Let me start by saying it is very cold where i live, highs in the negatives. 1998 ram 2500, i have never had any trouble with this truck other than general stuff ( brakes, ball joints,etc.). This morning i went to start it and i had trouble with the key turning, messed around with the steering wheel and finally it started. I went back out this afternoon to try to start it again and i never could get the key to turn. So, could it be from the cold and something is frozen or is there a mechanism inside the steering column that could have gone bad. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Ignition switch is fully self-contained. Try wiggling the shifter as well...... try and turn the key. If that doesn't help, replace the ignition switch. (its right up in the column. Pull the covers, there it is.

 

thanks "hey you", are you talking the entire ignition, i read a past post from here where a guy had a 2500 diesel that was doing the same thing and he said something was wrong with the tumbler, almost like he was using the wrong key. Can i replace the ignition switch without removing the steering wheel. thanks in advance. Mike

 

I have an ignition switch with a key if you're interested. Just pm me

 

Don't know.... Grab the 01 service manual. Should tell ya in there.

 

It could be part of the steering wheel lock. Try turning the steering wheel one way or the other when it feels like it won't turn.