Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

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Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

September 24, 2009, 01:23:30 PM

Not sure if this even fits here....suddenly out of nowhere I can only turn the ignition cylinder as far as RUN, but if I try to start the car, it is held fast as if I were trying to turn it without the key in it. Does it need the cylinder replaced? Can you even get one? Perhaps it just needs lubrication, maybe one of the tumbers is stuck? I searched and there doesnt seem to be any record of this....I was kinda hoping it would be one-of-those-Fox-things where you tap it 3 times and say some codeword and BAM its mint and ready to go :hick:

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #1 – September 24, 2009, 01:53:44 PM

My 86 XR7 did the same thing over the summer right before it imploded and then you could turn it without a key. I took it to a locksmith and he fixed it. I didnt want a different key for the ignition and the door as I am picky that way. You can get replacements if you dont mind the extra key at the normal parts stores.

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #2 – September 24, 2009, 04:59:01 PM

Zonda,PM sent.

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #3 – September 25, 2009, 02:44:40 AM

One of my 87 v-6 cars did that. I could also pull the key out of the ignition with the car running. Was kinda handy when running inside to buy smokes.

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #4 – September 25, 2009, 12:22:21 PM

You could start my 86 Camaro with any GM key. The only theft deterrent system was the fact that the engine would flood if you didn't start it exactly right.

Try your spare key. Maybe your day-to-day key is too worn.

The Lock cylinder is pretty easy to replace if you still have the key.

If your adventurous, you can disassemble the cylinders and swap the tumblers so you can use your own key.

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #5 – September 25, 2009, 08:38:16 PM

One other possibility. The switch housing may have overheated, and allowd the RUN contacts to come loose, thus jamming the slide in the switch. I recently had problems with mine dying as soon as I let go of the key from START. Popped the covers off the column, and the problem stood out like a sore thumb. Squeezed two little tabs to push the harness side back in a little, and bingo, works perfectly now.

I've been able to take the keys outta my truck ignition for a LONG time now. It started doing that while it was still fairly new, IIRC. My daughter was in the truck with me. I started the truck, drove off, and then just pulled the keys out and said "Here, hold these". Shoulda seen the look on her face.

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #6 – September 26, 2009, 05:23:25 PM

Update.......

Took the cylinder to the locksmith today, said something about the "root cap" or something being broken, wont come apart, but Ive got someone sending me another cylinder, and the locksmith mentioned that he could take that one apart assuming it does come apart, and re-program it to my key, which would be awesome. Well see what happens, but either way soon I shant have to touch pliers to my solenoid anymore :hick:

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #7 – September 30, 2009, 07:34:17 PM

Cylinder,key,and matching door locks (lighted) on the way.They're in a shipping tube.

Ignition cylinder gets stuck before cranking position

Reply #8 – September 30, 2009, 07:53:19 PM

*Scooby-Doo voice* Oooooooo!!! Good thing its only one tube and not a series of tubes. Fortunately one tube you can just dump on a big truck.