Common Reasons your Chrysler Ignition Gets Stuck

As many of you may have heard in the news there is a large recall concerning many popular Chrysler automobiles, the recall comes in light of the massive recall GM has been dealing with. The GM recall has been linked to many injuries and even deaths where  while driving the ignition slips the key out of the run position disabling the power steering and brakes and also turning off the airbags. Chrysler vehicles including the 2008-2010 Dodge Journey, Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country are part of the recent recall, with many complaints coming from consumers concerned with the fact that a rough road or a bump in to the ignition key while in the ignition can cause the key to slip out of the run position causing the airbags and power steering to become disabled. Since this issue is so closely linked to the GM recall, Chrysler is taking no chances and getting the owners of the vehicles notified of the potential issue.

Some of the most common reasons Chrysler ignitions get stuck causing the key to not turn inside it anymore or even worse get stuck in the ignition can be simply fixed with the help of a licensed automotive locksmith or by enlisting the help of your dealership. Of course the dealership will always be the more expensive option with out even taking into consideration the fact that you may have to get the vehicle towed to the dealership where a automotive locksmith who operates in a mobile fashion will be able to come right out to your location and perform what ever task is required to fix your Chrysler ignition. 

After a few years of normal wear and tear the cuts in your ignition key can become worn down rendering the key useless. You see inside the ignition there are pins which need to be lifted into place in order for the car to start. The cuts on the ignition key are placed in specific positions to lift the pins into place allowing the key to turn the ignition over and start the vehicle. When the cuts in the key are no longer able to raise the pins into place the key will not start the vehicle, if you are able to insert the key into the ignition but it will not turn over the ignition you will need to contact either the dealership or a mobile locksmith. A locksmith will be able to come right out to your location and make the new key you need right there on the spot, if you decide to go with the dealer you will need to get the vehicle towed over to them and be ready to pay the outrageous fees associated with dealership service.

The next common issue with Chrysler ignitions is the key becoming stuck inside the ignition when trying to start or turn off the vehicle. In most cases the customer is able to turn the vehicle off but the key will not release out of the ignition housing or when attempting to start the vehicle the key will go into the ignition but not turn the vehicle on or come back out of the housing. This can be caused by a faulty ignition switch, the switch is what tells the vehicle that is it in park and the key is safe to be released when the switch goes bad you will not be able to release the key from the ignition. Again another simple fix from a locksmith company who usually carries a wide variety of different vehicle ignitions and are able to come right out to your location and replace the ignition switch on your vehicle right away. But before calling your local locksmith company you can try to release the key yourself, most of the time with a quick bump to the end of the key with a hammer while turning the key at the same time you will be able to pull out the key. This is not the best solution seeing how hitting your ignition with a hammer can cause more damage than you are already dealing with.  There is also usually a key release button hidden on the steering column, if you look underneath the steering column you may see a small hole, inside that hole is the button for the key release you can access it with a screwdriver or pencil. But like always it is best to leave the work up to the professionals and have them come out to replace your ignition switch at the first sign of an issue to avoid any issues down the road.

For more information regarding the issues associated with Chrysler ignitions contact your  local locksmith shop who will be able to come right out to your location and take care of whatever ignition issue you may be experiencing.