No One Else Can Start My Car

[ck1938]

I've had this going on for 3 years but since I'm selling the car I'd like it fixed before I sell it. On my 98 Spyder I can start the car with no problem. I put the key in the ignition, turn it, and the car starts right away. Anyone else fails miserably when they try. Mechanics can't start it, tire and oil change guys give up, friends and family have no luck. I spent a couple minutes with my Dad and he was able to start it. No one else has had any luck.

I saw this thread: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133662&highlight=ignition

I was wondering if taking the ignition out and cleaning it like the article shows might help. Any other ideas would be appreciated.

 

[turbo2g111]

First, you need an old priest and a young priest....

Is it a manual? As in, do people have a hard time engaging the clutch far enough to allow the engine to start?

 

[95talon_in_ma]

If it's the key that's sticking, spray some graphite lube in there, see if that helps.

Otherwise, sounds like it needs to be replaced...

 

[dyno_detour]

I know what you mean. If I let a buddy drive my car and they try to start it. Well, its ugly.

 

[Defiant]

Guessing from what you didn't say, it sounds as though the contacts inside the ignition lock are shot. The piece is largely mashed-together at assembly, and repairing will take much longer than finding a new ignition switch on eBay. You can then swap out your lock cylinder as shown in the link provided.

 

[Eclipse98_RS]

ive heard of this happening and nothing being wrong with the car. I had the same thing happen with my 95 Regal, i was the only one who could start it and there was absolutly nothing wrong with it

 

[ck1938]

Guessing from what you didn't say, it sounds as though the contacts inside the ignition lock are shot. The piece is largely mashed-together at assembly, and repairing will take much longer than finding a new ignition switch on eBay. You can then swap out your lock cylinder as shown in the link provided.

Wow, I didn't realize the igntion switch was so cheap to replace. I'll give that a try. Thanks

 

[joeybags7112]

Just a little info : Most ignition key problems come from people having a ton of keys on a huge key fob or heavy lanyard. they bounce around and tug at the switch wearing it out. so if your keys weigh a ton ,. try to tlighten them up or even get a sepeate ring just for your car keys.

back to topic , is it just that one key thats trouble , have you tried other keys maybe be just a bad cut key! Just my .02

Joe

 

[ck1938]

Just a little info : Most ignition key problems come from people having a ton of keys on a huge key fob or heavy lanyard. they bounce around and tug at the switch wearing it out. so if your keys weigh a ton ,. try to tlighten them up or even get a sepeate ring just for your car keys.

back to topic , is it just that one key thats trouble , have you tried other keys maybe be just a bad cut key! Just my .02

Joe

I have my fob and a house key so not very heavy. It doesn't make a difference if use one of the spare keys by itself or the original on the ring with the fob and house key.

 

[ck1938]

Guessing from what you didn't say, it sounds as though the contacts inside the ignition lock are shot. The piece is largely mashed-together at assembly, and repairing will take much longer than finding a new ignition switch on eBay. You can then swap out your lock cylinder as shown in the link provided.

Which would be better to get?

The whole assembly:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-9...11630QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotohosting

or just the switch

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-9...003QQitemZ130016842156QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

 

[Defiant]

For the same price, I'd get the whole assembly. You can probably take out the switch and re-sell the key lock for what you paid.