Ignition key will not unlock - stuck?

Tiny
BEACHMOM
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 54,000 MILES
Almost every time I put my Jeep in park and turn the key to turn the engine off, it will not turn all the way so I can pull the key out for a minute or two. I thought maybe it was the key so I tried using my other key but it doesn't make any difference.
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Monday, July 29th, 2013 AT 11:47 AM

23 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
The only thing I can think of is either the tumbler or there is a lever that goes from the tumbler to the ignition switch. Try to lube the tumbler to see if that helps. They make a special graphite grease for key cylinders. Most parts stores will have it. Try that first if not here are instructions on how to replace the ignition key tumbler in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, July 29th, 2013 AT 12:44 PM
Tiny
BEACHMOM
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  • 3 POSTS
I don't think that will fix it. I have to wait til I hear a click to be able to pull the key. It seems like a contact is not being made to unlock the key when the vehicle is shifted to park. The key is easily inserted and taken out easily with not sticking after the click.
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Monday, July 29th, 2013 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is it the park lock solenoid that is you hear clicking? Basically, can you shift it out of park without depressing the brake before the click is heard?
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Monday, July 29th, 2013 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
BEACHMOM
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No. I can't. Someone else suggested that either something sticky got spilled on the gear shift or the the WIN is gone. At 52,000 miles I can't imagine why that would be gone bad already.
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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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That is low mileage. Don't laugh but when this happens, pump the brakes a couple times. The park lock solenoid is actuated by the brake light switch. Something could be sticking there.
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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
JEEPPROBLEMS101
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 3.7L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
So I had a friend change a front axle and a driveshaft. It worked great for 2 days then I was driving down the road and it revved up and I coasted of the road. Then I could not put it in drive reverse or park. I hooked up a computer and gave me code u1411. So stressed does anyone know the problem? The code said change ignition switch. Also when it's in drive or reverse it makes whining sound and pound clunk or clicking sound.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEEPPROBLEMS101
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In park it clunks.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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Can you get a recording of this noise? Does it sound like it is coming from the front?

Also, just confirm what 4WD system you have. Do you have full time 4 wheel drive? If so, I suspect your friend may have not connected something completely.

Let's start with this info and a recording if possible. Thanks
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The code is related to a fuel delivery issue, so that doesn't have anything to do with what you described.

When you say you can't place it in park, I need to know if you mean the shifter or when it is placed in park if the vehicle continues to roll as if it isn't in park. Also, if that is the case, I suspect the axle that was installed is lose and no longer attached. Was it a front or rear axle?

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEEPPROBLEMS101
  • MEMBER
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Front left axle. 4 wheel drive automatic locks in no button I'm guessing and when it's in park I have to put emergency brake so it doesn't roll. It does not sound like it locks in to park like it normally would.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEEPPROBLEMS101
  • MEMBER
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Also the front driveshaft spins left and right, but I don't think the rear does but I'm really not sure about the rear.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEEPPROBLEMS101
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Video.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Jeff, is that clicking inside or outside the vehicle? If it's outside, see if the newly installed axle is turning with the vehicle staying in place.

I have a feeling the axle isn't fully engaged.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEEPPROBLEMS101
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Jeff?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Sorry, I have no idea why I said Jeff. Likely, I saw Jeep in your user name and thought it was Jeff. Have you made any progress?

Joe
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BERGRENW
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
I recently had my ignition switch on my vehicle replaced as a part of a recall. A few days ago my car would turn over and then shut off almost immediately (which happened a few times before it just stopped turning over at all). I had it towed to the dealership and they tried resetting my keys with no luck. Now they are saying they need to replace the SKI module, but that it is not covered under the warranty from the other fix a few months ago. Although, after a lot of research they seem to be related so I am thinking that it should be covered or at least partially covered?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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That is a touching subject. What all did they do in the recall just the switch? Then it was successfully repaired at that point. If the system failed after then it did just that. Tough to take I hear you, but unfortunately it happens.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HGREE3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Is there a way to get a pre-programmed key and ignition set, if that is a thing? A way to buy a replacement for the whole thing so it will not require a trip to an actual shop, just a home mechanic to fix?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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Yes and no. Yes in that you can buy the key and cylinder so the key will turn the cylinder. And no in that the key is not the real issue. The BCMs security system has to be programmed to read whichever key you have, that is not something that the average DIYer can do.

Starting with the earliest system VATS with the resistor pellet - The key cut itself just allows the cylinder to rotate. The pellet in the key creates a specific voltage drop that tells the SKIM that "yep this is the correct key, go ahead and turn on the fuel and ignition"

The earlier transponder systems use a piece in the key that is very similar to the security tags in stores, The key goes into the ignition and the SKIM sends out pulses to read that security tag. If it matches the information the module has stored, the ECM receives a unique coded string of pulses that tells it that you have the correct key and it can start.

The current systems are even more elaborate. They use both passive and active coding in the fobs. This is what allows you to have the push button start and remote operations.

These systems also allow for different key coding in the security. So you could have one key that allows everything in the car to operate and sets the various items to that persons preferences, another as a valet key that only allows specific items to operate and even something like a teenager key, that restricts the power output and drive times and activates the navigation to record where the vehicle goes.

All of them require the SKIM/BCM to be programmed to the particular key(s) used.
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+1
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DEEB
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Both ignition keys can be inserted completely so that the chimes sound as usual but neither key will turn to any degree. Tried the usual turning the steering wheel left and right and get about 15 degrees of wheel rotation but does not change the key rotation
problem.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)

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