My key won't turn - WTF

[dkilgore11]

Parked 99.5 Pathfinder at local repair shop for service, they called later and said the key won't turn. I get there and the wheel is locked hard to the right with only a fraction of play clockwise - I didn't leave it that way. None of the mechs could get it free and neither can I. Now they just want me to go away, like they don't want try and fix it. Nissan says tow it in if jiggling the wheel trick doesn't work.
Anyone have this before? How did you fix it? I saw SUS9's post but he never said how it ennded up. Will this be a new ignition assembly, keys, or is there some magic someone knows? Need advice.
- F 'ed in ATL

[01silvapathy]

Have someone try and turn the key while you move the wheel however much you can back and forth. Even if it takes two hands on the wheel to turn it, it should unlock eventually. Did the shop move it after you left it? If so its their problem to fix and repair. Just like when I got some tires mounted at a place, and they ceased on a lug nut and had to cut a stud off my wheel spacer. They cant find a replacement stud so they will wind up having to buy me another set of spacers. Took some persuasion at the corporate level but in the end, when I took it there everything was fine and when THEY gave it back it was damaged...END OF STORY.

[dkilgore11]

The shop won't admit to anything. They claim they got in to start it and the key wouldn't turn. Weird since Ive turned that key a million times, plus the wheel is locked hard over and I would never park that way. I would be happy if they fixed it and split the cost. They gave me a loner so obv they feel some responsibility.
Yeah everything I've read says turn the wheel and key til it works....I'll go by and f with it some more, wish me luck.

[Chuck Tribolet]

I wonder what would happen if you jacked the front end (so the steering wheel wasn't fighting the resistance from turning the road
wheels. I had one vehicle ('72 240Z, I think) that would do this now and then and could be a bit fiddly about unlocking.

Was the truck in the same spot you left it? What was the work they were to do. I'm helping to build a "the shop did it" defense.

[tbsbiker2]

Are the front wheels parked up against something like a parking block? A longshot but
I'd speculate there's some tension on the steering column? Just a longshot.

Pete

[dkilgore11]

I backed straight into a space on a slight incline, nose down. I left the wheel pretty much straight and as always put on the e brake before shifting into park and letting off the brake. I'm pretty sure they didn't move it, but the weird part is how did the wheel get locked so hard over to the right - that's the mystery nobodys telling, they just say it was like that when they got in. BS I say. We also disengaged the shifter, put it in N and rolled it little to release any tension but no result.
This is a neighborhood goodyear we've been using for over twenty years. I used to avoid them cause I though they were gouging my parents but started using them for small stuff they couldn't screw me on. They treated me ok so I let them do more stuff and was pretty happy. So last time, I let them do my valve cover gaskets and they had all kinds of struggles. When I got the car back, they told me the ses light was on and to bring it back anytime and they would fix it - that's what I was doing there this time, getting them to finish fixing something they caused.
Now this one in a million thing happens on their watch. I'm thinking they don't like to and are no good at working on my car. But these guys have been fixing my familys cars forever - they should be doing everything they can to keep us happy, not this crap.
BTW - thx for the input

[tbsbiker2]

Was any of the work they were to do involve
Putting it on the lift? Another longshot but maybe it fell off the
Lift? I watched a tireshop drop my 97 pathfinder off the front lift supports (no
Damage thankfully) but maybe something happend and they pushed the car back?? Hate to accuse them of anything but sounds like something went bad?

[ARKQX33V6]

This is a common problem especially if you have not lubed the key tumbler assembly.
First
As already suggested try to move the steering wheel in the direction of the locked position with another person working on the key as a handle to try and free things up, raising the front wheels up will help.

If no go, you can start the car or engage the starter to help against the hydraulic stopped pressure.

The vehicle can be started by jumping power to the ignition and by using a remote type switch (on when pressed) used by mechanics to turn over engines. This remote switch is jumped from the battery positive to the solenoid cable that initiates the solenoid that in turn brings on the starter.

With the engine turning over the power steering pump will assist in turning the wheels.

But if you find this intimidating do your best to try to unlock the locking mechanism by hand then a grease job on this system will help at later times.

[dkilgore11]

Here's the plan.
Ignition switch assembly 169.00
Labor 90.00
Mech says he's splitting the labor with me, didn't ask why.
We'll see . . .
Maybe need a new mechanic.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Definitely need a new mechanic. If the wheels weren't turned like that when you left it, THEY DID IT.
You fire the mechanic not because they did it, but because they won't man up to it happening on their
watch.

Does a '99 have the keys with a chip? If it does, you need to do one of the following:

Have the truck reprogrammed to the new keys ($$$)
Carry the old key for the doors.

OR

Have a locksmith change the pins in the new ignition switch to match the old key. ($$)

Even if it doesn't have a chip in the key, you might want to do B just so as not to have to carry two keys.

[skycop56]

Never, and I mean NEVER, have any engine, electrical, or interior dash repair done at a tire service garage. They hire kids off the street with no mechanical education or experience. Use the dealer or a certified garage, it's worth the extra money in the long run.