Repair Topics / Ignition Switch Key Lock Tumbler

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Question : 2001 Honda Civic mileage: 69,000. The ignition switch wire heats up when I start the engine. I think it generates from the ignition switch. It gets so hot that you can't touch the end of the wire that is soldered to the ignition switch. Could this mean that the ignition switch is bad, or that there is a short in the line, or something else?

Answer: Usually the ignition switch will heat up is because of a bad connection inside that causes resistance. Replacing the ignition switch should fix your problem.

Question: 2001 Chevrolet Suburban mileage: 74,000. Last July my rear air went out, after that I started having weird problems. You could hear the blinker blink through the radio, the needle that registers charging or not would say it was not charging, the windows would roll down slow, (Electric) the blinkers would blink slow and if you locked the doors with the car on the lights on the inside would dim. My husband is not a mechanic...but he got out the book for his 99 Chevy pick up...the ignition switch was delaying to turn on too...he pulled the steering wheel off and replaced the ignition switch. The other problems seem to go away...except for one window...it will roll down a little then it is like you have to let it cool off or set then it will go a little further? Any idea of what is going on?

Answer: Good job troubleshooting your bad ignition switch. Your remaining problem sounds like a faulty power window motor or a window that is binding in the tract.

Question: 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 76,000. When my wife removed the key from the ignition switch she said it was hot and the steering column was hot. I can't find anything in my over the counter manuals which give me a hint as to where to begin.?

Answer: The ignition switch may have corrosion on the contacts causing resistance, which in turn will cause the switch to get hot. It is time to replace it with a new one.

Question: 2001 Dodge Truck mileage: 85,000.  My car will start but when it comes time to turn the car off nothing happens when you turn the key.  I have replaced the key switch and the ignition switch on the column with no luck.  Could the problem be in the link between the two switches?  It looks like some kind of plastic bar that connects the two.   How does this work and how do I fix it? Thanks

Answer: Your problem could be caused with the link between the ignition lock and the switch. Replace you ignition switch and your key tumbler assembly.

Question: 2001 Toyota Corolla  mileage: 71,000.   The key to the car has broken off in the ignition; half of it is still inside.  How can I get it out?

Answer: Sometimes if there is enough of the broken key exposed you can retrieve the broken piece. Try a paper clip and put a small drop of super glue on the end of it and inserted it onto the end of the key switch and hold it against about 5 minuets and then carefully try to pull the broken piece out. If not you need to call a locksmith or replace the ignition lock with a new unit.

Question: 2002 Lexus es330 mileage: 65,000.  The shifter will not engage back in the parked position.  My son forced it out of the parked position.  The key will not come out of the ignition until you disconnect the battery.   The shift release button will not let it go back in the parked position.  Please help.

Answer:   Your car is equipped with a shift lock safety device, if forced out of position internal damage can occur to the lock mechanism. Inspect for worn or broken parts, replace as needed.

Question: 1999 Nissan Maxima mileage: 94,450.  The ignition switch on my car will not turn at all.  The key lock button is also stuck in the down position.  Is there a simple solution or does the whole thing need to be replaced?

Answer:  Try turning your steering wheel back and forth while you move the key. Sometimes the car is shut off in a way that the steering wheel will hold the lock mechanism. If that doesn't work the switch and lock might need to be replaced.

Answer:   The ignition switch may be causing your problem.  Just the other day, we had a Chevy truck with the same symptoms and replacing the ignition switch did the trick.

Question: 2003 Ford Ranger miles: 67,000.  My radio and wipers only work when the key is on accessories.  They do not work when the car is on.  Battery also keeps going dead.  Why is this happening?

Answer:   First check your GEM module that controls the operation of those circuits. If ok a faulty ignition switch may be causing the trouble.  Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser mileage: 50,000.  My car will not start.  The lights and locks and everything else electrical work, except for the radio.   It has a brand new battery so that is not the problem and since the headlights burn bright, I don't think that is the problem.   There is no clicking or any other sound when the key is turned, the engine doesn't turn over.  I noticed that the only idiot light that comes on is the air bag light when the key is turned.  Check Engine, Oil Pressure, etc, bulbs do not light during the normal test period this makes me concerned about the computer in this thing.  Is this a normal mode of failure for a computer?  I have been having problems with the Check Engine light coming on but a buddy hooked it up to a diagnostic machine and said the O2 sensor wasn't switching properly so I replaced it.   Do I need to reset the codes to keep that light from coming on or was that a possible sign of my current problem?  I realize I have asked a lot here but it would really help to have a clue as to where to start before taking this to a dealer.  And the dealer is the only one who will work on a Cirrus.  God I hate this car.  Thanks a lot, Matt   P.S.  Any idea how difficult it would be to change plugs and wires in this thing?

Answer:  The problems you describe would suggest a bad ignition switch.   Your check engine light has to be reset with a scanning tool to clear the computer.

Question: 1999 Ford Explorer mileage: 80,000.  Ignition switch is worn out, but can't remove the old one for some reason. I have tried turning the switch to the run position and pushing in on the release pin on the side of the column.  It will start to move just a hair then stops and will not budge.  Do not know what else to do without damaging anything.  Yes, I have the steering wheel off.  However, do not know what else I might be missing here.  Please help if you can.

Answer:   Yes, there is nothing you can do but force the ignition out and deal with the damage after.

Question:   2002 Chevrolet 1500 mileage: 93,000.  I am able to turn off the ignition and remove the key but the engine stays running.   The only way to stop it is to disconnect the battery cables.

Answer:    Replace the ignition switch.

Question: 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 67,000.  I turned off the ignition key and the truck kept on running.  It felt like something broke as I turned it back.  I was told that there is a rack that the ignition sits in and that it may have broken or could be adjusted.  Could you offer any direction.  Thanks, Brett - Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

Answer:   Drop the steering column down and inspect for proper operation of rack and switch.  The ignition switch may be faulty.

Question: 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 47,000.  How do you remove the steering column cover to repair or replace the ignition switch?  It sticks when you try to start the car and you have to wriggle it to get it to unlock the column and let you start the car.

Answer:  Remove the steering wheel to access the ignition switch cover.

Question: 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix mileage: 60,255.  The ignition switch lock set broke and I have to replace it.  I have the dash off and remove the electrical part on the backside of the switch but how do I get the tumbler out so I can install a new one.

Answer:  Remove the steering wheel to access the release for the lock assembly.

Repair Topics / Ignition Switch Key Lock Tumbler

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