Car Wont Start With Key, Please Help!!

[kapkaniMD]

Hey guys, I have a '95 Avenger 2.0 5-sp. The otherday I bought a spare key and immediately went to try it in my door and it was extremely hard to turn the key, so I took it back in they made some adjustments and then it was a little easier, either way I used the key to drive home and when I get there the key wouldnt come out it was stuck in ACC position, it would go forward but not back, anyways after 15min of trying the key of course broke off into the switch that was stuck in ACC, so I started looking around the steering column and took off the electrical switch behind the key cyl. using a screwdriver you could actually start the car from the little switch anyways the part on the back of the cylnder that turns the switch was visible so i used pliers and turned it to the off position and the key came out, after that the car would still start but i had to turn the key a little bit harder in the start position to get it to start, eventually it completely stopped working, now it wont start with the key at all, I can put the key in the ON position and start the car at the starter everytime, I bypassed the clutch safety switch to see if that was the problem and nothing, PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[DSMunknown]

Hope you got a little cash saved up. Have it towed to a trusted shop or a local dealership.

EDIT: It sounds like your original key (the one you usually use) was bent over time, and the key insert "adapted" to the twisted key. Then you tried to start the engine with a replacement key, and now you're experiencing problems because the key insert does not recognize the replacement key as a valid key.

 

[4UH8ERS]

First off, for future reference if you ever have trouble getting a key in or out of a keyhole. There will be a slight nick on the tooth that was catching, simply have the spots that are making contact slightly filed down to avoid getting your key stuck. If you use excessive force, your very likely to break off a tumbler or two and cause your key to get jammed in there for good.

 

[kapkaniMD]

maybe i wasnt making myself clear. My original key works fine in the ignition. It goes through every setting (off, acc, on, and start) but when it gets to start it isnt starting.

DSMunknown: I drive the car everyday, I just have to start it at the starter. If worse comes to worse I can wire up my own ignition switch straight to the starter. I have no need for a dealer or mechanic. Also, there is no problem with my ignition not recognizing my replacement key, because i am not using a replacement key, the one I had broke and I removed it and threw it away

 

[DSMunknown]

maybe i wasnt making myself clear. My original key works fine in the ignition. It goes through every setting (off, acc, on, and start) but when it gets to start it isnt starting.

So now we finally get to the issue. The only way to start your vehicle is by going directly to the starter. So the problem is that you would like to use your key again to start the vehicle. Have you thought about taking the ignition module/center steering column out of the vehicle and inspecting it?

 

[kapkaniMD]

So now we finally get to the issue. The only way to start your vehicle is by going directly to the starter. So the problem is that you would like to use your key again to start the vehicle. Have you thought about taking the ignition module/center steering column out of the vehicle and inspecting it?

you make removing the ignition module/center steering column sound very simple, however that is not the case, I was seeing if anyone had any previous experiences or knowledge of the system before I start doing any unnecessary work

 

[DSMunknown]

It has plenty to do with the 420A because it is THE SAME ENGINE!! as far as the "Bolt-on Tech section," not as much but it is the only section they let new members post in. I hope that clears that up for you

Thanks for the clarification. I was partially under the understanding those models only came with the 2.5L engine. Perhaps you should also try asking folks in the forums below for some help:




http://www.dodgeforum.com/
http://www.c2e.info/dodgetuners/
http://www.c2e.info/Mopar_forums/
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/index.php
http://asog.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,30/