Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 77
Likes: 23
From: Tucson, Arizona
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Holy crap!! Don't be so quick to sell your car!. If you drove it for a month or so, you wouldn't even be saying this!.
The Key Fix mod is completely detailed in here in the Forums. ANYONE can do it. The tools are VERY basic. Just follow along ONE STEP AT A TIME, AND YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. If you DO have a problem, come back to the forum and you will have plenty of help. But as I said, the details are well spelled out, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to do the work. Even the tools you need are spelled out, and you can get them all for $25 at Harbor Freight. Or you can just borrow them from a neighbor.
Where are you located? If you are close enough, I would make the trip to help you do this mod.
The Key Fix mod is completely detailed in here in the Forums. ANYONE can do it. The tools are VERY basic. Just follow along ONE STEP AT A TIME, AND YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. If you DO have a problem, come back to the forum and you will have plenty of help. But as I said, the details are well spelled out, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to do the work. Even the tools you need are spelled out, and you can get them all for $25 at Harbor Freight. Or you can just borrow them from a neighbor.
Where are you located? If you are close enough, I would make the trip to help you do this mod.
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, NC
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
eelya1, I just spent 35 minutes composing a response for you. It was magnificent. You should have seen it! Unfortunately, you won't, because when I went to add a picture of my 2005 Limited Roadster daily driver with over 230,000 miles on the odometer, I lost the message! So, I ended up with an analogy well suited to Crossfire ownership. It's not always easy, and it's getting harder. You're going to have some problems. But, you may find that the pleasure it brings is worth the occasional suffering. Also, there are many passionate Crossfire owners on this forum that love nothing more than helping other Crossfire owners on this forum. If this isn't for you, post some images on this site. I'm confident it will find a good home. If you love that car as much as most of us do, we'll help you with the problems your going to encounter.
I realize this doesn't help with your steering lock issue. I (mis?)understand this to be a wear issue, and with such low miles, this may not be your problem, but based on the reasonable cost for the lock mechanism and the little time it takes to replace it, I'd recommend following the instructions in this post. -David
I realize this doesn't help with your steering lock issue. I (mis?)understand this to be a wear issue, and with such low miles, this may not be your problem, but based on the reasonable cost for the lock mechanism and the little time it takes to replace it, I'd recommend following the instructions in this post. -David
i feel your pain as that disappearing message anomaly has plagued me too.
15 years ago, i owned a roadster for 3 problem free years
i LOVED it, and i loved this new one for 24 hrs too
i knew they had issues but didn't think one would rear it's ugly head so soon.
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, NC
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
paid $13,500 yesterday
a bit much, but i LOVED IT
interior is flawless
convertible top is flawless
everything is amazing
brakes do need something
spongy, like the lines need to be bled
Last edited by eelya1; Dec 8, 2022 at 08:58 PM.
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, NC
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Holy crap!! Don't be so quick to sell your car!. If you drove it for a month or so, you wouldn't even be saying this!.
The Key Fix mod is completely detailed in here in the Forums. ANYONE can do it. The tools are VERY basic. Just follow along ONE STEP AT A TIME, AND YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. If you DO have a problem, come back to the forum and you will have plenty of help. But as I said, the details are well spelled out, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to do the work. Even the tools you need are spelled out, and you can get them all for $25 at Harbor Freight. Or you can just borrow them from a neighbor.
Where are you located? If you are close enough, I would make the trip to help you do this mod.
The Key Fix mod is completely detailed in here in the Forums. ANYONE can do it. The tools are VERY basic. Just follow along ONE STEP AT A TIME, AND YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. If you DO have a problem, come back to the forum and you will have plenty of help. But as I said, the details are well spelled out, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to do the work. Even the tools you need are spelled out, and you can get them all for $25 at Harbor Freight. Or you can just borrow them from a neighbor.
Where are you located? If you are close enough, I would make the trip to help you do this mod.
MY transponder ring will NOT come out.
maybe it's because my key is stuck in the ignition... as i stated earlier, key in the ignition will turn but will not start the car. i did try a few more times to wrestle the steering wheel to the limit, both ways, but no luck unlocking anything.
all of the pics shown NO KEY in the ignition
Last edited by eelya1; Dec 9, 2022 at 02:20 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13,959
Likes: 1,288
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
When you say it won't start, does the starter engage and spin the engine or not?
