How to replace ignition switch on 2000 grand caravan?

Answer 1

It's located at the base of the steering column. Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the linkage from the lock cylinder. Unplug the electrical harness. Remove the fasteners and replace the switch.

Answer

It's located at the base of the steering column. Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the linkage from the lock cylinder. Unplug the electrical harness. Remove the fasteners and replace the switch.

Rick

I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http:/free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com

Detailed Answer:I had same problem. Key would not turn in ignition. started occasionally, then got progressively worse. The last three months i drove around with valet key and just left the key inserted in slot. Then after a while it still would get stuck and dang near left me stranded several times. The quick fix is tap with a sharp blow to the key, like driving a nail in. A better, more entailed fix is remove the lock tumbler and oil thoroughly with light oil, WD-40 or Tri-Flo (spray oil-w/Teflon). The lock set is easily removed once you remove the steering column shroud. First disconnect negative battery terminal. Then, to remove shroud, look at bottom of it and remove three Phillips head screws. The lock tumbler cylinder is visible at this point and you can see a small square button on bottom. Insert key and tap with hammer or similar object so it will turn to "run" position. Then press in small square button on bottom and slide out lock tumbler cylinder set. It comes out like a small barrel. Once removed, remove key and stand it up, or hold it, vertically. Clean with spray isyproprol alcohol (also can use electronic cleaner) to remove any grime or collected dust inside key slot and tumblers and around two spring pins. Then, once that dries, spray light oil down into key slot and insert key and start working key in and out of slot and then rotating it back and forth as if you were turning ignition. You may have to tap it a few times with the hammer, but once the oil gets down in it good, it will start working again. Took me about 15 min to get mine "freed up". When re-inserting lock tumbler cylinder, insert key and press small square button and turn to "run" as you push it in. The lock tumbler cylinder should slip right in, then re-assemble the shroud and you should have a few months of trouble free operation of the lock tumbler cylinder. If it continues to get stuck, you may then consider replacing it. You know know how to replace it, so not a big deal. If you want keys to match the doors, go to dealer with VIN # and they can order you an OEM ignition lockset that matches the door keys. Some locksmiths may be able to match also, but most likely they will also want to install it for a fee.

Techman_hou

I think the problem lies in the ignition cylinder, not the ignition switch itself. One or more of the tumblers are binding. The tumblers are actually brass or soft steel wafers and twist fairly easily/ If you remove the cylinder as stated above, you can remove the plug easily. Notice that there are two brass pins that are spring loaded that can be seen on the side of the cylinder {you can only see the top of the pins}. If you turn the key to the accessory position you'll notice that one of the pins fall into a slot that has a flat side that stops the plug from turning any further. if you take a small flat screwdriver and depress the pin, the cylinder will turn further. after about a 1/4 turn the plug can be removed from the cylinder housing. keep the key in the plug so that the spring-loaded wafers do not fall out and get mixed up. you might notice inside the cylinder housing some scars next to the groove in the cylinder. These line up with the effected wafers. The only way to repair this properly is to replace all the wafers and springs. There are 8 total of each. You might have to clean up the burs being careful not to disturb or round off the groove. You can go to the nearest Chrysler dealer with the cylinder and key together and get them to replace the wafers, or sell you the replacement wafers and springs to install them yourself. Be careful because there are 4 different depths of wafers in 8 position. One wrong placement and the side bar won't retract and the cylinder won't turn. New wafers and springs should cost at retail about $20.00 to $25.00 for the set plus installation charges. Parts counter personnel should be able to do this while you wait. This Will fix it right and should not leave you on the side of the road anymore.