Chrysler Repair: 2002 town and country: Ignition switch jambed, lock cylinder, key cylinder

Question
the keys will not turn in the ignition? It's like I am trying to start the vehicle with the wrong set of Keys. But of course I am not. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Scott,
I would believe that either the lock cylinder has gone bad or the ignition switch that oy operates is jammed. Begin by removing the - post clamp from the battery to get rid of any shorting out possibilities. Then remove the screws that hold the under dash panel that goes across the area under the column and a;sp the screws that hold the under-steering column shroud in place which will expose the key cylinder and the ignition switch. There is a tab on the surface of the barrel that holds the ignition cylinder and if you push that in it will release the cylinder and you can take it to a locksmith to be evaluated. The problem is that the cylinder has to be in the "run" position for the cylinder to come out of the barrel. Of course you can try squirting some powdered graphite grease into the key slot and around the interface between the cylinder and the barrel to see if that frees it up even before you  try to take this area apart. I have had others complain about the quality of the lock cylinder so that may be your problem. So get some powdered grahite in a plastic squirt type applicator. It will stain fabric so don't get on the upholstery, rugs or your clothing. If you can get the key to move to the run position then you can remove the lock cylinder.
If the cylinder is not the problem, then you can check out the ignition switch to see if it is easy to move via the shaft. When you go to assemble it, make sure the ignition switch is in the "run" position and so is the lock cylinder so they will mate up. Then turn the key to the off position and reassemble everything.
Roland
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