bad key
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: monroe mi
bad key
Hello, I started haveing trouble with my 88 starting today. After starting it a few times through the day suddenly, nothing. Then, I wiggled the key and pushed in while turning the key, it started right away like everything was fine. I tried it a few times. Just turning the key nothing would happen. Turning the and pushing the key at the same time and it started right up. Unfortunatly, now no matter how I try the motor will not crank. I think it is the anti-theft system, my key may be worn out. How can I prove what the problem is, and how do I fix it.
slim
slim
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: bad key (slim1)
There are contacts in the tumbler that make connection to the pellet in your ignition key so VATS can determine if the correct key is being used. When the contacts wear, you start experiencing intermittent non-starts. Try your spare ign key as its pellet contacts aren't as worn as your everyday key. Eventually you will have to have the ign tumber replaced. Maybe soon.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: monroe mi
Re: bad key (slim1)
Thanks for the reply. Regarding my spare key, the chip has fallen off and is gone forever. Anyhow, it is the tumbler that is bad and not the key?
Thanks again
slim
Thanks again
slim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 0
From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR
Re: bad key (slim1)
I have no idea about the tumbler. Maybe you could go get another key cut and see if that helps. It's gotta be cheaper than replacing the tumbler.
