Urgent!: Ignition Lock/Housing Replacement questions

[JaeZTT]

I can't start my 2001 Caravan because none of my keys will turn in the ignition. After some research, I found that this is a common problem and there is a TSB on it. I really need some help because the van is sitting at a post office, and I don't want it to get towed.

(Link to TSB info (http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71989))

Well I'm about to go to a Dodge dealer to see if they have the parts. Just to be sure, do I need both these parts (05003843AB Cylinder, Ignition Lock AND 04690523 Assembly, Ignition Switch and Lock Housing) or just the Ignition Lock Cylinder?

Also, someone in another thread said that I needed to use the "guts" from the old cylinder and transfer it to the new cylinder. Will that cause any problems with the alarm system or anything else electrical/security wise? It says this on the TSB: Build a new lock cylinder to the key code on the vehicle invoice

And does anyone know how I would exactly replace the part? I can't find any instructions.

Thanks everyone

[far2grumpy]

You'll most likely get far more competent assistance than my suggestions but try inserting key and then trying turning as you give the end of key a sharp rap with a plastic screwdriver handle. This will usually work for a few times. After that I called a local lock and key shop and they changed the lock innards so I could continue use of all my keys. The lock shop knew of the bad locks and had parts on hand. They were much less expensive than the Dodge house.

[JaeZTT]

During my long search, I found out that method through this thread.

http://forums.automotive.com/community/70/16154/by-manufacturer/dodge/1999-dodge-1500-van-key-wont-turn-in-ignition/index.html

It seems there are A LOT of people with the same problem and hitting the end of the key is the temporary solution.

So I was finally able to get it started, but I want to fix it permanently. Can someone help me out?

Thanks a lot!

[donald7150]

To remove your ignition cylinder you will have to get it into the run position
remove the steering column cover and there should be a small tab or button in the steering column directly underneath the cylinder, with the key in the run position push this button maybe with a small screwdriver and pull the cylinder and key right out
the vehicle will remain on as in the run position

[JaeZTT]

Thanks. So I only need to buy the cylinder (05003843AB Cylinder, Ignition Lock)? And on another thread, someone mentioned that this is only the outside/housing part. Do I just somehow unassemble the old cylinder, and move it to the new one? Will this effect any security or key code or electrical things?

[buzzkill]

I would take the nice new lock cylinder and have new springs and tumblers installed just saves ya from messing with it again.

our parts department will usually do it for the customer when they purchase one but the more I read the forums here.... I suspect that wont happen.

I would expect to see a charge from .3 to .5 how much that is will depend on the dealerships hourly rate.

[donald7150]

and it wont affect your security if you use the same key
the transponder antenna in the car is just a plastic ring and a small SKIM module attached to the steering column, all of that will remain intact

[JaeZTT]

According to the thread on automotive forums, Autozone sells the ignition cylinder with tumblers for under $20. It gives you a different set of keys, but I think I'll just go this route. I can use a different set of keys to save $80+. And I don't even know the OEM part number for the tumblers/pins/inside parts so it'll save me some hassling with the dealer.

Thanks

[donald7150]

I hope your minivan doesnt have the transponder key security system if you take this route (you can tell if your van has grey keys instead of black, grey being the transponder keys), if the cylinder is only $20 and comes with keys chances are they do not have a transponder.

if your van doeshave the grey transponder keys then your best bet would be to get the tumbler coded to match your grey keys rather than get new transponder keys made, because regular black keys will not start your van, and your dealer is the only one who can program new grey transponder keys

so if you do have the security you will be better off heading to your dealer and get the tumbler from them and they will code it to match your old keys

[JaeZTT]

I hope your minivan doesnt have the transponder key security system if you take this route (you can tell if your van has grey keys instead of black, grey being the transponder keys), if the cylinder is only $20 and comes with keys chances are they do not have a transponder.

if your van doeshave the grey transponder keys then your best bet would be to get the tumbler coded to match your grey keys rather than get new transponder keys made, because regular black keys will not start your van, and your dealer is the only one who can program new grey transponder keys

so if you do have the security you will be better off heading to your dealer and get the tumbler from them and they will code it to match your old keys

Thanks for the heads up. Both of my keys are actually black, so hopefully I won't have any problems.

[JaeZTT]

Alright...so I went to NAPA, Pepboys, O'reily, and Autozone. None of them even carried the part. Pepboys said they could special order it, but it would take a week and cost $40, so wasn't sure about that. The guy at O'reily says they stopped mass producing the lock cylinders in '98.

So I was looking online and ebay and wondering...will this work?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-04-Dodge-Caravan-Ignition-Cylinder-Switch-Lock_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34205QQihZ009QQite mZ190061066102QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

Or I guess I could go to the dealership...

[donald7150]

jump on the eBay one, it should work, the shape of the key heads doesnt matter, the keys fit the same

a ignition cylinder from the dealer is well over $100
but they will code it to fit your old keys, so you can still use the same key for the doors and ignition

but i would rather save some money and buy the one on ebay

and maybe if you really wanted your one key to fit all maybe a locksmith could code your new ignition to your old keys

[fpolack]

I ended up buying the cylinder from the dealer for $100, but they wanted another $60 to key it!, unless, of course, I pay them to do the whole job.