Mazda Millenia ignition

Tiny
FXLORENZO
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 MAZDA MILLENIA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
How would I tell if I need an ignition lock cylinder or jus an ignition lock and tumble switch? My problem is that the engine starts even when key is turned to just the ON position and it doesn't disengage the starter afterwards making that weird noise of I believe the starter. I have turn back the key halfway between the ON and Accessory position to get rid of the noice.
Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 9:28 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
Your ignition lock/tumbler/cylinder is one piece. Replace the cylinder and you replace it all.
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 9:40 PM
Tiny
FXLORENZO
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  • 4 POSTS
With the condition I stated above, could I fix the problem just by replacing the ignition switch and tumbler only?
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 10:24 PM
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
The tumbler is located inside the cylinder and is not a separate item. You HAVE to replace the cylinder in order to replace the tumbler. When you by the cylinder, the tumbler is inside.
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 10:30 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
EC is correct, you are referring to the barrel & key assembly, the ignition switch is separate, the problem will normally be with the barrel & key assembly.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
FXLORENZO
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  • 4 POSTS
I searched the part online and I have one which is IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER for $330.00 with a picture showing an assembly with keys, and another listing called IGNITION LOCK & TUMBLE SWITCH for $144.00 with a picture showing like a white plastic connector. I just want to know whether I need to have both of these parts to solve the problem.
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
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The plastic piece is not a tumbler. Maybe the just worded it wrong. That is really a switch that directs voltage to which ever circuit needs it according to the position of the key. (Acc, On, Start) It's quite possible you'll need one or the other, not both. If the key is hard to turn, then it's the lock cylinder (tumbler). If it won't start, or acc won't come on, then it's the switch.
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 11:54 PM
Tiny
FXLORENZO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The car starts easily while you turn the key to the ON position instead of the START position and then make that squeaking sound until I turn back the key backwards a little bit towards ACCESSORY position. I also get that squeaking sound briefly sometimes when I turn the key to the OFF position. So would this tell me that the problem is then the switch and not the cylinder?
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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 AT 12:18 AM

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