Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
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From: Sun City West, AZ
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Steve .... that was perfectly clear, and I will recheck everything that I did, and probably pull the lock back out and re-install. You are the man ..... say Hi to Jessie.
EDIT:
SUCCESS .....SUCCESS......SUCCESS
EDIT:
SUCCESS .....SUCCESS......SUCCESS
Last edited by IBLUBYU; Aug 29, 2011 at 10:15 AM.
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re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Once again, this forum ROCKS!! My wife's '04 Coupe had been having problems for a while with the sticky ignition thing, but the other day she called me from work, frantic because she couldn't get the key to turn. She finally did, but at that point it was obvious I had to do something about it. So with that well written guide on how to disassemble the whole thing, in under an hour, I had that offending pin out (forever gone, didn't replace with new assy), and back together with nary a problem! Once again, thanks to all for their wonderful contributions to this forum!
Jay
Jay
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From: Houston, Texas
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I have about 6 projects for the XF as soon as the temp goes down. Hopefully have a job by then. The "Sticky Ignition" is tops on the list. Then bigger front brakes ( already have SRT6 calipers and rotors) and pads,new SS brake lines, then the quick touch top switch. Need to also get my new 74mm MAF installed and dyno'd. Plus going Sept 10th to TMS" Running of the Crossfires".
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re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Originally Posted by zip439
If I understand this correctly the ignition switch is repaired and back in position. You have the switch clamped into it's position under the dash. Yes? The long part that goes into the steering column is the "lock" that prevents the steering wheel from moving when the car is parked. This is mechanical, and when you move the key to the right 90 degrees the locking pin retracts into the barrel and you can move the steering wheel. So to get the black cylinder twisted clockwise to it's locked position you will have your key into the tumblers and turned to the right 90 degrees with the black cylinder at this point loose with your key through its center hole. Now with your key in the tumblers and turned 90 degrees the black cylinder should go onto its place over the tumblers and you should be able to twist it clockwise to lock it in place. I hope I described that clearly. After the black cylinder is locked don't forget to put the chrome circle (transponder) back in place.
It took some wiggling to get the locking pin into the steering column with the barrel in far enough to get the clamp properly positioned so it will tighten and hold the switch. Are you sure your's is in all the way? If I recall correctly it took me two tries at this. After having it under the dash once I removed it and played with the thing turning the tumblers with the key at my work bench figuring out how it worked. Then back under the dash, and it worked the second time around.
Also, my key does not sit perfectly up/down vertical at 12:00 position; it is twisted about 10 degrees counterclockwise.
Maybe rekcah can confirm this.
Hope that helps!
It took some wiggling to get the locking pin into the steering column with the barrel in far enough to get the clamp properly positioned so it will tighten and hold the switch. Are you sure your's is in all the way? If I recall correctly it took me two tries at this. After having it under the dash once I removed it and played with the thing turning the tumblers with the key at my work bench figuring out how it worked. Then back under the dash, and it worked the second time around.
Also, my key does not sit perfectly up/down vertical at 12:00 position; it is twisted about 10 degrees counterclockwise.
Maybe rekcah can confirm this.
Hope that helps!
Many thanks for your detailed explanation. I had trouble getting the key tumbler re-installed and could not get the black ring to fit properly. It helped to first insert the tumbler without the black ring so I could see how it is supposed to fit in its hole and what it looked like with the key in position 1. Once I did that I took the key and tumbler back out, put the black ring over the tumbler and inserted the key through the hole. I made sure that the notched area on the inside of the black ring aligned with the yellowish white plastic part on the ignition assembly. As I was attempting to put the black ring and tumbler back into place, I also used my finger to push in the spring loaded tab that is on the underside of the ignition. That helped it pop into place. The black ring then seated properly and I was able to turn it clockwise till it stopped (FYI - the flat spot on the ring was oriented upwards when I had it right. Hope this helps someone who may struggle with this step. Thanks Again!
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: New York
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Just did it today....had a little trouble figuring out how to open the hatch...didn't want to break anything....but it came out and now everything's working fine! And since i had most of the dash off I decided to pull out that pesky "light out" indicator i had on since I got my hid's...just pulled the whole bulb out. 
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From: Virginia
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I havnt had any issues before but just came out to drive a couple blocks away for a work meeting and can't turn the key. Wheel turns only about an inch either way. Is there some special way to wiggle it (or do I just try to muscle it?) to help get the key to turn. From the sounds of it, this is a recurring issue but mine seems to have gone straight to broke. Any help would be appreciated, I feel like just grabbing the wheel and turning it as hard as possible at this point as it is pissing me off lol.
