Key won't turn in ignition

Hello, What did you end up having to do to fix this? Was it the ignition switch assembly that failed?

I have the same problem periodically. I was told by my tow truck driver son-in-law that this happens because of a child safety mechanism in the steering wheel. He said that I need to make sure that my wheels are straight when I turn off the car and that the steering wheel is straight up. So far, since the last time it happened, I've been doing this but am afraid that I will have problems again and will be stranded. Have you received any answers as to why you have this problem and what can be done about it?

Hi there. I had the same problem. Take your old keys an have a new set of keys cut.

I talked to a locksmith here in Michigan and he was familiar with this problem with Chrysler products. He said he had re-engineered the locking sytem and could fix it for me for about $50 in 30 minutes. Three dealers I talked to said they had never heard of this problem and it was over $100 just to start to look at it. Temporary solution that seems to work is to put a key in the ignition (not the fob one) and tap it with a hammer. I can do the fob key by using my fist but it hurts.

I had this problem just my steering wheel could turn hardly but my key did not turn at all in ignition. I tried many cases like WD-40 and pushing the car from the back but No one worked. Finally, I bought graphite lube and put graphite powder on key and then put key in ignition. Then I used dust remover (that I bought from walmart) to push graphite compeletely in ignition. After 5minutes it worked! Now after 5day I have had no problem and key can easily turn in ignition.

key won't unlock steering

Thank God for the internet! I have a 2006 Dodge Durango and used a rubber mallet, tapping the battery powered fob three times and the key finally turned. I threw the mallet in the back storage bin and will just take it with me from now on.

wow, that's crazy. We have a 2006 Dodge Durango and had this same problem. Tried what was suggested and it worked! Gonna try the graphite thing and see if it works. It was totally random, no warning, drove it and came home, went out to leave again 5 minutes later and it was locked, key wouldn't turn at all. Hammer trick worked like a charm but I will admit I had to do it several times before I was brave enough to hit it hard enough :)

Unbelievable...stuck in the parking lot after my daughters school concert because I could not turn the ignition. Browsed on my smart phone and found this thread Tapping the end of the key does work. I did not have a hammer but did have a wrench. Started with little taps and I got a little harder until I felt the key give. This has to be a defect somehow...any permanent solutions out there.

I cannot believe it! After having a mechanic look at my stranded car in the gargage and his solution was have it towed to the dealer, I decided to google the problem. I read abou hitting the key while in the ignition with hammer and thought, at ths point, what do I have to lose. I attempted it a few soft hits and it did not work. Out of frustration, I hit it a few more times more aggressively, and sure enough, IT WORKED ! ! ! From now on I will make certain that I travel with a hammer. :)