Key won't go into ignition

[tkcdillard1]

I have a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. The ignition lock cylinder became loose a few months ago and we were able to start the car but we could pull it out at any point and the car would still run. After that the water pump broke and it sat for 5 months or so. The water pump was replaced yesterday but when we went to start the car the key would no longer go all the way into the ignition cylinder. I have it in my hand now and the teeth don't appear to be locked, nothing appears to be wrong with it aside from the fact that it won't connect to the car. The battery was dead on the car and had to be replaced, could this be the problem?

Clearly I really don't know what I am doing here, so any help is appreciated. Thank you!

[tom4bren]

spray some lubricant with graphite in the key slot & try again.

[tkcdillard1]

Thank you! That worked! It went in, turned and started once but now I can't get it to turn anymore. The tooth that wouldn't go in, is really out of place. Maybe I just need a new ignition cylinder?

[tom4bren]

Either that or find out why it's loose & fix. That could be causing the issue with the key turning (it may have screwed up linkage connection to the tranny shifter and/or brake).

[evillecutter]

i replaced the entire key cylinder on my truck for like $20 in about 20 min - you will have a different key but whatever it works