Mechanical Diagnosis (Key Difficult To Rotate)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler and 2015 Jeep Wrangler. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor mounted shifter: a cable is used to connect the interlock device in the steering column assembly, to the transmission floor shift lever. This interlock system is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK position when the key cylinder is rotated to any position. If the ignition key is difficult to rotate to or from any position, it may not be the fault of the key cylinder or the steering column components. The brake transmission shift interlock cable may be out of adjustment. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS . The interlock system within the steering column is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced. Refer to COLUMN, REMOVAL .

Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and a floor mounted shifter: on certain models, a button is located on the steering column behind the ignition key cylinder. The button must be manually depressed to allow rotation of the ignition key cylinder to any position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to any position, the lever mechanism may be defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced. Refer to COLUMN, REMOVAL .