Key won't turn in ignition...tried everything including violence

[qwkl_asop]

I have a 1995 JLX 16 valve, automatic 4WD Sidekick (bought it last week and last night, for no apparent reason, the key refused to turn AT ALL in the ignition. I called a tow truck and the operator got it running by hitting it really hard and turning the wheel.

I tried the same thing this morning to no avail, except I did get the key into ACC and tried the starter but nothing happened. No sounds, no nothing, so I took it back out and was unable to ever get it to turn again.

What do you think is wrong with it? Can it be fixed simply or do I need to change parts?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

[Ole-Boy]

Sounds like to me that the transmission linkage is out of adjustment. It might look like it's in park, but it's not on the transmission or somewhere. The linkeage may have gotten bent if the previous owner took it off-road.

As far as the way the tow-guy did things, what did HE screw up? Going about it the way he did only makes things worse. Oh wait......HE doesn't have to fix it or pay for it.

[jtgh]

this the IGN key not the park shifter lockout.

its the steeringwheel locking device failure.
Yes, some cars has mech. links from ign. and tranny, no this one is solenoid operated.

1: remove steering wheel.
2: pull battery neg term.
3: pull top and bottom key switch covers (plastic clam shell)
4: look at damage , i bet someone forced the wheel and broke the switch mount.
or it just got sloppy and jammed up.

5: loosen bottom flange of steering column at fire wall plate, just loose. (4 bolts)
6: remove all bolts ofall clamps from column below switch (key)
7, steering shaft now drops down a bit.
8. see head of bolts , that re sheared off ? tap them ccw with chistle. (on top of switch at clamp bar.
9: once these are out , replace them and buy new reg. allen bolts. at ACE.
metric of course match them on ACE counter thread checker.

10: remove switch by pulling out the connector and switch assy, comes straight off shaft.
damage will now be obvious.


the key switch has a direct lock pawl that goes in the steering shaft to lock it.
nothing ELSE. Tranny lock is a whole diff. thing. PRN lock out device.

[qwkl_asop]

Thank you so much for your advice...but I ended up chickening out and going to a garage.

I got it to turn out of rage, again, and the mecanic I found simply put some lube and Kling-on into the lock and voilà...it is like new.

So the culprits were rust and crass and it cost me 40$ to find that out.

Thanks again anyhow!!

[jtgh]

lube and go.

usually its all messed up in side due the 50 keys on the ring syndrome.
once that happens, it will be back.