Random Ignition Key Issue
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From: The Sunshine State
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Random Ignition Key Issue
Twice over the past few weeks, I've experienced a random ignition key issue on my 2004 vert. On both occasions, after inserting the key to start the car, it would not turn to the right or engage the ignition. It would take me about 4-5 times after removing and reinserting the key that it would then accept the key and allow me to turn the ignition to the right and start the car.
Both times, I used the key fob to unlock the car as usual and disengaged the parking brake as usual. Nothing different than what I've been doing the last 12 years since I bought the car new in 2004.
My question is whether or not the smart chip on the key is wearing out? Even though I have two fobs and two keys, the key in question as been used 99% of the time over the last 12 years.
Is there any other explanation that could cause this? It doesn't happen all the time, just twice over the past two weeks, however both times I was away from home, so it's concerning.
Thanks!
Both times, I used the key fob to unlock the car as usual and disengaged the parking brake as usual. Nothing different than what I've been doing the last 12 years since I bought the car new in 2004.
My question is whether or not the smart chip on the key is wearing out? Even though I have two fobs and two keys, the key in question as been used 99% of the time over the last 12 years.
Is there any other explanation that could cause this? It doesn't happen all the time, just twice over the past two weeks, however both times I was away from home, so it's concerning.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: The Sunshine State
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I would suggest that possibly the roller mechanism inside the key cylinder that reads the pellet on the key is jamming the key. Here are a couple pics of the rollers in question that have broken off:
Attachment 48053170
Attachment 48053171
There have been other threads about these rollers causing the key to become "stuck" in the key cylinder.
You may be able to use a small but powerful flashlight to look inside the end of the key cylinder and see if the rollers appear to be loose or broken.
If this proves to be your problem you will need to replace the key cylinder.
Attachment 48053170
Attachment 48053171
There have been other threads about these rollers causing the key to become "stuck" in the key cylinder.
You may be able to use a small but powerful flashlight to look inside the end of the key cylinder and see if the rollers appear to be loose or broken.
If this proves to be your problem you will need to replace the key cylinder.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
a few years ago, my son had a similar problem with his camaro, turns out that if you have a fairly heavy key chain (lots of keys or other things) eventually you destroy the lock cylinder by the key being off center in the lock due to the weight of the keys etc. just another suggestion as to a reason it eventually might have happened. the reality is that eventually things like ignition switches give out.
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: West Bend Wisconsin
Asymmetric Key
I had this same issue. I found that I could always easily insert the key, but sometimes it would turn, other times not.
Eventually I noticed that the key is not symmetric. At the back of the key, one side has a tooth, and the other side is flat.
If I insert the flat side down, it turns every time. If I insert the flat side up, it will not turn.
I suspect it should work either way, but maybe because of wear over the years it no longer will.
I posted about this a couple years ago, but nobody else seemed to have the same problem, although other people reported their keys were not symmetric either.
Eventually I noticed that the key is not symmetric. At the back of the key, one side has a tooth, and the other side is flat.
If I insert the flat side down, it turns every time. If I insert the flat side up, it will not turn.
I suspect it should work either way, but maybe because of wear over the years it no longer will.
I posted about this a couple years ago, but nobody else seemed to have the same problem, although other people reported their keys were not symmetric either.
Thread Starter
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From: The Sunshine State
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a few years ago, my son had a similar problem with his camaro, turns out that if you have a fairly heavy key chain (lots of keys or other things) eventually you destroy the lock cylinder by the key being off center in the lock due to the weight of the keys etc. just another suggestion as to a reason it eventually might have happened. the reality is that eventually things like ignition switches give out.
I just swapped to my second, back-up key which I have rarely used in 12 years, so I will see if that makes any difference. If it happens again, I know it's an issue with the cylinder.
Last edited by MSG C5; Jan 13, 2017 at 07:40 AM.
