My truck is stranded. The key cylinder will not turn. I think my 18 month old son may have jammed something in there and broke it.

Does anyone know how to remove it when you can't turn the key to the run position?

The service manual says that the key must be in the run position for removal. I don't want to cause more damage removing it.

 

I trust you have tried turning the wheel while turning the key.

use a sewing needle to open the little key door and look.
if there is something in there you may be able to drag it out.

also try a different key if you have one.

 

I have tried both keys that I have. I have also tried a paper clip and could not feel anything in there.

I think the tumblers are damaged. My son had the key from my wrecked ram and was putting it in the ignition. This might have damaged the tumblers.

The chime does sound when the key is in the ignition. Does this chime only sound when the key is all the way in or does it chime even if they key is part way out?

 

mine has to be almost all the way out to turn the chim off.
try to spray some lock lube in there, run the key in and out a few times.

sounds like a tumbler is stuck in the recessed position.

ok since you are from oregon do you have the lock defrost stuff?
get a paper towel handy, it stinks.
try that also.
how old is this truck?

 

The truck is an 03, but I think it was built in 02.

I never gets very cold here in southern oregon. I'm not sure if the lock defrost stuff will help. It only gets done into the low 40's at night here.

I might try some lock lube tho. If that fails I think that my only option is going to be to drill the lock cylinder.

 

Key should chime when all the way in but try pulling right or left on the wheel while trying the key it can be jammed if its under pressure from the wheel.

 

not because of ice in the lock.
but the stuff is alcohol may loosen up the grease and let the spring push the tumbler back into position.
if the tumbler was jammed in the down position you would not get your key in there.

 

call a lock smith.
between ignition switch, possible doors, keys.
I think I would give them a shot first.

 

Moving the wheel back and forth is the first thing that i tried.

I will try the lock defrost, can't afford a locksmith right now.

 

I got it fixed!

I used a paper clip and bent the tip of it at a 90 degree angle. I was able to use this to remove the glob of gunk blocking the stuck tumbler.

 

Oh yeah and thanks for all of the suggestions.

I would have tried the lock defrost if i wasn't so broke.

 

glad that you got it fixed.
I figured that it was a stuck tumbler.