I'm a new Crossfire owner. Just bought a really (showroom) clean 2004 coupe with 32,000+ miles. I've read, on this forum, that the steering lock cylinder tends to get sticky with age, and in a worse case scenerio will prevent the ignition key from being turned (this can be aggravating - especially if your away from home!). The ignition key works fine on my X-Fire. Is it guaranteed that I will run into this problem in the future, or are there Crossfires that never experience this problem?

 

I have had a problem with the ignition system sticking and have contacted Chrysler about it, but they want you to take it to the dealer for a "diagnosis" and then they will tell you if they can fix the problem. It seems to be a common problem, so I'd suggest you get a good warranty since replacement is about $1400.

 

Most cars will develop this problem. The fix is free, but it will take about four hours of your time. In the forum go to the technical section and then TBS and how to fix ..... Once there you will see an ignition fix thread. Go to post # 189 for complete instructions with pictures. Click on the attachment box.

 

Thanks for the reply. I realize it's a common problem...that's why I posted. I should have been more specific. I want to know if this problem is endemic or not. That is, what are the chances of my car expereinceing this problem? I know this is hard to answer, but it would be informative to hear from owners of older, high-milieage Crossfires in regard to the sticky steering lock cylinder. $1,400 for dealer replacement? Wow! I'm an ex-auto tech and have the factory manual. If it comes to replacement, you can bet I'll do it myself.

 

Well, then you should know what really causes this problem...I have two of them, with no problems at all. All you have to do is turn the key easily and let go....for some reason people load down their key ring with everything imaginal, and crank the key over like a throttle on an old Harley....don't concern yourself with it...

 

Guys please help I love the chrysler crossfire. I just bought it two days ago and well I have the same problem too. My key will not turn and my steering wheel is frozen tight. STICKY PROBLEM!. lol

Well if someone could help with were to order the parts needed. Anything helpful would be great guys. I live in Fort Worth Texas if anyone around could as well. Anything helpful please guys I'm not really good with cars and I'm not rich to take it to the dealer either. But I will work with any help from you guys just step me in the right direction.

Please help me its my first car and I love it but I haven't even been able to drive it.

Thank you

Chrysler Crossfire 2005 100,122 miles love this car.

 

If you just bought it, they should fix it. 2 days is a bit premature for them to stick you with a car that you can't start. Knowing most dealers that say you bought it "As is"........I expect they'll say sure, we'll fix it .....for a price.

Anyway, do the search on here for the step by step fix of this problem. You don't actually have to buy any parts, you just need to be capable of using some tools and some time to fix it yourself. If you aren't handy, maybe you know someone who is who will help for a nice bottle of scotch.........

Good luck.

 

I suppose that IF they gave you a real good deal, you can accept the "as-is" thing. A coupe with that many miles should have sold for $8,000 - and, in any event, not more than $9000.

But the above post is right - you need no parts, just about 1 to 2 hours of your time.

I think the list of tools I used were:

Vise Grips
#2 Phillips Screwdriver
8mm (or was it 10mm?) nutdriver/socket
very small torx screwdriver (that I used as a punch/probe to push the pin in, to get the lock cylinder out)


That is about it. I am not much of a mechanic at all - and I had it done in under two hours. The only HARD part is putting the stupid lock cylinder/switch assembly back in after you modify it - THAT is where the vise grips saved the day!

 

If you bought the car privately, without any guranttee written into the sale, then you have no recourse. Unless you get a lawyer, plead Fraud, and goto Court.

If you bought from a Dealer, or Used Car lot, check your local State laws, they can tell you "As Is", but that is meaningless in the eyes of the law.

For example, NY State has the Lemon Law on the books, if your a Licensed Dealer, not Private, and sell a Used Car, there is an implied 90 Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper, and it don't matter what the paperwork may say...

 

Everyone I'm very thankfull for your quick support you dont know how much you have done for me this day. At first I was frightened that I had gotten ripped off.

Anyway if I remove the lock cylinder I wont have to replace it right. What I mean is (remove the cylinder and reinstall everything how it was before?)

or do I buy the steerin lock mechanism new?

Will it affect my car if I remove the lock cylinder? and not reinstalling a new mechanism?

I hope I make sense guys. I really want to fix this problem asap so I can get to the fun part and that is Finally driving my crossfire

Again thank you so much for your support.

 

The fix.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...key-fix_v2.pdf

 

Here is the best information I received on this question.

Dhollin

 

You'll put everything back the way it was (no need for the new cylinder). You will have to remove or drill out the spring per the instructions the other members provided and once removed put everything back in reverse order.

 

and if we all would go to this URL and fill out the form we could get it RECALLED and have chrysler fix the damn thing!
Search for a Recall | Safercar.gov | NHTSA

 

While I think the problem is certainly worth the effort of trying to get a recall, there are other solutions, if taken early can reduce the number of steering wheel/ignition cylinder "lock ups"
that occur. One of these is regular use of lubrication in the ignition cylinder, which has helped keep my Xfire cylinder from locking up, but granted it does stick sometimes and I have to move the steering wheel some to free it up. I don't really know why it sticks, but it is something that causes some concern when out of town or on the open road. I think in an earlier forum request, it was mentioned that Chrysler was considering offering help with the cost of repairs, but I do not have that reference any longer.

 

Even IF you are successful, all Chrysler will do is replace the whole assembly. In a matter of time, you are back where you started - so why not fix it forever with about 2 hours of your time?

It's such an easy fix, even I fixed it myself.

 

"9.) Next remove the transponder ring (chrome and rubber ring) surrounding the key hole. I held it on the bottom with my thumb in the center and pulled towards me and wiggled up and down. It has a wire connected to it and can safely hang
out of the way."

Unfortunately the plug at the other end of the wire came loose when I was working. Can anyone direct me to the socket it came out of please?

 

See this thread and all will be revealed.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...s-hook-up.html

 

Ok guys I'm about done with my car I have everything out I just need help on how to remove the spring and cylinder, So I don't have to replace the whole part. I want to remove the cylinder and spring and still be able to put it back on. I know people have removed it without replacing. I just want to know how to take out the cylinder and spring without having to buy new parts.

I'm about done just need this help asap. Thank you guys

 

Juarez-7,

see page 10 of the pdf linked earlier in this thread ....




"Once you have the entire assembly out, you will see a spring loaded hatch near the end of the shaft. Just open this

hatch and take out the spring and pin then close the hatch. I used a Center Punch and hammer to open the hatch.

By hitting the middle of the hatch, the sides will curve. Be-careful when opening the hatch, the spring can hit you in

the eye. To close it just turn the hatch so it’s curving the other way and hammer it flat.