Hi,

I have been having problems fighting my key, to start my car. Was quoted $1000.00 to replace the ignition cylinger. So I go to a new dealer and was quoted $412.00 parts/labor. Now keep in mind I didn't have them do a dianostic on it, because they charge for that, $135.00. So two service guys came out and fought the key like I was having to do. So I go in and they ordered the Cyl Lock Ignition parts from Chrysler for me.

Now I leave the dealership, can't get it fixed that day, have to wait for it to come in, and I'm fighing this problem, and my son comes out and says to me...I bet if you put the steerling wheel in the lock position, and then put the key in and rock the steerling wheel to unlock it the car will start. And it does all the time now! I'm wondering now if there is a pin in the steering column that is the problem??? So for anyone that is still having a problem, wait till I get the part installed to see if it fixes it, or if they do have to look into the steering wheel section.

So just lock the wheel when you get out of your car, which I never had done before, and see if that helps you to get it started!

 

Do a search and you will see this is a common problem. It is the steering wheel lock that is jammed. Not the ignition cylinder. Save your money and don't let them replace these parts.

Some people around here say our cars are solid... and there are no "common" problems. I say that is not true. Our cars are not solid and we all suffer from the same issues. This ignition key is one of the many typical problems.

 

Search no more. Here's the how to
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...key-fix_v2.pdf

funny enough it's labeled "Sticky Key" LOL

 

And if you DO let them fix it, all they do is put in a new assembly, which will fail in a few years like the old one.

If you fix it OUR way, it is fixed for ever.


(Mine cost me $90 for it to be towed home, where I fixed it myself in 1 1/2 hours. (I could do one now in, probalby , 45 minutes. Less if 13dog brought over some Jungle Juice.)

 

This is because I would have to do it due to Mark being passed out on the floor. LOL

 

Right .... and from MY perspective, the job would be over before I knew it.

 

Well they have already ordered the part. So I'm stuck, because its keyed to my car, but happy its not $1000.00 to do it. Has anyone replace the problem with the steering wheel yet?

 

I let them fix mine four years ago for free under the 3 year/36K bumper to bumper. After 4 years and 30,000 miles it is still ok. I hope it doesn't fail again...

Back then I didn't see the thread on this forum (it may not have existed). I had no idea it was a common problem. And the dealership had another crossfire in with the same problem. They started replacing everything on his car and still couldn't figure it out. They told me to come back in a couple weeks after they figure out what his problem was.

 

I don't believe it is keyed to your car. Click the link and you'll see all kinds of pic's;

NEW! IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER HOUSING 04-08 CROSSFIRE | eBay

Better yet, read the description on this link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Crossfir...#ht_500wt_1287

 

They said it would be keyed to my car, they had to have the VIN number to order it from Chrysler. It better fit my old keys....

 

They lied, all Dealers lie.......!

 

Mine failed in the late 40,000's and 5 years. I have no idea if that is typical.

 

^^^THAT^^^

 

So if they lied, what will they do if my keys don't work?

 

Your keys WILL work, they only replace the housing assembly. The part that is mated to your keys is re-used and is not part of the problem.

OUR fix is where we modify the housing assembly so that it does not lock up.

 

Well keeping fingeres crossed this all works. OH! I'm having them also replace my cup holder. Got both items for a total of $650.00, parts and labor. Not bad, I sure miss my cup holder..

 

You are determined to give the dealer your money, good luck.
You get good advice and ignore it, I am sure there are many here that would have fixed your car and given you the cup holder for way less that you are getting screwed for. As a bonus you would never have the problem again.

 

Sorry about your luck, I have 2 cupholders on the shelf........$100 would have taken care of everything........

 

I replaced my cup holder with the $80 storage bin, which I paid $52 for because my dealer's parts guy said "I don't have the guts to charge you $80 for a piece of plastic."

 

That's not fair to say that. I'm a girl and can't fix my car myself. I didn't come in here for advise, I came in here to tell people what happend and what I was going to do, and what I was being charged. The other post were saying $1000.00 to fix it.

I also said how to run your car till you could get it fixed. It was something my son figured out. When I was at the first dealer last week, they had just towed a car in for the same problem. I just didn't want anyone to be caught in that position. Stuck!

Thanks to everyone for all the advise, next time, I will keep thing to myself