Ignition cylinder

[SHOFF]

When I bought my 95 SHO three years ago, I notice the key can be pulled out of the ignition cylinder, while the vehicle is running. The cylinder also seems a little loose. Last weekend when i tried to start my vehicle, nothing happened. My head lights worked fine, and the electric accessories came on without any problems. When I turned the cylinder back and forth, there was no click, but I could hear the fuel pump. After trying to start the car by turning the cylinder back and fourth, it finally turned over. For the next few days I had no starting issues, then on the third day, the same thing happened again. I spent two or three minutes turning the key back and forth, until it started. I’m not sure how much time I have left, before the vehicle won’t start at all. Would this be an Ignition switch? I had the battery, alternator and starter checked last spring, and all were in good condition.
Thanks in advance!

 

[NoSlo]

The key pulling out is a different issue than the starting problem. If a key is coded/cut so that it is thick on the fob end and and it progressively gets smaller near the tip, it can pull out once the mid-pin ridges have worn down. The only solution to this is to have a locksmith cut a new key using a code and programmable cutter so there are crisp points between the pin cuts to hold it in, or have the ignition (and the door locks too) rekeyed with a key with a big bump on the middle or the end so it can't pull out.

It sounds like your starter is on the way out!

 

[VortecGT]

Is it an ATX? I have to start mine in neutral once in awhile to get it to start. Might want to try that next time it happens.

 

[93markVIII]

it could be the ignition switch. they get used twice every time you get in the car. its gonna fail eventually. its easy enough to change. and will keep the key from falling out.
just buy a new lock cylinder, take it to a lock smith, he will key it to your original key, replace the cylinder. all fixed.
if it doesn't help. check your starter wiring. good wiring and no click means bad solenoid. solenoids are relatively cheap. $20 i think.

 

[NoSlo]

It's a 95 ATX. Mine has never had a problem with the ignition switch or lockout switch on the transmission selector, but has eaten about six starters. Just playing the odds.

There is no easily replaceable solenoid, the starter is all one unit. You can see that the starter is getting the 'start' signal by unplugging the small red wire to the starter that goes to the solenoid body on the starter. OEM has a small spade connector, but these have usually been converted to a ring terminal and nut. Hook it up to a multimeter or test light. If doing this alone you can just use a long wire to bring the signal back to a meter by the drivers door where you can see it, and connect the tester's ground lead to the door jamb or other metal. Turn the key, get +12V, dead starter.

Clean your crummy battery terminals and stuff like that first though...

it could be the ignition switch. they get used twice every time you get in the car. its gonna fail eventually. its easy enough to change. and will keep the key from falling out.
just buy a new lock cylinder, take it to a lock smith, he will key it to your original key, replace the cylinder. all fixed.
if it doesn't help. check your starter wiring. good wiring and no click means bad solenoid. solenoids are relatively cheap. $20 i think.

I take it you've not actually replaced one. The ignition switch and the lock cylinder are two different parts, either can be replaced. If a new lock cylinder was re-keyed to use the worn down key, chances are it wouldn't hang on to the key either. Regardless, changing the lock cylinder doesn't fix a bad switch, which although they can fail, doesn't have much to fail inside; two pieces of metal come together and close the circuit, and power goes through switch from the fuse box to the starter.

 

[93markVIII]

It's a 95 ATX. Mine has never had a problem with the ignition switch or lockout switch on the transmission selector, but has eaten about six starters. Just playing the odds.

There is no easily replaceable solenoid, the starter is all one unit. You can see that the starter is getting the 'start' signal by unplugging the small red wire to the starter that goes to the solenoid body on the starter. OEM has a small spade connector, but these have usually been converted to a ring terminal and nut. Hook it up to a multimeter or test light. If doing this alone you can just use a long wire to bring the signal back to a meter by the drivers door where you can see it, and connect the tester's ground lead to the door jamb or other metal. Turn the key, get +12V, dead starter.

Clean your crummy battery terminals and stuff like that first though...



I take it you've not actually replaced one. The ignition switch and the lock cylinder are two different parts, either can be replaced. If a new lock cylinder was re-keyed to use the worn down key, chances are it wouldn't hang on to the key either. Regardless, changing the lock cylinder doesn't fix a bad switch, which although they can fail, doesn't have much to fail inside; two pieces of metal come together and close the circuit, and power goes through switch from the fuse box to the starter.

uhh. is the starter different than on a 92 mtx? i have personally put a new solenoid on my brothers 92 mtx. the starter was fine.

re-keyed cylinder on that same sho is also working fine.

 

[93markVIII]

rock auto sells solenoids for a 95 atx. shrug.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1980472

 

[SHOFF]

I have an ATX. You guys brought up some good points, which i will look into. Thank you.