Chrysler Neon Ignition problem?

[Master of fact]

My car is currently parked outside my work. Put the key in the ignition and it would not turn, there is a little left/right jiggle but just wont work. I can get a new barrel to match my key but cant get the car to the dealer as the car wont move and where its parked is impossible to get a trailer as the steering lock is on. Is there such a thing as an auto lock mechanic. Grrrrr Im in belfast so you know anyone there.....................

 

[Chern Ann]

If it's a car with electronic ignition and security it sounds like a flat battery or chip ID issue. Had that happen to me a couple of times. You may be able to get around it with a jump, which should probably be the first thing you try.

 

[Master of fact]

Its not the battery, the key wont turn at all so cant turn the engine over. Id set the car on fire but id burn down a swimming pool...............iv had ten cars in 5 years, sigh. i hate cars

 

[airhead]

Try wiggling the steering wheel. I've had Chevy's do that when the wheel lock binds up.
Turn the steering a bit left or right and see if the key doesn't break loose.

****

Are you sure you are using the right key? I have 3 Chevy's and the keys will all fit, but none will turn the other over. Obviously you've got the right key on you somewhere as you drove it to work.

 

[Ocelot]

Pull the steering wheel to the left or right and keep trying to turn the key. Sounds like the steering lock is on so that will solve the problem.
It happened to me a while ago but that solved it.

 

[johnboyjjb]

Look at which way the wheels are turned and try turning the wheel as far in the same direction as you can and then try turning the key while continuing to turn the wheel.. If it really is a bad tumbler assembly a locksmith could overcome this - so could a thug with a screwdriver. My Toyota used to due this all the time. My leg would cause the wheel to lock while I was getting out.

 

[cassar]

sounds like a jammed steering lock try a little wd 40 in the ignition then jiggle the steering wheel back and forth until the lock disengages whilst turning the key

 

[IdofEntity]

Check the User's Manual.

There are some cars out there that lock the ignition if you turn the steering wheel too far in one direction while the car is off. Happened to my neighbor once and it was fixed when I popped the e-brake, let is coast down the driveway a bit, and centered the steering.

If not. Mechanic.

 

[Chern Ann]

Its not the battery, the key wont turn at all so cant turn the engine over. Id set the car on fire but id burn down a swimming pool...............iv had ten cars in 5 years, sigh. i hate cars

Like I said I've had this happen to me, if it's a car with electronic security, the moment the battery dies the steering wheel locks and you can't unlock the steering even with a physical key. The same thing happens if your car keys are equipped with a chip id (spare keys for radio transmitter keys sometimes have this) and for some reason the chip falls out (also happened to me, because I was forcing the key so hard the first time when the battery died). It's an easy fix with a jump (really it's just supplying power to the car for a few seconds) so that your electronics can be powered up, and also give you a chance to start the vehicle.