Chrysler Repair: How to remove stratus ignition switch, lock cylinder, drive shaft

Question
Hi.
This morning when i insert the key on my stratus 2004 does not wants to turn, i try whit the spare key and is the same situation, i just try to do anything to turn on the car but simply the key does not turn back or forward, i remove the key cover now everything is exposed and remove the drive shaft look located under the ignition switch too but i can´t remove the ignition switch, do you know how to do it?
Thanks i will apreciate any help.


Answer
Hi Angel,
I don't have a manual as new as 2004. But my '96 manual shows the typical situation. If you are trying to remove the lock cylinder then there is a retainind tab on the underside of the cylinder housing that when pushed in will release the lock cylinder, BUT, the cylinder has to be in the RUN position. So if you can't rotate the key cylinder to the run position you can't remove it!
On the ignition switch itself, on the opposite side of the coulumn from the lock cylinder, it is held in place by screwes and a couple of retaining tabs which when pushed will release it from the column.
But that instruction too says to put the lock cylinder in the RUN position before removing the ignition switch (but it is not clear that is a requirement for removal, only for reinstalling the lock cylinder later, pehaps?)
If this is not helpful, try asking one of the other Chrysler repair experts as they work at dealerships and have access to more recent manuals.
Have you tried squirting some powdered graphite grease in the key hole and around the cylineder?
Roland