Key in the key cylinder and push it up toward the windshield the car won't start

Tiny
ZEMORZEMOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,500 MILES
When I put the key in the key cylinder and push it up toward the windshield the car won't start, however when I push it down it starts. Can you give me instructions on the replacement?
Sunday, March 13th, 2016 AT 5:26 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This is a pretty simple process but it may not be the lock cylinder. It may be the switch itself so I would start with this.

I attached the process for both. I would suggest starting with the cylinder and since it is so easy and then do the switch if that does not solve it.

Please let us know if you have questions and how you make out with this. Thanks
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Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
This is the part I need to change, or make thicker, the actual actuator...
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Friday, May 17th, 2024 AT 7:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I noticed we haven't been in contact with you for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? We're interested in knowing.

Joe
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Sunday, May 19th, 2024 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
I haven't made much progress other than acquiring an actuator from a salvage yard to see if I could get the end piece out without taking the rivets off, other than that I baby the switch and keep my eyes on the instrument cluster, and wiggle the switch a little when the gauges turn off...
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Saturday, August 9th, 2025 AT 2:07 AM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
I haven't had much luck with this, I keep my eyes on the instrument cluster and wiggle the key a bit when they start to turn off...
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Saturday, August 9th, 2025 AT 2:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Did you change the switch out?
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Saturday, August 9th, 2025 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
No, not yet. I am seriously considering mixing up some JB Weld to thicken the actuator...
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Saturday, August 9th, 2025 AT 3:48 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Okay, let me know how it goes.
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Sunday, August 10th, 2025 AT 6:11 PM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Okay, I will. Thanks
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Monday, August 11th, 2025 AT 6:13 AM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Okay, I tried some JB weld but it didn't stick to such a small surface until I cleaned the brake cleaner I had used earlier off with 90% isopropyl. Then I noticed the flat on the shaft end, so I went to a salvage yard and got the whole mechanism. Problem solved, except the switch connector is embossed B (or), SR ( vio/bu), P (violet), S (or/vio), R/S (or/wt), instead of numbers or anything else i've seen posted. As an aside i'd like to note the two S2 T30, (tamper-resistant torx with five lobes and a center post), screws that fasten the mechanism to the steering column and the yellow tab that should be depressed in the run position to take a cable off the assembly to remove it. Thanks for your help, 'preciate it...
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 4:30 AM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
I've posted a reply twice but it doesn't show up, am I missing something?
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 4:44 AM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Here is the switch I installed
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 6:16 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, that looks good, does everything work okay now or?
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 1:20 PM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Yes, everything is working as it should, thanks for your help...
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 4:20 PM

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