Ignition cylinder problems

[Machspeed]

Im pretty sure i need a new key ignition. Ill put my key in, and a few things can happen. One, i try to turn it, but only the black part and the key will turn, nothing else. Like its not gripping the rest of the parts and im just moving the black part that holds the key. Im also having difficulties gettting the key to turn at all, it'll just lock up. I had this problem wheni first bought the car 2 years ago but it went away. Where can i get a new one of these. (Im not sure waht the exact name for it is, is it the ignition switch?) How hard is it to put one of these things in? Any other tips???

 

[masho95]

My car is having a similar problem at the moment. When you turn the key does it spin freely like it's not engaging anything? Turns out my problem is internal in the steering column, it seems that the plastic toothed rod that the ignition switch is supposed to move is broken. If you want to try a quick and easy fix to make sure it's the ignition lock cylinder, go to Autozone or the like and ask for a new ignition lock cylinder. I just picked one up for $14.99. Removal and installation should take 15 mins tops. As long as you can get the car to the run position you shouldn't have a problem replacing it. First take off the lower steering column shroud, which should be held in by like 3 or four screws. Next look underneath and you'll see a small hole a couple inches down from where you put the key in (ignition cylinder). Turn the key to run and use an appropriate pin punch or something similar and push up in the small hole. Then just pull to the right on the ignition lock cylinder (grab it by the black part where the key sits). It should come right out. Installation requires you to just line up the new ignition lock cylinder in the correct position and just push it in. And finally to set it in position turn the key to accessory and press the key release tab and then turn it to run again (this releases the ignition lock cylinder retaining pin and locks the new ignition lock cylinder in place). If you are still having a problem then most likely something internal in the steering column has broken as in my case.

 

[SHOZ123]

Easy and cheap to fix. Go to an old time locksmith and get a new cylinder keyed to your key. Then replace it out in the parking lot. Cost me about $20.00

To remove the cylinder...

Disconnect battery.

Insert key and turn to the on position.

Push up from the bottom under the cylinder into a hole with a 3/16" drill bit or something similar turned backwards.

Release drill bit pressure and pull out key and cylinder.

Install by reversing these directions.

 

[masho95]

bump

Any updates on your problem?

 

[Machspeed]

Well as of rihgt now it just totally stopped. It did it a couple of times when ifirst got the car and just went away for 2 years. So maybe itll do it again in two years lol.

 

[masho95]

Ok well if it just stopped suddenly then, it's almost definitely not something internal and just a wearing down ignition lock cylinder. I'd replace it before it doesn't work at all.