I remember the day I got my new RAM ProMaster van like it was yesterday. I was so excited to finally have a vehicle that could haul all my photography equipment around without breaking a sweat.
But little did I know, my excitement was about to turn into frustration.
It was a typical Monday morning, and I had a photoshoot scheduled for that afternoon. I grabbed my keys, hopped in my van, and inserted the key into the ignition.
But instead of the engine roaring to life, I was met with a clicking sound and a “Key Not Turning” message on the dashboard.
I was in a hurry and I was panicking. I tried turning the key again and again, but nothing happened. I was so sure that the key was going to break or something like that.
I started to sweat and I was so sure that I was going to be late. But then, I remembered something I had learned a long time ago. I took a deep breath and I thought about what to do next.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some common reasons why your RAM ProMaster key may not be turning and what you can do to fix it.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons Why Your Key May Not Be Turning
There are a few common reasons why your RAM ProMaster key may not be turning.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes.
1. Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why your key may not be turning. The battery in your key fob provides power to the remote starter and the transponder in the key. If the battery is dead, the remote starter and transponder won’t work, and the key won’t turn in the ignition.
2. Dirty or Damaged Key
A dirty or damaged key can also prevent it from turning in the ignition. Dirt, debris, and wear and tear can all cause a key to become damaged.
If your key is dirty or damaged, it may not be able to properly engage with the ignition and turn.
3. Ignition Switch Issues
If your key is not turning, it could be due to issues with the ignition switch. The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the starter motor and other electrical components in your vehicle.
If the ignition switch is faulty, it may not be able to send power to the starter motor and the key won’t turn.
How to Unlock a ProMaster Steering Wheel
If your steering wheel is locked and you can’t turn the key, don’t worry. Here are a few steps you can take to unlock the steering wheel and get your van running again.
1. Shift into Neutral
The first thing you should try is shifting the van into neutral. On some vehicles, the steering wheel will only lock when the van is in park. If you shift into neutral, the steering wheel will unlock and you’ll be able to turn the key.
2. Check the Ignition Switch
If shifting into neutral doesn’t work, the next step is to check the ignition switch. On some vehicles, the steering wheel lock is connected to the ignition switch. If the switch is faulty, it may prevent the steering wheel from unlocking. Have a mechanic check the ignition switch to see if this is the problem.
3. Use the Emergency Key
If all else fails, you can use the emergency key to unlock the steering wheel. Most RAM ProMaster vans come with an emergency key that can be used to manually unlock the steering wheel.
This key is usually located inside the fob and can be used in the door lock or ignition. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to use the emergency key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my key won’t turn in the ignition?
A: If your key won’t turn in the ignition, first check the battery in the key fob. If the battery is dead, replace it.
If the battery is fine, check for dirt or damage on the key. If the key is dirty or damaged, try cleaning or replacing it. If none of these steps work, have a mechanic check the ignition switch.
Q: Can I drive my van if the key won’t turn?
A: No, if the key won’t turn in the ignition, you won’t be able to start the engine and drive the van.
Q: Is it safe to force the key to turn in the ignition?
A: No, it’s not safe to force the key to turn in the ignition. Doing so can damage the key and the ignition, making the problem worse.
If the key won’t turn, follow the steps outlined in this article to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Q: How much does it cost to fix a key that won’t turn?
A: The cost to fix a key that won’t turn will vary depending on the cause of the problem. Replacing a dead battery in the key fob is relatively inexpensive, while replacing a faulty ignition switch can be quite costly.
Have a mechanic diagnose the problem and provide an estimate for repairs.
My Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it folks! Now you know the most common reasons why your RAM ProMaster key may not be turning and what you can do to fix it.
Just remember, if all else fails, you can always use the emergency key to unlock the steering wheel and get back on the road.
And just a friendly reminder, if you’re ever in a hurry and you’re panicking, just take a deep breath and think about what to do next.
Trust me, it worked for me and it can work for you too!