Key won't turn in Ignition

[mluraski]

I stopped working and turned the key off and when I tried to start it the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. Called J D and they said we had a dead battery. Replaced battery and it still won't turn

 

[Sheldon Hamblin]

If the key won't turn the switch, that has nothing to do with a battery.
You could try spraying it with something like WD40, or do what I did on my 850, and replace the switch. Worked fine after that.

 

[texasranger556]

In other words the key is "stuck" and won't turn? Confused why the dealer would suggest a battery for that, has to be more to the story. What model tractor is it?

 

[beenthere]

mularski
:welcome: to TBN

Stick with us, and we'll give you some better help than the dealer.. but suspect the new battery response was based on thinking the wrong thing.

If lubricant won't work to get the ignition key to turn, then a replacement as suggested may be in order.

Is the tractor stored outside, or been under cover? May just be some corrosion, but you can identify that better than we can.

 

[mluraski]

In other words the key is "stuck" and won't turn? Confused why the dealer would suggest a battery for that, has to be more to the story. What model tractor is it?

The key will come out of the ignition it just won't turn to start the tractor. The battery was really old but I can't see what that would have to do with the key turning. It is a 650 John Deere

 

[mluraski]

The tractor is under cover in the winter, but outside a lot in the summer.

 

[texasranger556]

Ok, spray some liquid wrench, PB blaster or similar into the key switch. See if you can gently work it loose. Leave it soak a day or two. If not, then you'll need a new key switch.

 

[747driver]

Make a Car Ignition Lock work super smooth - YouTube
Video for ignition switch spray lubricant▶ 3:32
Make a Car Ignition Lock work super smooth - YouTube

I had this problem on my tractor...though the key would turn it wouldn't start. Went to autozone and got some electric cleaner spray...no more problems !

 

[3Ts]

I don't know about the tractor, but in a vehicle with a steering wheel lock, if you can't turn the key, it could be because the steering wheel is pressing against it. Just turn the steering wheel a little and try turning the key again. I don't know of a tractor with a steering wheel lock so I don't think this is your problem, just tossing it out there incase it inspires some one with the right answer.

 

[Egon]

After the oil up you could use air to blow it into the lock. Not required with WD40.

Might polish up the key with some steel wool.