I went to the truck this morning put the key in the ignition turned it and SURPRISE It will not turn!! I have not had a problem with it up until this morning. I cannot unlock steering wheel or gear shift lever either because the key will not turn in the tumbler. You can spin the tumbler collar around by hand with out the key in it also. Has my ignition switch gone out? Where do I get new one if needed? Dealer or parts store? I had a 97 Dodge Caravan do the same thing to me while on a parts store run. Left me stranded in the parking lot during my lunch break at work. I had to call a locksmith to replace ignition switch. Thanks for your help! I'm sitting here at the house trying to figure out what to do. Basically STRANDED!!! time.

 

You can get a replacement just about anywhere, as it is a common failure on all vehicles.


OR, you could go one better and ditch the whole mess, installing an in-dash key-switch that has nothing to do with the column.

Better yet, wire all the key functions to seperate toggle-switches, with a push-to-start button, with a hidden main switch to dis-able the START and RUN portions of the system.

Converted thus, it will never un-expectedly strand you again with a bad key-switch and trouble-shooting would be a breeze.

 

OH, and by the way, to get you un-stranded, just pop the whole mess out of the column, making sure the column also un-locks, then it is a simple matter to "hot-wire" it to START and RUN.

You will just need to isolate the START wire so that it doesn't inadvertently make contact and engage the starter.


Someone smarter than me will need to explain how to properly pop the switch out of the column.

 

Thanks Bearkiller, I took the steering column cover off to expose the ignition switch and saw three torx screws holding switch in place. I got my torx drivers out and thought no big deal I have a 92 D250 sitting here and I'll just swap switch's. Well guess what else I found??? The torx screws have a little tiny pin in the middle of the head that require's a special torx driver with a hole in the center of head. As the great Mamma's and Pappa's sang "Monday,Monday can't trust that day" oh how true! Thanks Bearkiller I'm trying to figure out my next step

 

Go to a tool supplier , those are called tamper proof torx .

 

Mine does this occasionally whenever I park in a certain position and cause the steering shaft to load/bind up against the switch lock & column lock mechanism. I just relieve the tension by slightly turning the steering wheel a bit whenever I turn the key. I consider this as normal because it always has done this since I bought the truck.

 

Had to do that yesterday. I hope you tried to move the wheel before you started tearing the whole thing apart. Oh, and remember to keep the original key on your ring for the door if you do swap ignition switches. lol. I took mine off when i replaced my ignition.

 

I know about the bind in the steering wheel I've had that happen before. The key just will not turn even while turning the steering wheel back and force. I ordered a new switch from parts place and I am going to pick it up now. My next question is there a release mechanism when you pull switch out? Or do you just remove torx,unplug wiring harness and swap out. The parts place also has torx drivers. Thanks Ya'all

 

It sounds to me more like the ignition lock cylinder is broken. The switch stays in place for that repair. The new cylinder will have directions in the box, follow them closely and all will go well.

 

Thanks Dave, I just returned from parts place and they gave me the cylinder which like you said is what went bad. The instructions are in there also. Just a note for everyone DO NOT CARRY LOTS OF KEYS ON YOUR KEY RING I don't know for a fact this caused premature failure of cylinder but I have heard that. Also if you start to feel slight grinding, or after inserting key in ignition it doesn't turn smoothly you might be a candidate for a new lock cylinder. Dave,PM me about your Benz. I have an 82 300SD that I have to replace glow plugs. Could use some tips!

 

i'm with this fella.....

 

Well I ended up taking the whole assembly off of column and am working on removing lock cylinder on the kitchen table. I'm following instructions that came with new assy. and it's not doing what it's supposed to do according to instructions. I see that the cylinder is not the original which tells me this was replaced before I got the donor truck. I might just take this to a locksmith and let them repair it! Is it OK to say I HATE THIS TRUCK at this moment??

 

I would think putting in push-button start would be a good idea, until you have to explain to someone how to start your truck. It's bad enough that I have to tell everyone to push the clutch in, because it doesn't have a safety anymore, and WILL start in gear.

 

Have a look over here,
I posted a write up on how to replace a lock cylinder that might help you out.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...=1#post2464447

I installed my Stop Start Switch over 1 year ago now I never have to use the key other that to turn the ignition switch to ON, now all of the engine functions are carried out through an industrial rated switch, I even designed an oil pressure lockout.

Check it out.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=197607
Jim

 

The weight of too many keys will kill any lock cylinder in no time, it will also wear down the cuts on your key until you can remove it while the engine is running, however I did like this option.

My truck keys only have the ignition key, door key and the alarm remote on the ring.
I also carry a spare door key in my pocket and several other keys are secured in or on the truck.

I do have to carry about 60 keys for different properties that I might need access to.
Jim