My 2005 Crossfire developed the (apparently) inherent locking ignition syndrome. Can anyone tell me how to fix this? I've learned that parts can't be obtained for months because they're coming from Germany - there are tons of folks waiting for the parts, and no one seems to know when they'll start manufacturing the replacement parts. I mean, this isn't just a bumper or an interior detail part...this is the IGNITION! Also, is it really possible for a locksmith to fix this problem?

 

Read through this thread. Good luck! With your car that is...not reading.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...n-key-fix.html

 

I guess by removing the lockng pin, the only thing that's compromised then is the steering wheel - that it can be turned when in park right? Other than that, there shouldn't be any other safety issue? I just have to figure something out because I can't be without a car for however many months it's going to take to get my part...from GERMANY!

 

The steering wheel still locks after you take out the spring and pin. There are no safety issues that anyone has come across . I have had mine out sine August '09 no problems - no sticking

 

Reading some of these threads has got me worried. How common is this problem anyway?

 

All it takes is turning the steering wheel slightly until you feel the resistance on the key disappear and you can turn it completely.

 

It is common based on the fact that this topic has more "replies" and "views" than any TSB or technical topic.

But lets say that half the posts, if not most, could be dealt with by reading the PDF file posted by "rekcah". It is a proven fix and costs nothing but your time. I think the big issue is knowing that once your key starts to stick - fix it. Most all of the people who posted had their ignition stick before it became a real problem. So it is not something that doesn't usually give you some warning. I couldn't guess a percentage of xfires with the problem.

this may help once in a while but does NOT fix the problem and it will come back to bite you!
Ron

 

This is a very common problem. It happened to me. The dealership fixed it about 3 years ago and they had another crossfire with the same problem. Not sure how they fixed it but they did under warranty.

 

I've had my XF for 6 weeks now and I haven't been able to start the engine 3 times. Turning the steering wheel didn't help but simply removing the key and reinserting it allowed it to start the engine. I suspect this will happen more frequently now. Looking to see if my extended warranty covers it. The problem is re-producing the issue for the dealer.

 

If you're one of the many who is experiencing this problem, just remove the locking pin per Reckah's post.

I purchased my crossfire from carmax with no warranty back in March and just decided to remove the pin myself. Literally takes less than an hour to do and saves you the headaches down the road... and I've never had any of the "safety issues" that some of you are concerned with.