I have a 2005 ram 1500 and today I pulled a trailer out of the yard, unhitched the thing. I turned of the engine before I stepped out as I needed a key on my chain to lock the hitch bolt. Got back in the truck and could not turn the ignition key, try as I may. asked the missus to come ashore with her key. But after another few wiggles and curses it clicked and started. But now I have to turn the key back a little to disengage the starter. I am going to try the spare key tomorrow and if its the same problem, I guess I will have to change the cylinder ? Or is there something else in there that can get jammed up ??

Next time don't buy a Dodge. They are junk~

I had to change the ignition key cylinder recently in my mom's mini van. Took about one minute, watched a youtube video on how to do it. I was really surprise to see how easy it would be to steal a car simply by removing the key cylinder and using a screw driver. It's worth learning how to do so you can get going if you lose your key somewhere. Doubt it would work on the newer chipped key versions though.

Ignition coil might be bad (cheap quick fix). Could also be a loose starter cable, bad spark plug wire or distributor cap & rotor.

I would check the starter and battery cables first then the ignition coil.

I like the thing. and the next one is going to be the diesel 2500. Its not having an easy life with me and is holding up pretty well considering what I throw at it. Hauling heavy stuff and towing boats. It does have a drinking problem ... but heck, nobody is perfect.

Scuba, I have a 2003 Ram 2500 Hemi, and they are known for ignition switch problems. Most common problem is the power for the heater fan is run through the ignition switch. That connection gets hot and burns up and then your fan doesn’t work and you have to change the ignition switch. I would have never thought that my fan wasn’t working because of the ignition but that’s what it was. They are easy to change like said before. I figure the 2005s probably have the same problem knowing Dodge. The other problem they are notorious for is the blend door. My air is stuck on the dash vents right now. Hopefully getting a Toyota this month and no more Dodges for me.

You might be able to get the parts you need from a local junkyard. Early 2000's dodges are easy to get parts for. My bro. has one. Chevy coloradoes have a similar problem- it may be just a dirty connection - try google.

He said the key wouldnt turn the switch. I wouldnt think its a coil or connection problem.

Always one tard in the bunch.

My '02 2500 Cummins has 384k miles on it, no rust, not bad for junk truck
Oh, I never had trouble with the key or ignition

Its not electrical ..... I think its either a worn out key/ tumblers. Or some crud got into the lock cylinder. I think I'll just order a new cylinder and swap them. Not worth pulling the gibbons all apart to clean it just to find out its suffering from old age I think

I had to make a new key from spare as copy, main one worn too much

Do you have a lot of keys and other stuff on your key ring? I have heard that too much weight on the keyring can cause the switch to wear out. Good luck!

Moosetrot

that could be it as well .... I'll give that a go first ... the cheap option sometimes does win lol

You need an ignition switch. The lock tumbler doesn't have any resistance to turning. All the "clicks", the different positions-off, acc, run, start, are in the ignition switch. Hope that makes sense. It's not too bad of a job, remove upper and lower column shrouds, remove lock tumber, remove tilt lever, it's on the left side of the column.

I always tell folks to look up dodge in the dictionary if they say they are looking to buy one **to avoid**

Glad I got one of those new $180 keys that never stick. Oh wait...mine sticks sometimes too....but I doubt its the same issue and always returns back to normal in a try or two. keys didn't get any better since they've gone High Tech...just much more spendy...and now with batteries you have to replace...Dumb

2001 2500 Dodge diesel. Wouldn't trade it for all the Fords and Newer Chevy's out there. Almost 300,000. With routine maintenance it should last forever.I do all my own work.If I have to spend 1-2000 a year on it it is still way cheaper than payments on a newer one and I know what I have.

Timothy a cummins with 300k on it is just barely broken in:)

Scuba,
You might be able to use some contact cleaner and spray down the key slot. Might be some crude in there binding things up.