Reckah did a great explanation of how to solve the 'Sticky Ignition Key'.
It is buried nearly half way through the original thread on the subject.
Read the original post if you have a day to waste, or just click version 5.
This is the correct version 5 of the PDF.

 

That is a great "how to" post. I think even I could accomplish that job if it becomes necessary. I know it must be stated somewhere, but just what are you "giving up" by removing this spring and pin in the ignition switch? What was this pin put in there for in the first place? It must have had a purpose?
Not being an expert on this, I'm wondering if buying an ignition switch assembly for an '07 or '08 XF (which I understand didn't have the sticky key problem) would be an option. Would this work and would the part fit?

 

You lose nothing and gain peace of mind. Later parts had this pin omitted at the factory, so what does that tell you. The 2007 and 2008 cars were shipped without this pin it would appear. The cover is there but the pin and spring are gone.

 

Yes, I agree that the "how to" article is fantastic. I just want to know what the pin and spring that I am removing was intended to do in the first place and what I will be giving up if I remove them. No, I don't want to read more than 30 pages of older posts....yes, I am lazy!

 

I think it is an extra safety and prevents the key from turning until the pin lifts. Obviously the switch will not turn until the correct key has put all the pins in to the correct position as well, it is a fail safe system that fails.
It is not the steering wheel lock, but part of that system.

 

That's correct. I took one completely apart. The pin and spring are an anti theft anti force device so you cannot force the steering lock back into the housing if you get into the column.

 

100/80 has answered your question - you give up nothing and gain peace of mind.
I modded mine when it locked up in 2010 - no trouble since.

Oh, and you are being foolish - mod it NOW, if you would read the whole original thread, you'd know that waiting for it to lock up imposes much more difficulty. Often, when it locks up, you then must drill out the pin - this is not a fun job and slows the process way down. By modding it NOW, the job is quite easy.

Also, modding it now saves you a tow bill later (or the drama of leaving the car in a parking lot or on the street somewhere until you find a dremel tool to drill that pin out).

Fix it now.

 

I followed Pizza's advice and strongly second that!!

 

Finally had a chance while the crossfire is still garaged for the winter to do the sticky key fix. The process went smoothly except the little trap door didn't want to cooperate, but it gave up before me. I also fixed my telescoping steering wheel since the dash was apart ( the little pin that connects the lever to the release was missing).
The key fix is so easy to do I can't see why anyone would take the chance of real problems/costs later.

Thanks for all the great info on this site.

 

I read the how to short version that was provided in a pdf. So If my key still works fine all I need to do is to take the pin out? Nothing to be replaced?

 

Nothing at all. It is the perfect solution, no cost just your time.

 

Thanks 180! You have answered and helped me on many occasions.
Does the negative battery terminal absolutely have to be disconnected, or is this possible to do while leaving it hooked up.

 

You will pull a plug with live wires in it so yes I would disconnect the battery. A little accidental short and who knows what will happen.
Remember put the seat all the way back before disconnecting the battery.

 

God send all sorted in 45 minutes and thats on a RHD which is more difficult to access the assembly removal pin on. Cheers