Hi All,
Here's my sad story. About two weeks ago, my key didn't want to turn in the ignition. So, searching the forum I found the excellent write up on fixing the sticky key. I was ready to grind down the holding pin, but fortunately, just before I was going to start the grinding, I wiggled the key, and lo and behold it turned. Since I was there, I decided to just continue with the sticky key fix. I took the ignition out, removed the pin and spring, put the cover back on. The key was turning in the ignition just fine again. I started to re-install everything. Just before I was going to bolt the bottom dash cover back together, I thought I would try starting the car. No go, the key won't turn in the ignition again. I jiggled the key, turned the steering wheel back and forth, used a small jewelers hammer on the ignition housing, and fortunately, the key turned again. I've removed the ignition, and now I'm wondering what I should do. I was thinking I should take it to a locksmith and have him clean the tumblers (or replace them), or does the forum consensus think I should bite the bullet and try to buy a new ignition switch (not sure they are available anymore)?
Thanks in advance for any advice, sincerely
-Jerry

 

Does a second key do the same thing?

 

Hi James,
Unfortunately, I can't find my second key so I don't know (been lost now for 6 years). I haven't installed back yet, but outside of the steering column it works perfectly, doesn't jam. Tomorrow I plan on connecting it up outside the column and see if it sticks or not. Hopefully it'll start the car.
-Jerry

 

Hi All,
Sorry for the long delay between updates, but I was on vacation and didn't get a chance to work on the car for a while. I tapped and jiggled the ignition key and the steering wheel. Fortunately, the key turned - I was able to press the pin in, and remove the ignition switch from the steering column. I then hooked back all of the connectors without putting the switch back in the steering column. No problems, car started multiple time. I then removed the tumbler from the lock to see if any of the pins were proud of the tumbler - they looked okay, but I passed a file over them just in case. I put the tumbler back into the switch. I'll try it a couple of more times, and put it back into the column. Hopefully, the sticky key issue will be a thing of the past.
-Jerry

 

Hi, Jerry: I just found your posting. Where would I find the details on the “sticky key” fix that you seem to have used? I have what I believe to be a similar issue with my “05 SRT convertible & think it may be the solution. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you,
Frank
FRK11

 

I found this in the how to section. If you use the drop down menu under forums, you will see the "Technical" menu. Highlight that and the "TSBs and How To" menu pops up. Explore the forum and you will find a lot of good info.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ru-2006-a.html

 

Hi Frank,
the threat M60 pointed to was the writeup I used. If I remember correctly, there are also youtube videos showing how to grind the locking pin down if your key never turns. I was just lucky mine turned so I could get it out easily. I think the second time the key got stuck was due to the shift lever interlock that attaches to the bottom of the ignition switch - there's a green lever that moves to lock the key in, but may also prevent the cylinder from turning. If your key won't turn, before you grind away, I would detach that interlock, and tap lightly on everything to see if you can't jiggle it free.
Good Luck, sincerely
-Jerry