Wrong Key in the Ignition

[BryanM]

I had the misfortune of having a key to my Dodge Durango in my hand when I got into my GMC Sierra. I put the wrong key into the ignition, recognized what I had done, and replaced it with the correct key. Unfortunately, the lock mechanism appears frozen now. I can't turn the key either direction.

 

Any thoughts? Is there a reset somewhere that I am unaware of?

 

The book mentions a passive lock to prevent theft, but this appears to be before that even kicks in because the lock won't turn.

 

[GM-Tech]

The ignition lock is a simple mechanical device. The theft deterrent has nothing to do with the key itself or the ability of the lock mechanism to turn.

 

Sounds like putting the wrong key in may have damaged one or more of the "tumblers" in the lock cylinder. Now when you put the right key in, they don't drop into the proper position to allow the locking bar in the cylinder to retract. If that doesn't retract fully, the lock won't turn.

 

If it were me, I'd stick the correct key in there and tap it with a small hammer GENTLY. You want to tap it as if you were trying to get the key in further, not from the side. You just want to jar the the tumblers so they'll hopefully drop into position and allow the lock to turn. DO NOT rear back and wail on the key with the hammer. Just tap tap tap tap tap repeatedly and lightly. And while you're doing this, you may want to use your other hand to try turning the key back and forth.

 

We usually tell customers that call in with this kind of problem to use the heel of their shoe to do the smacking. This way we know they can't go overboard with a hammer.

 

Anyway, this MAY work to get it to turn, but there's no telling what will happen after that. You might not be able to turn it off, and if you can, it may not turn on the next time.