Ignition Key Doesn't Turn Sometimes in 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Here's the solution if this happens to anyone else. I just went though this and it can save you a lot of money. My key would not turn at all, this is definitely a tumbler issue but STOP do not call the dealership or a mechanic. The one dealership I called told me there would be a $150.00 diagnostic fee. I told him I KNOW what the problem is already. Their total estimate to repair was about $450.00. So then I called a normal mechanic, he told me we would have to drill it out, cost about $400.00. Anyway, back to what to do, if your stranded and your key won't run, first call a locksmith. They will come out and fix the problem in just a few minutes. My cost $90.00 and they came to me. Here's a couple hints, if your key will not turn ( which is what you need when you want to remove the tumber) slightly tap on the key while it is in the tumbler with a soft rubber hammer. This will probably free it up, if not go to the auto parts store and buy "TRIFLOW" lubricant and spray in the tumbler, give it a heathy dose, then move your key in and out a couple times. This should free up the brass slides that are in the tumbler. Once your key turns again you can remove the tumbler by depressing the small latch on the bottom of the housing (after removing the shroud) the key must be in the ON position. Then you can clean each brass slide thoroughly with the TRIFLOW. The last thing, since this is a bad design, remove the "FIRST" two brass slides from the tumbler, one on top, one on the bottom. You don't need them!! What happens is when you insert your key, the key usually goes in depending on you slightly pointing up or down, this scores the first brass slides and cause them to stick open. Once the key is inserted pass the first slide it ends up in the proper groove and goes in straight. Remove the first two slides and keep a can of Triflow handy and tell the dealership to kiss your ****!! Keep a good auto locksmith number handy and spend the money you save on beer!!! I hope this helps someone else. Here's the solution if this happens to anyone else. I just went though this and it can save you a lot of money. My key would not turn at all, this is definitely a tumbler issue but STOP do not call the dealership or a mechanic. The one dealership I called told me there would be a $150.00 diagnostic fee. I told him I KNOW what the problem is already. Their total estimate to repair was about $450.00. So then I called a normal mechanic, he told me we would have to drill it out, cost about $400.00. Anyway, back to what to do, if your stranded and your key won't run, first call a locksmith. They will come out and fix the problem in just a few minutes. My cost $90.00 and they came to me. Here's a couple hints, if your key will not turn ( which is what you need when you want to remove the tumber) slightly tap on the key while it is in the tumbler with a soft rubber hammer. This will probably free it up, if not go to the auto parts store and buy "TRIFLOW" lubricant and spray in the tumbler, give it a heathy dose, then move your key in and out a couple times. This should free up the brass slides that are in the tumbler. Once your key turns again you can remove the tumbler by depressing the small latch on the bottom of the housing (after removing the shroud) the key must be in the ON position. Then you can clean each brass slide thoroughly with the TRIFLOW. The last thing, since this is a bad design, remove the "FIRST" two brass slides from the tumbler, one on top, one on the bottom. You don't need them!! What happens is when you insert your key, the key usually goes in depending on you slightly pointing up or down, this scores the first brass slides and cause them to stick open. Once the key is inserted pass the first slide it ends up in the proper groove and goes in straight. Remove the first two slides and keep a can of Triflow handy and tell the dealership to kiss your ****!! Keep a good auto locksmith number handy and spend the money you save on beer!!! I hope this helps someone else.