Key Won't Turn, Any Ideas?
 

I have an 2006 4x4 V6 Auto Dakota, and this morning when I went to leave for work, the key would not turn at all. It's never had ignition problems before (which is surprising, considering it has all sorts of OTHER random problems). It almost feels like the key isn't going in all the way. The steering wheel has play, I've tried jiggling the key around, I've tried using the meat of my plam as a sort of gentle hammer, I've even tried spraying a small amount of lubricant into the cylinder but nothing has helped. The key will not turn forward or back, and I cannot shift the truck out of park, so towing might be a problem. It's a relatively new key, as the buttons fell out of the attached remote last year and I had it replaced. I would love to get it started (or at least into neutral) so I can get it to the dealer.

Some of the trucks other random problems include occasional lifter ticking for a few seconds on startup (doesn't matter if it's summer or winter), the other day the check engine light came on for a whole day, although the truck wasn't running any differently, and then went off. The radio was occasionally losing power for a second or two, but that may be because it's aftermarket. One morning it started, died, wouldn't start for a few minutes (just cranked so I let it sit for about 5 mins), then started up and ran fine. I doubt any of these other issues are related but I figured I'd list them in case they are. If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them.

Thanks!

Try to pull up the shifter lever up with your left hand and turn the key!

Steering wheel is probably locked, you will need to grab and turn the wheel and turn the key at the same time

Do the 05' have an steering wheel lock :icon_denk:?

I know my 07' doesn't have one..:icon_shrug:.

my 06 has one and i agree thats prolly why the key wont turn

Mine does. When I shut the truck off and take the key out, the wheel is locked and cant be turned. Sometimes if its turned a little you cant get the key in or out or the key wont turn until I wiggle the wheel back and forth. But just about every vehicle I've owned does that sometimes if you shut the engine off when the wheel in a bind.

Your 07 better... :D Mine does. You have to crank it a good bit for it to lock.

My 2005 has a steering lock, but it only happens when you shut the truck off and crank the wheel over. When this happens you have to kinda turn the wheel a little in order to turn the key.

He is in MI, and its been real cold the past few days... it is possible it was just frozen. (ask Badstrat about that. lol)

LMAO, that sucks. Remedy = pushing it into a heated garage with the other dak or waiting till summer ;)