This weekend I just purchased a 2005 Roadster LTD from a private seller and right away having problems with the key not turning. We are afraid to take it out now because yesterday it took almost 15 minutes to finally get it to turn. I see many posts how this is a widespread problem, how could this not be a recall issue or a problem that Chrysler needs to fix without us shelling out more money for something that is flawed by their making? Has anyone had any luck with getting Chrysler to take care of this? So not fair....

 

First of all . . . Forget about Chrysler doing anything. You have a 13 year old car that was built back when Mercedes owned Chrysler. Now Fiat owns Chrysler. You bought a wonderful car that looks great and is LOTS of fun to drive BUT all Crossfires have some issues that will require attention. You found one of them . . .

You can fix your ignition key problem at no cost . . .

Look here:

Sticky Ignition Key Fix - years 2004 T0 2006 only (PDF)
Sticky Key Fix - Big Daddy video

 

Thank you for the info.

 

Be sure to watch the video, it makes everything pretty simple. If you have someone do it, have them watch the video and print out the step by step. Any repairs you require are no doubt on this sight.

 

Tons of great info here. Enjoy the ride.

 

And not removing the key is a smart thing at this point - do not remove the key until you get it fixed, it is the removal of the key that locks the cam, and if the cam jams, the "fix" is way harder.

 

Sorry, I forgot to attach this link to my last post. Much needed information.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...s-repairs.html

 

Thank you all for the info. I will see if I can find someone to help me do it or someone I can pay to do it much less than the dealer would charge, can only imagine. I am just your average female who knows nothing on how to repair cars. lol

 

Chuk in Orlando could fix you up on a Saturday. He's Chuk_138 here.

 

NEVER take your Crossfire to a Chrysler Stealership. At this point in time they know NOTHING about Crossfires. The only thing they would be good at is getting deep into your wallet. If you must, find a reputable independent shop that specializes in repairing German cars / Mercedes Benz. Your crossfire is basically a Mercedes with a Chrysler designed body . . .

ZERACER's link that he posted for you was intended to take you here:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...tml#post585345

 

 

I want to point out that i was the idiot who pulled that key out while having issues. This was something that i thought was out of my expertise, but after reading these comments i could have saved some serious cash. I mean serious i spent a little over 1400 to get it fixed. Like they said because the issue was the ignition switch and the Chrysler dealership has no idea about it i had tried taking it to a Mercedes dealership. Knowing that its basically a Mercedes i wanted to try and save money. However neither would work on the car, i actually had to take it to an special dealership that works on imports and very expensive cars. I mean they had a hundred thousand dollar Maserati on the floor. Even if i am glad you guys are around to help because an uneducated bloke like me made a dumb decision.

 

I do not understand Mercedes dealerships refusing the car - but I got over that years ago. MOST work done on the car can be done at any local garage (sticky key, brakes, etc.) for any specialized work, just find a small shop that is known for Mercedes expertise.

Taking the car to a Chrysler dealership is the worst thing you can do. I do not know, after nine years on here, what more we can do to spread the word.

But in general, I don't take cars to dealers anyway. Once that warranty is gone, dealerships are no longer a viable option; they are tremendously dishonest (there are exceptions, but generally none operate honestly). When you start a post out with: "Hi, I'm new here, took my car to the dealer and now......" I can predict what text will follow.

 

Good to know, well i did get the dealership to fix a clutch for me. However lately i have been trying to do work on my car by myself. I am posting in the forums to get my hands dirty and save some money. I know that i can save money and money is super tight, because I just moved for a new job and the city is expensive in charlotte. Thank you though, great advice. When i bought the car i was told i had to go to special places to get my oil done was shelling out like a little over a 100 bucks getting it done, but now i do it myself for like 65. So i understand the lies that get spread.

 

Oil change at $65 is about right. Only use Mobile 1 0-40w and the proper Mann HU 718/5x filter. Buy the oil in the large 5 quart container at Walmart for like $30 and the filters can be had at Advance Auto or eBay for under $10. If you go cheap and try something else to save money you're looking at creating problems down the road.

 

I think i was buying the o-50w mobile 1 from Walmart, also i can purchase a fram filter there is that not good quality?

 

 

The Mann filter HU 718/5x is a fleece material. I do not now what Fram filtering material is, but I have had experience with other paper filters and they will crush inward during use. The fleece filter is recommended.