Notice the silver tab on the bottom, that's the tab that will release the cylinder, if you can get it to run position.


EZ1

 

Thanks again EZ, I'll be back at it again tomorrow afternoon and let you know.

 

When your key won't turn, insert the key into the cylinder and smack the end of the key toward the cylinder 3 or 4 times, keep doing this until the key turns. It doesn't usually take that long to get it to go. When in the run position, depress the underneith tab and remove the cylinder from the column. Then it is up to you weather you replace it or try to clean it.

 

I actually tried again tapping a little harder with the hammer and did get it to turn. BUUT, even in the "RUN" position, with the pin/tab pushed in, the cylinder will not slide out. Any other suggestions?

 

To all, this happened to us with our 2000 Caravan about a month ago, after about a half hour it worked. I was just called by my wife about2 hours ago saying it happened again. Only she is almost 2 hours away. I imagine that I will have to replace the lock cylinder but I told her to try the WD40 trick to get it home. One interesting note is that the steering wheel is not locked. Thanks for this good info to get me "started" on fixing it.

 

I'm having the same problem with my 2002 caravan.
I have the ignition cylinder out, but can't take it apart.

 

have to turn it backwards like going to accessory and hold the brass pins on the end by the key down.