2000 Dodge Caravan Key will not turn the ignition

Tiny
GBADAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 189,000 MILES
My wife could not get the key to turn once inserted into the ignition. I have had a few cases where I would have to push the gear shift up a little when taking key "OUT" of the ignition periodically over the past couple of years, but have never had an issue with getting the key to turn the ignition. What could this be?
Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 2:31 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Could be a key that is a little too worn to properly work the tumbler, or a mechanical problem in the column. You will need to remove the plasctic cover on the column so that you can inspect it for any obvious failures or loose linkages.I have had to replace a few of these ignitons, but for other reasons than not turning. Have you tried a different key?
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 7:53 AM
Tiny
GBADAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, I tried 2 keys. I took the cover off and noticed that the two little collapsable pins on the sides of the ignition are not going in far enough to allow me to turn the key all the way over. Can I manually depress these to allow the key to turn past that point, hook up battery again and crank it? I imagine this means I need a new switch? I dont know
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Yes you can try pushing in the pins. Is the shifter moving all the way, allowing the key to turn? It is kind of hard to say, it might be a problem with the tumbler not the mechanical part of the switch. Will the key turn at all? If so try removing the tumbler assembly by pushing in the lock pin and see if you can work the mechanical part of theswitch without the tumbler in it.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 10:24 AM
Tiny
GBADAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you=) You have been most helpful!
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 1:05 PM

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