past the lock, with the fear that at some point I will not be able turn it at all while miles from home.

I checked the PDF manual that can be downloaded and it seems to indicate that the entire steering column needs to be replaced. After looking at the manual, I do not have the time, tools or skill to do it myself. I am not paying to have a dealer or mechanic do it, not after paying over $2000 to have the posi replaced last year, I'll get a new truck first.

Has anyone else run into this and how did you fix it?

 

are you certain that would dont have the steering wheel locked as well? this will cause a stiff ignition if i remember correctly. even so get some lock and key graphite lubricant and run it into the ignition and run the key in and out of it to start lubricating all the pins inside of it.

 

+1 on making sure the steering wheel isn't locked. (Turn the wheel in each direction, hold it in between where it stops rotating, and than try again).
I have this "problem" with my new Toyota. Got in it one morning, it did this, and I thought "F**k!!" But than turned the wheel, and fixed.

 

yea sounds like your steering wheel is locked

 

i agree just make sure there is not tension on the steering wheel lock before turning the key, and the use some of the graphite key lubricant on it too can never hurt

 

The wheel is definitely not locked. In fact I have locked it while trying to get the key to turn, and THEN have to keep tension off the switch by holding the wheel off.

I'll try the graphite, you never know.

Has anyone else run into this?

 

i had that problem a while back, but i just hit the key into the column really hard bc i was getting mad at it, it fixed the problem and it hasnt happened since.

P.S. i dont recommend this method in any way shape or form.

 

I had the same problem, I had tried every thing. and steering was not locked either.
A friend of mine with a repair show suggested, I rock the truck back and forth.
it may have something to do with the transmission / pedal lockout
I have a plow installed so I lifted the plow off the ground, and rocked the truck.
to my surprise, the key turned normal, and was ok after that.,
just one more thing to try

 

Is there any play in your shifter? If the shifter isnt all the way in park, you wont be able to turn the ignition. Try to mess with the shifter, you may have to hold it all the way up in park to get it they key to turn.

 

Are you absolutely sure that you have to replace the entire colum? The ingnition on my wife's 2001 caravan locked up as well. I had to get it towed home, but I was able to buy just the lock cylinder at the local napa for $76. Installing it tomorrow.