I have a 2003 x type and often it takes a lot of turning back and forth and moving around to get the key to turn and allow me to start the car. My guess it that the key or the barrel is worn. Any ideas hon what this is gonna cost me to fix and can I do it myself?

 

Gary, I would first start with a different key (hopefully one that is not well used) and see if the problem goes away. if it does, then you can simply get a new blade cut and insert it into the keyfob that you tend to use all the time. If it is hard to turn even with the newer key, then the tumbler probably is gummed up or is starting to fail. You can try removing the tumbler from the steering column and then using a fair amount of WD-40 to flush out any gunk that might be in the tumbler and then see what you have then. If you are still having issues, then odds are you are looking at getting a new tumbler and having a locksmith adjust the inside of the tumbler to work with your keys. What that would cost, I can not say.

If you only have a single key, then I would start with flushing the tumbler. Otherwise, your next step would be to have your local dealership cut you a new key based on your VIN and then start at the top.