2) As to the key not coming out of the ignition, that is an indication of a "tumbler jam" or that when you are turning it to "off" you are not turning it all the way to "Lock" which is where you can remove the key .
One way around this, is to:
Turn key to off.
Disconnect the battery.
Using the "sticky key" (old version) instructions, turn key back to "on" and use pliars to remove the key/tumbler combo.
THen you can get in there and figure out whats' going on.
Since you are in Charlotte, if you don't wanna mess with it, let's get Zach to come up and fix this for you. Not sure what he'd charge, but the kid can fix ANYTHING. He can also look the car over and help you address other issues that he may see as a problem, before they become a problem.
I will contact him and ask him to check in here.
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 647
Likes: 276
From: Victor, ny
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Take a deep breath Eelya1 ........take stock of where you are and leave it for a day
remember........a sticky key fix is just 2 steps shorter than a stucky key fix (and we all go thru this)
when you fix this...there are only 2 to 4 little jobs to do.......and under $200.
All dragons can be slayed. Stay with it
as someone else always says.......then enjoy the ride
remember........a sticky key fix is just 2 steps shorter than a stucky key fix (and we all go thru this)
when you fix this...there are only 2 to 4 little jobs to do.......and under $200.
All dragons can be slayed. Stay with it
as someone else always says.......then enjoy the ride
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13,959
Likes: 1,288
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I'm at step #9 (Next remove the transponder ring (chrome and rubber ring) surrounding the key hole.)
MY transponder ring will NOT come out.
maybe it's because my key is stuck in the ignition... as i stated earlier, key in the ignition will turn but will not start the car. i did try a few more times to wrestle the steering wheel to the limit, both ways, but no luck unlocking anything.
all of the pics shown NO KEY in the ignition
MY transponder ring will NOT come out.
maybe it's because my key is stuck in the ignition... as i stated earlier, key in the ignition will turn but will not start the car. i did try a few more times to wrestle the steering wheel to the limit, both ways, but no luck unlocking anything.
all of the pics shown NO KEY in the ignition
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, NC
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
1) OK< so the key is stuck and you cant remove it, but when you do turn it, the car won't start? This is a bit of a new one.
When you say it won't start, does the starter engage and spin the engine or not?
2) As to the key not coming out of the ignition, that is an indication of a "tumbler jam" or that when you are turning it to "off" you are not turning it all the way to "Lock" which is where you can remove the key .
One way around this, is to:
Turn key to off.
Disconnect the battery.
Using the "sticky key" (old version) instructions, turn key back to "on" and use pliars to remove the key/tumbler combo.
THen you can get in there and figure out whats' going on.
Since you are in Charlotte, if you don't wanna mess with it, let's get Zach to come up and fix this for you. Not sure what he'd charge, but the kid can fix ANYTHING. He can also look the car over and help you address other issues that he may see as a problem, before they become a problem.
I will contact him and ask him to check in here.
When you say it won't start, does the starter engage and spin the engine or not?
2) As to the key not coming out of the ignition, that is an indication of a "tumbler jam" or that when you are turning it to "off" you are not turning it all the way to "Lock" which is where you can remove the key .
One way around this, is to:
Turn key to off.
Disconnect the battery.
Using the "sticky key" (old version) instructions, turn key back to "on" and use pliars to remove the key/tumbler combo.
THen you can get in there and figure out whats' going on.
Since you are in Charlotte, if you don't wanna mess with it, let's get Zach to come up and fix this for you. Not sure what he'd charge, but the kid can fix ANYTHING. He can also look the car over and help you address other issues that he may see as a problem, before they become a problem.
I will contact him and ask him to check in here.
i don't think that the problem is a me not turning it off for enough.
i DO remember when i last put the key in thinking to myself, "oops, did i just put the key in upside down?"
there is no 'upside down' with this key, right?
I'd love to have Zack come fix it and check the car over.
he should know that i'm about 10 minutes south of charlotte. just a couple of miles off of I-77 and the Gold Hill road exit. (one exit past Carowinds Amusement Park).
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
This nightmare just happened to me, key wont turn at all, tried it for hours. Here is my question :
If above means that I will not be able to remove the tumbler, am I understanding it correctly that I can still remove the entire assembly by drilling out the locking pin ? And from there on I should be able to just remove the cover and pop the other pin out - or am I mistaken ?
