HELP HELP HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wduaqnug

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2002
3,249
0
0
i could get to work today!!! I need to get to work at least tommorow, I need car experts advise


Ignition key goes in but doesnt turn, I tried to swivel steering wheel but its locked, i spent hourts trying to start it wd 40 and de icing things. I spoke to mechanics they said it will require to be towed, new lock is very expensive only dealership item and a lot of work since in this car lock electronic module. Anyone know how to unlock the steering wheel or make the ignition lock work


Car is 2000 Dodge Grand caravan

 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
5
81
So I guess its out of warranty huh. Try pumping the gas yet? Iono what that might do, but its just something that popped into my head.
 
Aug 26, 2004
14,685
1
76
Originally posted by: Kelvrick
So I guess its out of warranty huh. Try pumping the gas yet? Iono what that might do, but its just something that popped into my head.

lol, pumping the gas is gonna make the key turn...?

wtf
 

Aimster

Lifer
Jan 5, 2003
16,129
2
0
The only advice I have for you is with your foot in on the brake move the steering wheel left and right as hard as you can while trying to turn the key.

Other than that .. :( $$$
 

aplefka

Lifer
Feb 29, 2004
12,014
2
0
Your cylinder is gone... same thing happened to me several months ago, and it was just the start of many things to come (my dad has now killed the transmission of my car and in the process killed the cylinder, a window engine, and some other small things).

If you're lucky and you have a mechanic that you go to on a fairly regular basis, he could probably give you the cylinder at cost and then just charge whatever an hour he charges for service. I think our's was $250 for the part and then $125-150 for service. The dealership asked for $500 on the part and more for service!
 

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
18,148
1
0
not knowing how clueless you may or may not be...

try to turn the wheel to one side and KEEP pulling it while you try to turn the key. kinda jiggle the wheel a bit while pulling and turning the key if it's not going.

when the wheel gets turned when the car is off, it will lock in place. when this happens, you cannot turn the key unless you pull wheel over a little while turning the key.

if you tried all that already, then i suggest getting it to a mechanic!
 

Wduaqnug

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2002
3,249
0
0
People saying cylinder costs $500 dealership but cant find any autoparts that sells it they all saying dealer only item



PLEASE help me find this cylinder somwhere for less than $500
 

nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
7,093
3
81
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
not knowing how clueless you may or may not be...

try to turn the wheel to one side and KEEP pulling it while you try to turn the key. kinda jiggle the wheel a bit while pulling and turning the key if it's not going.

when the wheel gets turned when the car is off, it will lock in place. when this happens, you cannot turn the key unless you pull wheel over a little while turning the key.

if you tried all that already, then i suggest getting it to a mechanic!

I'd suggest doing what this guy said. Typically don't lock my wheel so I forgot how to unlock it until I read the manual for the car. Like he said if that doesn't work it's new part time.
 

CrackRabbit

Lifer
Mar 30, 2001
16,642
62
91
Originally posted by: Wduaqnug
People saying cylinder costs $500 dealership but cant find any autoparts that sells it they all saying dealer only item



PLEASE help me find this cylinder somwhere for less than $500

Call all of the Dodge/Chrysler dealerships in the area and get quotes from them. :(
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: Wduaqnug
i could get to work today!!! I need to get to work at least tommorow, I need car experts advise

Ignition key goes in but doesnt turn, I tried to swivel steering wheel but its locked, i spent hourts trying to start it wd 40 and de icing things. I spoke to mechanics they said it will require to be towed, new lock is very expensive only dealership item and a lot of work since in this car lock electronic module. Anyone know how to unlock the steering wheel or make the ignition lock work

Car is 2000 Dodge Grand caravan

I have a slightly older Caravan, the whole column tilts up and down too.

Did you try the column in different positions???

Also try rocking the Van back and forth while trying to turn the steering wheel.
 

OverVolt

Lifer
Aug 31, 2002
14,278
89
91
Same thing happened to my sentra, key was locked, brake was locked, key wouldnt come out, couldn't take off e-brake.

Its the safety feature so you cant take your key out/start your with without it being in park. except it was in park....


i just gripped n ripped the key around and got her started. Don't be afraid to butst the ignitition since its likely already borken.
 

GoingUp

Lifer
Jul 31, 2002
16,720
1
71
ive had that happen in the car before, but you usually can jerk the wheel back and forth until it unlocks
 

Wduaqnug

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2002
3,249
0
0
wheel i got unlocked but key goes in and out but doesn turn



i am using google and cant find cylinder for this car
 

Wduaqnug

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2002
3,249
0
0
I just called Locksmith, they charge from $200 $250 to change cylinder, anyone used locksmith service?


will they use specific cylinder or any generic half ass job?



but seems to be cheaper than towing car to the repair shop and paying dodge for the cylinder