We have a 1999 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan with about 54K miles. When it was about two years old we had a problem with the ignition lock that stranded my wife and required a tow to the dealer. The problem was fixed under warranty and at the time the dealer said it was a freak thing and said it was unlikely to reoccur.
Well, its 2+ years later and guess what, the van is stuck in my garage and the key won't turn no matter how much I have tried to jiggle the lock, played with the steering wheel lock, and the gear shifter. I have never had the wheel or the ignition area open before and would appreciate any advice I can get before I attempt to look at it tomorrow.
Symptoms: Ignition car slides easily into lock and the ring light goes on and off when the key is removed. Key WILL move to the "alternator" position and the radio and when this is done the dash controls illuminate normally. No matter how hard I try, the key just will not turn forward. It almost feels like I have the wrong key... When my wife had this problem, I expected it was the wheel lock had been cocked and was exerting force holding the lock from turning. I immediately checked the wheel and it turned freely about a half turn in either direction. I continued to turn it to the right and the wheel locked as it should do, but the key still did not budge. I've sprayed some WD-40 down the key hole, but again no luck.
Any ideas? I'd like to take a shot at this myself since towing will be a b**** this time around since the vehicle has the transmission and wheel locked and is in the garage so can't be accessed from the front easily.
Thanks in advance for all ideas and Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Bob