Chrysler Voyager Ignition Lock Cylinder Guide (2000-2008)
Having trouble turning your key? This guide covers common ignition lock cylinder problems and solutions for your Voyager.
- Failure is almost always due to mechanical wear from age and use, causing the key to stick or not turn.
- Replacement is a simple, DIY-friendly job that requires basic tools and no programming, as long as you can turn the key to the 'ON' position.
- Distinguish symptoms carefully: A key that's hard to turn points to the lock cylinder, while flickering dash lights or stalling points to the ignition switch.
- Aftermarket brands like Dorman and Standard Ignition offer reliable, cost-effective solutions for this repair.
Is Your Voyager's Ignition Lock Cylinder Failing?
If your key is suddenly difficult to turn, gets stuck, or won't go into the ignition at all, the problem is most likely a worn-out ignition lock cylinder. This is a common issue on Chrysler minivans from this era. Over thousands of key cycles, the small metal pins (tumblers) and springs inside the cylinder wear down, causing them to bind and prevent the key from turning smoothly.
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Lock Cylinder
- Key is Hard to Turn: You feel significant resistance or have to jiggle the key to get it to turn to the 'ON' or 'START' position.
- Key Gets Stuck: The key becomes stuck in one position (like 'ACC' or 'ON') and cannot be removed, even when the vehicle is in Park.
- Key Won't Go In or Turn: The tumblers are so worn or jammed that the key cannot be fully inserted or will not turn at all, leaving you stranded.
- Intermittent Starting: While often an ignition *switch* issue, a worn cylinder can fail to make proper contact with the switch, leading to intermittent no-start conditions.
Don't Confuse the Cylinder with the Switch
It's crucial to know the difference. The lock cylinder is the mechanical part your key goes into. The ignition switch is the electronic part behind it that sends power. If your key turns fine but the van has weird electrical issues (radio cutting out, dashboard lights flickering, stalling), the ignition switch is the more likely culprit.
Known Issues & Recalls
While there are no major recalls specifically for the ignition lock cylinder on most of these model years, Chrysler did issue recalls for the related ignition *switch* for 2008-2010 models (NHTSA recall 14V-373 / Chrysler R03). The defect could cause the ignition to move out of the 'RUN' position while driving, shutting off the engine. The remedy often involved replacing both the switch and the lock cylinder. Owners of 2008 models should be particularly aware of this. For older 2000-2007 models, the failure is typically due to simple mechanical wear rather than a specific safety defect.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Lock Cylinder
For a vehicle of this age, an aftermarket lock cylinder is a cost-effective and reliable choice. OEM parts can be difficult to find and expensive. Here’s a breakdown of common aftermarket brands:
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A well-respected brand with a long history of producing quality replacement parts that meet or exceed original specifications. They are a trusted choice for professional technicians.
- Dorman: One of the largest aftermarket suppliers, Dorman is known for creating direct-fit replacements. They often provide innovative solutions, such as their OE FIX kits that may include a special tool to easily code the new cylinder to your existing keys, avoiding a trip to a locksmith.
- Skyward / Replacement: These are often value-oriented brands. They provide a functional, budget-friendly replacement that will get your van back on the road, though they may not have the same long-term reputation or added features as premium brands like Standard or Dorman.
A Note on Keys
Many aftermarket lock cylinders come with a new set of keys. If you want to keep using your original key for the doors and ignition, you have two options: purchase a kit that can be re-keyed (like some Dorman models) or take the new cylinder to a locksmith to have it matched to your old key *before* you install it.
Aftermarket Ignition Lock Cylinder Cost
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Ignition Lock Cylinder | $26 - $87 |
| Shop Labor for Installation | $73 - $107 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $99 - $194 (Estimated) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to program the new ignition lock cylinder?
No. For the 2000-2008 Chrysler Voyager, the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part and does not require any electronic programming. This makes it a straightforward DIY replacement. However, be aware if your key has a gray head (Sentry Key Immobilizer System), the *key itself* has a chip that needs to be recognized by the vehicle. When replacing the cylinder, you'll either need to use the new keys that come with it and have them programmed, or re-key the new cylinder to your old, programmed keys.
Is it hard to replace the ignition lock cylinder myself?
This is a very feasible DIY job for most people with basic tools. The process involves removing the plastic shrouds around the steering column, turning the key to the 'ON' position, and pressing a small release pin to pull the old cylinder out. The new one slides in its place. The most critical requirement is the ability to turn the key to the 'ON' position to release the old cylinder.
My key is completely stuck and won't turn. How can I replace the cylinder?
This makes the job harder, as you can't easily press the release pin. Some owners have had success with persistent wiggling or tapping the key. If that fails, the cylinder may need to be drilled out by a locksmith or experienced mechanic to be removed.
Should I replace the ignition switch at the same time?
If you are not experiencing any electrical-specific symptoms (stalling, flickering lights), there is no need to replace the ignition switch. However, since you will have the steering column covers off anyway, and the parts are relatively inexpensive, some owners choose to replace both the lock cylinder and the ignition switch for peace of mind, especially on a higher-mileage vehicle.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 5003843AA 5003843AB
Mechanical, non-transponder lock cylinder. Replacement requires turning the key to the 'ON' position to access the release pin on the steering column housing.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chrysler Voyager:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Voyager's Ignition Lock Cylinder Failing?
- Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Lock Cylinder
- Don't Confuse the Cylinder with the Switch
- Known Issues & Recalls
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Lock Cylinder
- A Note on Keys
- Aftermarket Ignition Lock Cylinder Cost
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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