If above means that I will not be able to remove the tumbler, am I understanding it correctly that I can still remove the entire assembly by drilling out the locking pin ? And from there on I should be able to just remove the cover and pop the other pin out - or am I mistaken ?
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13,959
Likes: 1,288
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
If above means that I will not be able to remove the tumbler, am I understanding it correctly that I can still remove the entire assembly by drilling out the locking pin ? And from there on I should be able to just remove the cover and pop the other pin out - or am I mistaken ?
Second, yes ya gotta drill that pin out. Sorry. I know it's not easy.
And yes, once you get the assembly out of there, tear the cover off, get the spring and wedge out (and they will probably fight you) and then drop about four drops of 10W oil or machine lube in the cavity and let it flow around in there, then put the cover back on and you should be good once you get it all back together.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13,959
Likes: 1,288
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
OK, I see it does tell you to do that. I have sent a message to four guys who are doing STicky keys many times a year, I'll let you know what they say, but I think removing the tumblers is a waste of time.
Stand by.
Stand by.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13,959
Likes: 1,288
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
RObert McCubbin says you should not need to remove the tumblers. I've attached his PDF and will see about posting it here as well.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Awesome, thanks man ! Yeah I got confused by the "If the key won't turn, skip to Key Won't Turn, then go back to step 17"...it finally came to me, that the very last page was "Key Won't Turn", but it's not really labeled as such. Thanks for clarifying !
The other part that confused me was "grinding the pin down" does that actually work ? Seems like if it needs to be pushed in, grinding it flat wouldn't accomplish anything ? I guess from that point of view drilling it out would have the same conclusion. I assume there is some type of a mechanism inside that requires being released. I'm trying to comprehend how it works haha.
Either way, thanks for the help !
EDIT: Oh yeah, that version of the PDF I haven't even seen..doh ! I see why the grinding and not the drilling. It just needs to make it past the clampppp. Ok. This version is written wayyyyy better. I appreciate you pointing me towards this !
The other part that confused me was "grinding the pin down" does that actually work ? Seems like if it needs to be pushed in, grinding it flat wouldn't accomplish anything ? I guess from that point of view drilling it out would have the same conclusion. I assume there is some type of a mechanism inside that requires being released. I'm trying to comprehend how it works haha.
Either way, thanks for the help !
EDIT: Oh yeah, that version of the PDF I haven't even seen..doh ! I see why the grinding and not the drilling. It just needs to make it past the clampppp. Ok. This version is written wayyyyy better. I appreciate you pointing me towards this !
Last edited by intrvrt; Jan 26, 2023 at 10:07 PM.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Just out of interest, may I ask why its advised not to remove the clamp completely ? Is it just impossible to put back together or ?
UPDATE: My car was at the mechanic and they gave up after 2 days. I pulled the assembly out in their parking lot, took the pin out, reassembled and had it back in an hour flat. The drilling of the retaining pin was A PAIN. Mostly because the pin spins around. I chowdered up the sleeve that it goes into a little bit, but the clamp is holding everything in place, so I wasn't too worried about it. Started like a champ !
PS: Removing the clamp completely wasn't an issue, I spun it around just so I had a better shot seeing where the drill was landing. I am not sure if it's not an issue on this model specifically, but just wanted to mention it anyway !
Thanks again, pizzaguy !
UPDATE: My car was at the mechanic and they gave up after 2 days. I pulled the assembly out in their parking lot, took the pin out, reassembled and had it back in an hour flat. The drilling of the retaining pin was A PAIN. Mostly because the pin spins around. I chowdered up the sleeve that it goes into a little bit, but the clamp is holding everything in place, so I wasn't too worried about it. Started like a champ !
PS: Removing the clamp completely wasn't an issue, I spun it around just so I had a better shot seeing where the drill was landing. I am not sure if it's not an issue on this model specifically, but just wanted to mention it anyway !
Thanks again, pizzaguy !
Last edited by intrvrt; Jan 27, 2023 at 05:56 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,432
Likes: 647
From: Ontario
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I think the old version should be put out to pasture. Maybe the pizza man could handle that task. I am afraid of ruining my post on the Crossfire problems.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13,959
Likes: 1,288
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
