Key issue or ignition cylinder issue?

So I’ve come across a weird issue. My second key belongs to my wife and from the moment she first used it, it was difficult to turn. We had to manipulate the angles to get it to turn.

I noticed the last few times the truck would be on the accessory position after she’d be done driving. She swears up and down that she double checked it was off before she got out. Turns out the key comes in and out easily with the key in the acc position and she said she accidentally knocked it out earlier when she went to retest.

My key does not have any issue like that, so would this be a key issue or an ignition cylinder issue? With that being said, does anyone know the cost of a key/ the programming or the cost of an ignition cylinder?

 

Sounds more like a lock cylinder problem, are both keys OEM?

 

I’m not sure, I bought the truck with both sets. I did notice the problematic key is thinner and not as long, but it doesn’t look aftermarket. I’m moving more towards the key being suspect

 

Maybe get a simple key cut for a couple bucks and try it, it won't start the truck because of the immobilizer but will at least tell you if it's the key or the lock cylinder.

 

It does sound like a key problem. MAYBE a regular chipless key will work with the chip key near the ignition switch?

 

You could do that as well, as long as the transponder key is within an inch or so of the lock cylinder it should read it.