Ignition Problem

[SimonTuffGuy]

The key to my car is needed to move the ignition cylinder from lock to accessory... However, I can use just about anything else that sticks onto the cylinder (other keys, screwdriver, etc) once it's past the lock setting.

Any advice on a possible fix?

[GenevaDirt]

cylinder change is about the only thing that would work I would think. My silver car is like that but my red one is fine.

[Tim]

How worn are the teeth on your key(s)?

On mine I have 2 keys - a worn one and a newish one. The worn one comes out once I get past LOCK, and the newer one stays inside it until I lock the ignition.

[25Horseplay]

On my cars the same key works in both cars!

[GenevaDirt]

Hmmmmm...I would just leave it the way it is....who cares if any key or whatever will turn the cylinder.....hehehehe...road trip to PA is in my future.... do you like red or silver better Simon? LOL

[Tim]

Hmmmmm...I would just leave it the way it is....who cares if any key or whatever will turn the cylinder...

It can be a problem if you leave your car with someone over the summer, like I did.

They didn't seem to understand my explanation about the loose key, and left the lock the ACC position, killing my battery.

[SimonTuffGuy]

Tim hit it on the head sort-of... I had the car over to the garage and they left the key turned on the ACC position... Not only did it drain part of the battery, but anyone with a screwdriver could've been off with the car at that point.

The teeth are pretty worn, but I don't know that there's any solution... If I take my VIN number to the dealer, can they cut me a new key to the specs of the old one? I've heard of people doing that before who've lost all their keys.

[ajb999]

you have to get some number off of the lock in the door. then they can cut a key using that number. can't remember where it is though. my parents had to do that when my brother lost the key to my festiva before it was mine.

[Shiva]

you have to get some number off of the lock in the door. then they can cut a key using that number. can't remember where it is though. my parents had to do that when my brother lost the key to my festiva before it was mine.

on the outside of the lock cylinder housing.. a 4 digit number..
key blank is a H59.
just did mine cause of the slop in the old key..

[GenevaDirt]

If I take my VIN number to the dealer, can they cut me a new key to the specs of the old one? I've heard of people doing that before who've lost all their keys.

You have AAA...or some other kind of tow/car service? I know the one I have will pay for a locksmith if you loose your key...lol....oppppps, I lost my key, come help me :wink:

[Shiva]

DO call and make certain of that fact.. AFAIK currently AAA will unlock your car, but no one will pay for lost keys, or if they do, its a very low $ limit.
Some new car keys cost as much as $2500 to replace the keys, and that is on the individual, not the 'roadside provider'.

[SimonTuffGuy]

I'll just look for someone selling a key and lock set with the ignition included... Can't be that hard to swap... Plus, if I shave the doors again, the locks will be gone from the doors anyways.

[roycehof]

Hey - face it, none of the locks on these cars are very robust. Locks only keep honest people away. If somebody really wants to steal it, they will no matter what you do. With that said, there is a module use in motor homes and campers that stop battery drain at a certain voltage leaving enough energy to start the vehicle. They sell them at camping supply stores. They do work. I used on my van and sure enough after a couple of hours of draining it cut-off. Then I when I turned the key, it started. Much better that keeping that "old school" 2 battery system. Just a thought. I kind of like being able to remove the key in the on position, especially in the winter because these cars take so long to warm up. Start it up, pull out the key, lock the door, and drink your coffee while the car heats up - almost a selling feature, except in most states it is against the law to have a car running unoccupied (I wonder how they get away with remote start?). Anyway enough said. Let me know if a fresh key solves your problem.

[SimonTuffGuy]

This car won't see cold weather; no heater core = no heating inside... I just want something that a simple screwdriver won't allow it to fire up with. I've never had the problem in any of the 4 past Festivas I've had.

[packrat427]

I'll just look for someone selling a key and lock set with the ignition included... Can't be that hard to swap... Plus, if I shave the doors again, the locks will be gone from the doors anyways.

Simon , I have never changed a switch , but when I got a car that needed a switch I was told it takes a special tool to remove the ign. switch ??
Like a bFh and a chisel ...LOL

I was told it is easier to replace the whole column , instead of the switch itself ??

I am curious , just how hard it is to replace the switch , without damaging anything .