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From: Sun City West, AZ
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Originally Posted by Airscape
I havnt had any issues before but just came out to drive a couple blocks away for a work meeting and can't turn the key. Wheel turns only about an inch either way. Is there some special way to wiggle it (or do I just try to muscle it?) to help get the key to turn. From the sounds of it, this is a recurring issue but mine seems to have gone straight to broke. Any help would be appreciated, I feel like just grabbing the wheel and turning it as hard as possible at this point as it is pissing me off lol.
hope you get this solved. Just my dos centavos .....
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From: Virginia
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Much thanks, I'll have to give it another try when it's not making me late 
maybe a more delicate touch will do the trick. I have a feeling I'll be taking it apart on the street though, just my luck. When I first sat in it I grabbed the wheel and it turned just a little and I heared the click of the lock. If I do get it to release I'll be extra careful to leave the wheel alone before trying to start it going forward.
Edit:: Did another quick try and I'm prob hosed, no amount of wiggling was doing anything. (key/wheel or both at the same time) I feel like there is a certain position where I could turn the key a little further (and heard some movement from back in there) but can't even get it to position 1.
maybe a more delicate touch will do the trick. I have a feeling I'll be taking it apart on the street though, just my luck. When I first sat in it I grabbed the wheel and it turned just a little and I heared the click of the lock. If I do get it to release I'll be extra careful to leave the wheel alone before trying to start it going forward.Edit:: Did another quick try and I'm prob hosed, no amount of wiggling was doing anything. (key/wheel or both at the same time) I feel like there is a certain position where I could turn the key a little further (and heard some movement from back in there) but can't even get it to position 1.
Last edited by Airscape; Sep 22, 2011 at 01:53 PM.
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From: Virginia
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Took It apart on the street last night but can't get to position 1 and will have to drill and it got way dark.
Any drilling tips? Read a number of pages and seems it could be rough. Being out in the street I have no power so will have to use a battery powered one. Even worth trying or should I just eat the cost of a rollback to get it to the house?
Thanks again for the help.
Any drilling tips? Read a number of pages and seems it could be rough. Being out in the street I have no power so will have to use a battery powered one. Even worth trying or should I just eat the cost of a rollback to get it to the house?
Thanks again for the help.
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Oberlin, OH
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Well, I will add my thanks for all the information on this issue and the great .pdf pictorial. I have only owned the Crossfire for a little over a week but I noticed the sticky switch problem before I ever bought it. The dealer said it was normal for these cars and would be fine. I did an online search on the issue and found this information. Yesterday my wife took the car to the store and said that it took her about 5 minutes before she finally managed o get the key to turn. so.........
I got on it first thing this morning. It took me about 3 hours start to finish and the key works great now. Steering wheel still locks just fine. I did get the BAS/ESP light and that scared me at first but another quick search here and I found the easy reset for that also. So now, all is good.
Thanks much for the excellent information.
I got on it first thing this morning. It took me about 3 hours start to finish and the key works great now. Steering wheel still locks just fine. I did get the BAS/ESP light and that scared me at first but another quick search here and I found the easy reset for that also. So now, all is good.
Thanks much for the excellent information.
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From: Virginia
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Another crossfire forum save. Finally figured it out, got a tow to the house and the dremel did the trick. Not really much pressure almost like taking a thin layer off over and over (engraving style) I got serious bits for the drill but had to use a lot of force and the pin did more spinning then grinding down.
Couple extra things I found.
There is a screw in the top of the driver side air vent that holds the dash trim. It was easier to pull both sides out then to pry just the key side out. Also the instructions say to turn the whole thing counter clockwise which I would think means keyhole towards the floor. I turned mine up towards the window then pulled to the right and out. After grinding for a while it would twist up but was not drilled out enough to go down.
Also I broke the little sliding door (not so much broke but removed) that covers the column when the wheel is at full telescope. Mine is always in all the way so you can't tell.
Thanks To all for the help/instructions. 130 for a tow is much preferred over 1500 going to the dealership.
Couple extra things I found.
There is a screw in the top of the driver side air vent that holds the dash trim. It was easier to pull both sides out then to pry just the key side out. Also the instructions say to turn the whole thing counter clockwise which I would think means keyhole towards the floor. I turned mine up towards the window then pulled to the right and out. After grinding for a while it would twist up but was not drilled out enough to go down.
Also I broke the little sliding door (not so much broke but removed) that covers the column when the wheel is at full telescope. Mine is always in all the way so you can't tell.
Thanks To all for the help/instructions. 130 for a tow is much preferred over 1500 going to the dealership.
