Two more problems - key won't turn and finding engine number
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,409
Likes: 4,214
From: Clayton MI
No, I don't...
And I'd be wary of buying one until I have this one out, one reason being that I'd need to look at this one once removed to compare to what I'm buying. But I'm thinking that my better course of action would be to take this one to a locksmith and have it attended to so that it no longer catches. Even if it means that other keys can work it.
And I'd be wary of buying one until I have this one out, one reason being that I'd need to look at this one once removed to compare to what I'm buying. But I'm thinking that my better course of action would be to take this one to a locksmith and have it attended to so that it no longer catches. Even if it means that other keys can work it.
Grand Champion
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,435
Likes: 578
What year is the van? I believe in 98 they changed the lock cylinders. The ones prior you can't get apart because they swedged the end. You have to get another one with a different key. I have two keys for my truck because of this.
Grand Champion
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 721
From: S.W. Indiana
Have I found the engine number?
This is stamped in the RHS engine mount bracket:
To get the van complianced for use in Australia I must produce a photo of the engine number, I looked online to find the location and it said two things - on a raised pad near the pan line at the front of the engine, no sign of that. On a Moparts thread there's said to be an etching at the top of the back of the block on the LHS. Other answers come up, most relating about impossible to read etching.
I must photograph this thing and I need to know where it is.
Next problem:
The key won't turn in the ignition any more. It's been getting to be a bit of a lottery when tried lately, now it's either impossible or it might work again if I live long enough.
Is this a common problem? Am I missing something?
This is stamped in the RHS engine mount bracket:
To get the van complianced for use in Australia I must produce a photo of the engine number, I looked online to find the location and it said two things - on a raised pad near the pan line at the front of the engine, no sign of that. On a Moparts thread there's said to be an etching at the top of the back of the block on the LHS. Other answers come up, most relating about impossible to read etching.
I must photograph this thing and I need to know where it is.
Next problem:
The key won't turn in the ignition any more. It's been getting to be a bit of a lottery when tried lately, now it's either impossible or it might work again if I live long enough.
Is this a common problem? Am I missing something?
What year is the van? I had a 2003 Ram 1500 with no turning of the key and it was the interlock lever inside the steering column. If the steering wheel isn't in a bind, this might be it.
Thread Starter
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Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 568
Likes: 8
From: The Summit, Queensland, Australia
Interesting, ol' grouch... but I don't think so...
Just to put this up again, it's a 1999 RAM1500 van, built in May 1999.
Is it possible to get a look at a workshop manual? I am determined to get this lock barrel out and not have to get a new one, but repair this one even it if means setting it up so any key works it.
I have inspected thoroughly all around the fitting and I see no point, apart from that tiny hole in the top, which gives any opportunity to press a plunger or something. I doubt that a locksmith would help with the removal, and there are no locksmiths within 90 miles of me.
Just to put this up again, it's a 1999 RAM1500 van, built in May 1999.
Is it possible to get a look at a workshop manual? I am determined to get this lock barrel out and not have to get a new one, but repair this one even it if means setting it up so any key works it.
I have inspected thoroughly all around the fitting and I see no point, apart from that tiny hole in the top, which gives any opportunity to press a plunger or something. I doubt that a locksmith would help with the removal, and there are no locksmiths within 90 miles of me.
Grand Champion
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 721
From: S.W. Indiana
Interesting, ol' grouch... but I don't think so...
Just to put this up again, it's a 1999 RAM1500 van, built in May 1999.
Is it possible to get a look at a workshop manual? I am determined to get this lock barrel out and not have to get a new one, but repair this one even it if means setting it up so any key works it.
I have inspected thoroughly all around the fitting and I see no point, apart from that tiny hole in the top, which gives any opportunity to press a plunger or something. I doubt that a locksmith would help with the removal, and there are no locksmiths within 90 miles of me.
Just to put this up again, it's a 1999 RAM1500 van, built in May 1999.
Is it possible to get a look at a workshop manual? I am determined to get this lock barrel out and not have to get a new one, but repair this one even it if means setting it up so any key works it.
I have inspected thoroughly all around the fitting and I see no point, apart from that tiny hole in the top, which gives any opportunity to press a plunger or something. I doubt that a locksmith would help with the removal, and there are no locksmiths within 90 miles of me.
I stopped by the U of Y to check with the perfessors. (Youtube.) I'm pretty sure your ignition switch is the same as the pickups. This is how I replaced the switch in my '96 Ram 1500 last year.
See if this helps. If you have RHD, it may be different but if you have an LHD van, it should be similar. I can't see the steering column being different on a van than a pickup.
Thread Starter
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Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 568
Likes: 8
From: The Summit, Queensland, Australia
It's different...
Look at my pictures and compare.
The pickup from the You Tube clip:
My pic from a similar angle:
However, as I noted in a previous post, there is some fiddling about with a tab of some sort and I think this might be the key to mine. BUT THIS CLIP DOESN'T SHOW IT!
If anyone can find the You Tube clip for the right one I'd be delighted. I've looked at many and they're all different.
Anywhere I should start looking for a downloadable workshop manual?
Oh, I forgot to mention, these vans were never made in right hand drive. And mine is, naturally enough, left hand drive.
Look at my pictures and compare.
The pickup from the You Tube clip:
My pic from a similar angle:
However, as I noted in a previous post, there is some fiddling about with a tab of some sort and I think this might be the key to mine. BUT THIS CLIP DOESN'T SHOW IT!
If anyone can find the You Tube clip for the right one I'd be delighted. I've looked at many and they're all different.
Anywhere I should start looking for a downloadable workshop manual?
Oh, I forgot to mention, these vans were never made in right hand drive. And mine is, naturally enough, left hand drive.
Thread Starter
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Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 568
Likes: 8
From: The Summit, Queensland, Australia
So the correct lock position for the pressing of the sprung hold-in piece is in the 'START' position...
Then it has to be turned, will still holding the pin down with a thin item (instructions were a 1/16" pin punch, I used a T10 screwdriver) the key has to be turned to the 'ON' position...
...and the lock withdrawn. It took e a few goes to get it right but I got it.
Note that the barrel is totally unlike any of those in the You Tube videos, or for sale on eBay?
It's now out...
It cost me money, but in desperation I went to 'Just Answer' online (I hated doing it and didn't expect to get the answer) and there we are.
My thanks to all who have tried to help, now it's up to a locksmith I guess.
Then it has to be turned, will still holding the pin down with a thin item (instructions were a 1/16" pin punch, I used a T10 screwdriver) the key has to be turned to the 'ON' position...
...and the lock withdrawn. It took e a few goes to get it right but I got it.
Note that the barrel is totally unlike any of those in the You Tube videos, or for sale on eBay?
It's now out...
It cost me money, but in desperation I went to 'Just Answer' online (I hated doing it and didn't expect to get the answer) and there we are.
My thanks to all who have tried to help, now it's up to a locksmith I guess.
Last edited by Ray Bell; Oct 31, 2025 at 12:08 AM.