Ignition ??? Jeep Cherokee

[jt09]

My key won't turn one bit. The same way your steering wheel will lock up sometimes and you have to jiggle it to get the key to turn - just like that, except the wheel isn't locked up. Anyone have any ideas what may be wrong?

 

[accuratehorn]

You are using your house key?
Sometimes the key gets worn down where it won't work anymore, sometimes the lock cylinder gets worn or breaks, or sometimes the steering lock mechanism gets stuck.
Take some WD-40 and put it on the key and run it in and out of the lock a few times and wiggle it. Shake the steering wheel back and forth to try to dislodge the steering lock mechanism at the same time. Might work.

 

[12thStudStan]

My wife's Jeep has done that a few times. I was able to just press down a few times on the face plate where the key goes in and get it to free up.

 

[YeaTexasFight]

My key for my 89 Chevy got so worn down that you could start up the truck and then pull the key right out of the ignition...worked very nicely for little things like running into a convenience store and still being able to lock the doors without having the keys anywhere in the truck...didn't work so well when the ignition decided on occasion not to "recognize' the key and I'd have to fiddle with it for 5 minutes to get it to start.