Car starts runs fine. Everything works. Key just won’t turn to lock. Key can’t be pulled out. Steering does not lock. Have to unplug battery if sitting for a king time.
I assume it’s a bad switch.
Are you going to make us research your history to see what the year is?? lol
I remember seeing a part in the column breaking on these, a lot of times would just call a mobile steering column repair shop to come out and repair it, mainly cause parts were hard to get…
2005 dodge neon sxt.
There is a problem with the shift interlock cable; sticking, broken or adjustment. Check if the shift knob button pops out after shifting to park.
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Sounds like the ignition lock cylinder pins are worn out and the whole cylinder needs to be replaced. Is your car key ring loaded with other keys and other stuff? Lock cylinders wear out faster with heavy items hanging from your key while it is in the ignition cylinder.
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These lock cylinders have flat tumblers. When they stick, the cylinder won’t unlock, I never saw one that would not rotate to the lock position.
The cylinder supports the weight of the keys, the tumblers are not affected by key weight.
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Just the fob thing and 1 house key
This cylinder lock is in the igni Switch?
The ignition switch is electrical, and the cylinder lock is mechanical. But they are connected. The mechanical cylinder has to work right to do the ignition switching right.
You’re reporting a cylinder lock that won’t fully function (I think). This means that it can’t fully operate the ignition switch.
The sticky cylinder lock isn’t rare on Neons. I dealt with it myself at one point, but it’s been to0 long for me to remember enough specifics. What I recall is that it’s pretty easy to pull out, disassemble, clean up, and put back in order - IF you’re careful.
Just go check out some Youtube on the subject.
The ignition is designed to not allow the key to be removed if the shift lever in not in park.
Inspect the function of the shift lever and gear shift interlock, there is a problem with the gearshift interlock that will not allow the ignition to rotate to the locked position.
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Yes the button on the shifter is not working right. When I pull out that cable a half inch or so then the key works as should
You found the problem, repair the shift lever/shift interlock.
There is nothing wrong with the lock tumblers.
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How do I repair the shift lever/shift interlock?
Why is the shift lever button is not working right? You observer the malfunction, now disassemble and find the cause.
It’s fixed. Key works as usual. Runs as usual.
Thanks for the follow-up.
But what fixed it? I’ll assume you figured out the shift interlock issue. Some details would be nice, especially for future searchers.
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I simply removed the cable up by the ignition. It’s not needed. It serves no important purpose. At least none I can see. It works the same as usual without. I did spray penetrating oil into the cable by ignition. The plastic around the shifter has no desire to be removed. It seems like it would crack before I got it off. So I decided to go without it.
The gear shift interlock prevents children from moving the shift lever from park when the ignition is locked.
I’m not opposed to defeating the shift lever interlock while you are in control of the vehicle, but the next owner (or borrower) may not be aware of the hazard.
If you have raised kids and have grandkids (etc) then you will understand the saying, if you can’t get that tamper prof top off, just hand it to a small child, they will get it open for you.. My youngest grandchild (under 2) is a cross between a Ninja and Harry Houdini… lol
I don’t plan to ever sell it. It’s in very good shape. Parked every winter. Still unlikely to sell.
Why couldn’t a little kid figure out how to shift it.