Pinched Ignition Key Wire
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad CA
Pinched Ignition Key Wire
Just a heads up for anyone fixing stuff in their steering wheel well.
I had just fixed my turn signal multi unit (little metal piece broke off) and horn (plastic piece inside steering wheel cracked and connector spring fell out). After I put the steering wheel back on, my car would start but idled at 400-500 rpm and after 20 secs quit; as well as running very rich. Turned out the ignition key wires were getting pinched when the key was pushed in and turned.
Super ridiculous how two tiny wires can screw with the whole car.
I had just fixed my turn signal multi unit (little metal piece broke off) and horn (plastic piece inside steering wheel cracked and connector spring fell out). After I put the steering wheel back on, my car would start but idled at 400-500 rpm and after 20 secs quit; as well as running very rich. Turned out the ignition key wires were getting pinched when the key was pushed in and turned.
Super ridiculous how two tiny wires can screw with the whole car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
Years ago I was having intermittent problems with my VATS. After a while I figured I was having a contact issue with the key resistor in the lock cylinder; a common problem on the early C4s. So I got a new cylinder, borrowed a steering wheel puller, and dove in. Also planned to tighten up a loose tilt steering column issue while I was in there. I was paying special attention to how all the little parts (directional lever switch and such) fit together. I got to the key cylinder and one of the little wires on the cylinder just FELL OFF as I started to remove it 
I was amazed the car ever started up and ran like that.
With a new key cylinder everything went back together great. Column got tightened up too.
I was amazed the car ever started up and ran like that.With a new key cylinder everything went back together great. Column got tightened up too.