Joined: Aug 2011
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re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I replaced the lock on my daughters standard shift car with a new mercedes unit. It was sticking part of the time. After removal I found the old units locking bolt didn't retract all of the time even thou the pin was free.
It took me around three hours even with the excellent pictures. I'm sure I could do it a second time in 2hr. 59 min. One thing that threw me was locating the pin to depress it for removal. I didn't realize it just a thin rubber strip that hides the pin and not a solid piece. Thanks to all for your help!
It took me around three hours even with the excellent pictures. I'm sure I could do it a second time in 2hr. 59 min. One thing that threw me was locating the pin to depress it for removal. I didn't realize it just a thin rubber strip that hides the pin and not a solid piece. Thanks to all for your help!
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re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Originally Posted by IBLUBYU
Geez no ... don't try to muscle the steering wheel. Normally all that is needed is to just rock it back and forth a couple of times while putting light pressure on the key. Before fixing my sticky key, I sometimes removed the key, and made sure to re-insert it all the way into the lock, before attempting to turn it might help. Also try shooting some lube into the lock and on the key. Don't try to force anything...
hope you get this solved. Just my dos centavos .....
hope you get this solved. Just my dos centavos .....
You can skip step 10 if you are not replacing the tumblers, which I doubt needs replacing, however, if your key will not turn, be sure to read the "Key Won't Turn" section. I found out that once you grind(I recommend using a dremel tool instead of the drill) the locking pin as per instruction, you will be able to remove the entire assembly with the tumbler intact. Note: In step 15, the locking pin is under this brace, once you move it to the side you will see it.
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re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I am having this same issue with my 05 at 53,000 miles. I think I am up to doing the job myself but I would like to take a look at the pictures referred to in the posts. Could you send me a link to them. I think I am leaning to the disabling the locking pin. Thanks for your informative post.
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From: Houston, Texas
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
just go to search tab and type in ' sticky igition fix" scroll down until you see a link in red, think it is #104, but could be wrong. Print it out. Some of the last comments made also suggest there may be some short cuts in a couple of places. Read them over, good info.
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From: Ontario
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Originally Posted by dtinker
just go to search tab and type in ' sticky igition fix" scroll down until you see a link in red, think it is #104, but could be wrong. Print it out. Some of the last comments made also suggest there may be some short cuts in a couple of places. Read them over, good info.
Try this.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...key-fix_v2.pdf
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From: Houston, Texas
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Go to "sticky Ignition Fix" made by rekcah #189 . Look down in the body of the post for the "PDF" the PDF has color pics of the fix. Hope this helps. I probably need to do this too although my car only has 10K miles on it.
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re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Wow, when I went to the locksmith the day I bought my car and he told me that Crossfires are notorious for stuck key problems I had no idea there'd be 18 pages on a forum related to this one issue.
Here's my question...my car will be at the purchasing dealer for the next 2 weeks while they order a new cylinder, bezel, etc. How likely is it that will be a final fix, or could I see this problem again at some point with a replacement part?
Only been able to drive it a few times since I bought it and I'm missing it already.
Here's my question...my car will be at the purchasing dealer for the next 2 weeks while they order a new cylinder, bezel, etc. How likely is it that will be a final fix, or could I see this problem again at some point with a replacement part?
Only been able to drive it a few times since I bought it and I'm missing it already.
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I have heard of few people actually replacing the parts, so I think it's unknown if you are really gettting anywhere with new parts.
It SEEMS that the design itself is the problem. If it were me, I'd go get the car, bring it home, and fix it myself. I've had no problems since I modified mine this spring. It appears that removing the two offending parts ends the problem forever.
Anyway, that's the consensus thus far. That is to say: I have not heard of anyone having a problem after doing the modification. HOWEVER, there was SOMEONE on here who said they had the lock/cylinder/etc replaced and the problem came back in about a year.
It SEEMS that the design itself is the problem. If it were me, I'd go get the car, bring it home, and fix it myself. I've had no problems since I modified mine this spring. It appears that removing the two offending parts ends the problem forever.
Anyway, that's the consensus thus far. That is to say: I have not heard of anyone having a problem after doing the modification. HOWEVER, there was SOMEONE on here who said they had the lock/cylinder/etc replaced and the problem came back in about a year.
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re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I am in the middle of drilling the pin, I believe the pin has been drilled plenty deep but the key will still not turn from position 0. I have been using a dremel with multiple attachments and it took about 45 minutes but the pin is drilled deeper than the casing. Could there be another reason why the key will not turn to position 1? the steering wheel is locked to the right but it moves freely to the left.
Last edited by dsdesigns; Oct 13, 2011 at 07:18 PM.