3rd Gen Ram Tech 2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Key will not trun

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 2, 2010 | 11:41 PM
  #1  
josie1992's Avatar
josie1992
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default Key will not trun

The key will not turn in my 2004 dodge ram. I have tried every thing from wiggling the steering wheel and turning it at the same time, using wd-40 in the key hole, tapping on it with a tack hammer, and spraying it out with canned air. I need this truck to get back and forth to work. My son used the truck at 2:30pm and when he went to use it at 7:00pm the key would not turn. I need some suggestions to fix it. I do not have alott of money and need to get to work. any help will be greatly appreciated. I live in minnesota and it is about -13 here could it be frozen?
thank you in advance I am so fustrated.
 

Last edited by josie1992; Jan 2, 2010 at 11:45 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2010 | 12:03 AM
  #2  
kx250frider617's Avatar
kx250frider617
Record Breaker
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From:
Default

same thing happened to me. its the tumbler. replace that or just have some of the pins removed so it can turn in the mean time.
 
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2010 | 12:05 AM
  #3  
kx250frider617's Avatar
kx250frider617
Record Breaker
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From:
Default

only problem now is that i can crank over the truck with any key, a screw driver, a quater, anything that will fit in the hole. The tumber has a bunch of pins that all line up with the grooves in the key. One of them might be stuck. A locksmith will be able to fix/ or remove some of the pins
 
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2010 | 12:43 AM
  #4  
Kamel87's Avatar
Kamel87
Professional
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Default

i had this same problem and it still happens every once in a while put the key in and the get a hammer and hit it into the keyhole gently and try it and just keep hitting it harder and harder till it turns. and oviously im not talking about a sledge hammer at full strength. it happened once and i called a tow truck the guy got out of the truck walk up to my car hit the key and was like have a nice day should work good luck
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 01:24 AM
  #5  
josie1992's Avatar
josie1992
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default Thank you all

Thank you all for your help. It turned out to be condensation in the key cylinder that had frozen. It ended up getting about -24 degrees here. I just took my blow dryer out to the truck and used it on the key hole for about 20 sec and then stuck the key in and it turned and fired right up. I then took the key out and put some alcohol in the key hole to dry up the condensation. so far have had no more problems with it. so thank you all for your suggestions
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 06:49 AM
  #6  
weedahoe's Avatar
weedahoe
Hall Of Fame
Hall of Fame Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,168
Likes: 23
From: South GA
Default

Sounds like its time for a garage to me. Glad you got it though.
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 07:20 AM
  #7  
LinerJoe's Avatar
LinerJoe
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Default

They make lock de-icer, it might be something to keep with you?

joe
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:20 PM.