Key won't turn in ignition! Only had car 3 hours! Help!!
 

I hope you can help me. I just bought a Crossfire a few hours ago and now I can't get my key to turn in the ignition, meaning I can't start the car. All of the dealers and customer support numbers are closed, and I'm desparate. Is there a security system I don't know about?

I dont have one yet but have you tried maybe turning the steering wheel a little bit to take the pressure off the column lock?

Also is it the same exact key you used to drive it home with?

are you on angle?
did you unplug the battery?
could it recieved a volt?
try turning the wheel then the key...

mine did this but it was cuz i had the ECU changed and they messed up doing it...

Thanks so much to you and to a private reply from "Cyril Baldwin"

I just tried turning the steering wheel to the left before turning the key and it worked. Now I can get to work in the morning! I had even called three dealerships in California (since in that time zone they were still open) and none knew what the heck to do. The Roadside Assistance Center was just as clueless. I just KNEW there'd be a forum on the Internet with people who were more helpful. I can't thank you enough!

But what the heck is the REASON for this, do you know? It's not a security system, correct? I'm really not a clueless person, but I was baffled.

Well if you have some pressure on the column lock it wont let the cylinder turn due to the increased resistance. In actuallity, this is a problem that has been around as long as there have been column locks. Its always a good idea to make sure that there is no pressure on the lock and that the wheel isnt turned all the way and held while taking the key out. Its best to make sure the steering wheel has found a position of rest before turning the car off and of course I have also seen people park the car up against a curb for fear of it rolling away and the pressure put on the front tire from the car drifting a bit when they park it has the same effect by putting pressure on the column lock.

BTW, glad you got it figured out 8)

Actually, the steering wheel dont lock in any position but the neutral position which is odd because some cars lock with the wheels in an angle...

New Crossfire Jetters don't worry about it ,we won't tell anyone!

I must say, the entire senario is pretty funny! This really does show, however how excellent and beneficial this forum is. The real funny part, or maybe a little disconcerting, depending on how you look at, is that the dealerships didn't have a clue or suggestion to offer. I can understand the roadside assistance phone person-but the dealer techs????????????????

Alls well that ends well!!!!!!!!!

I'd expect Roadside Assistance to be at least as well if not better informed than some phone person at a dealership. After all, what the heck is Roadside Assistance good for if not just exactly this sort of situation?!? They're supposed to be there for you 24/7. Me, I'd write a letter, NICELY explaining how clueless and un-helpful they were. They can't improve if people don't complain about lack of assistance. Me, I'd write a letter too if they had been helpful. I'm all about letting people know, good or bad, my experience with somebody's service.

unfortunately, our crossfires don't come with true roadside assistance. it is only towing assistance. they will only tow your crossfire to the nearest dealership. therefore, they probably don't staff people with any technical ability at those positions. they simply ask where you are and arrange for a tow truck to come out and get you.

now for dealerships, i would be disconcerted if i was talking to the service department and they couldn't guess why the key wouldn't turn.

[
I'd expect Roadside Assistance to be at least as well if not better informed than some phone person at a dealership. After all, what the heck is Roadside Assistance good for if not just exactly this sort of situation?!? [/quote]

nah, roadside asst. is just going to be a wrecker-referral service like tripple-a and i'm halfway suprised the telephone wasn't answered in downtown bangladesh.

i did think that phoning a dealer in another time-zone was pretty clever and i'd be real dissapointed that they couldn't find someone in the shop to answer the question. really no excuse for that.

dan

nah, roadside asst. is just going to be a wrecker-referral service like tripple-a and i'm halfway suprised the telephone wasn't answered in downtown bangladesh.

i did think that phoning a dealer in another time-zone was pretty clever and i'd be real dissapointed that they couldn't find someone in the shop to answer the question. really no excuse for that.

dan[/quote]

dan,

that's the second time this week that another poster and i posted exactly the same thing within a couple of minutes of each other. :lol:

Queue theme from Twilight Zone.... do do do do do do do do

I frequently turn the wheel to get the car turned over.... I put it in reverse when parked and just push in the clutch to start her up. Don't know if putting it in neutral before starting would change anything but I'm just used to it by now.

The person that answered that call probably couldn't stop laughing,steering wheel locks have been doing that for yearssss.

[quote="Rob M


dan,

that's the second time this week that another poster and i posted exactly the same thing within a couple of minutes of each other. :lol:[/quote]
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obviously just a confluenscence of brilliance within the metaphysical confines of the intergalactic reptilian conciousness. a dean koontz kinda thing.


dan