I had moved my 98 ram 1500 out of the garage and my wife later went to use it and stuck her key in the ignition and she couldn't turn it...I tried my key and it also wouldn't turn the switch. I have tried everything I know to resolve the issue. Shaking the steering wheel, making sure the gear selector is in park,etc...Was told by a friend to spray a little wd-40 in the ignition and work the key in and out a few times....NOTHING !!! Took the bottom plastic off the column and noticed of course its electric not like the good ole days with the rod to the ignition switch.....HELP !!!!

 

could be possible you need a new ignition switch....

and you hae tried turning the wheel and doing it? ive found that when my steering wheel locks i have to move it a bit or the key wont turn at all.

 

Well my trucks steering wheel hasn't locked for quite some time but yes as I said I have tried that . It is just so frustrating that it works fine one minute and an hour later you can't turn the key. ...like someone switched your ignition switch and now you key won't turn the ignition anymore....thanks for trying

 

ive heard of recalls where something heats up and burns out something with the ignition switch.....maybe this could be problem??

just look up recalls and you'll find it

 

OK now after investigating even more, do I need a new switch or new tumbler set ? Switch is $79.00 and Keyed tumbler w/2 new keys is $100.00 Seems to me it needs new tumblers since it won't turn. Doesn't that make more sence ?????

 

^my dads 96 ram 1500 5.2 2wd had to get a new key set and ignition switch at 108K

 

Did some more research on line and found out Chrysler ignitions of all kinds have this problem because the factory grease put into the ignition tumblers hardens when it gets old and won't let the tumblers fall back in place....(Also it was very cold last night)simple solution is to place key in ignition and tap on the key with a rubber mallet a few good times....PROBLEM SOLVED !!!! At least for now, I'm up and running !!!!!

Thanks for everyones help !