98 ignition-key-tumbler issue?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 17
From: Oakville, Ontario
98 ignition-key-tumbler issue?
Went to the dealer to get an extra key cut. He had to order after checking the chip on existing key. Went back to dealership, they cut the key, it works in the doors, the key goes in the ignition...seats move around which tells me its the right chip in key, but key won't turn. Dealer regrinds key, still won't work. He says the ignition is somewhat sloppy and thats the problem. They say I should bring it car to have the ignition/key area worked on. I don't like that idea, without consulting my 1000's of new friends on this forum...someone might save me some time and money with a suggestion.
One other thing, current key only starts car in one position, in other words the key only works one side, turn it over, it will go in tumbler but not turn. This is the second vette I've had (1987), but 15 years in between, so can't remember if this is unusual...dealer says key should work no matter which way it is put into tumbler to start.
58,000 miles
Sorry for long-winded post, any thoughts?
One other thing, current key only starts car in one position, in other words the key only works one side, turn it over, it will go in tumbler but not turn. This is the second vette I've had (1987), but 15 years in between, so can't remember if this is unusual...dealer says key should work no matter which way it is put into tumbler to start.
58,000 miles
Sorry for long-winded post, any thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 22
From: Frederick Maryland
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I hope the dealer didn't "grind" the new key. If it is a GM dealer, they should have a key cutter. It has, I think 8 or 10 key ways (in the tumbler) to set up the tumbler number (#1-#5). If they grinded the key, I would bet more than likely the dealership isn't using the correct method to cut new keys. I would try a different dealership with that type of key cutter I have mentioned above before going to the lock cylinder option.
Edit: Does your current key (not the one you purchased from the dealer) only work in one direction? If that is the case, you might indeed have issues with the lock/tumbler.
Edit: Does your current key (not the one you purchased from the dealer) only work in one direction? If that is the case, you might indeed have issues with the lock/tumbler.
Last edited by ragtopws6; Jun 5, 2008 at 05:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 17
From: Oakville, Ontario
probably used the wrong term....they took my key the other day and somehow read the key. They ordered it, then put the new key and the old key in a machine and it make the cuts. Yes the current key only fits in one way.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Unfortunately, if the key only works one way up, the dealer is correct. They will have to replace the lock cylinder and put new tumblers in to match your current key cuts. Hopefully they will not need to replace the entire ignition lock.
The chip, by the way, has nothing to do with the seat memory. The chip is used by the BCM as part of the security system. If the chip is incorrect the BCM will not enable the Theft Deterrent Relay and the engine will not crank.
The bad lock cylinder is usually caused by using one of those 8 pound key chains that holds 67 keys, a couple of pictures of the family (framed) and a Swiss Army knife on it. The weight puts stress on the lock cylinder wheneveer the car hits a bump or goes around a corner. Best to use only an ignition key with the key fob on it.
The chip, by the way, has nothing to do with the seat memory. The chip is used by the BCM as part of the security system. If the chip is incorrect the BCM will not enable the Theft Deterrent Relay and the engine will not crank.
The bad lock cylinder is usually caused by using one of those 8 pound key chains that holds 67 keys, a couple of pictures of the family (framed) and a Swiss Army knife on it. The weight puts stress on the lock cylinder wheneveer the car hits a bump or goes around a corner. Best to use only an ignition key with the key fob on it.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
If you have removed the center console trim and the trim around the radio and HVAC before ... the next step is the trim around the the ignition lock ... then ... special tool needed ... a regular screwdriver and your ignition key and the lock cylinder is OUT of there ....
Let me know if you want to do it that way.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 17
From: Oakville, Ontario
Thank you BlackZ06, I have bitten the bullet on this one and put into the dealer here in Oakville, Ontario this morning. Parts are coming from Montreal and should be ready Thursday....weather is crappy here for the next few days so I can leave with the lead time. Thanks to all for the replys and assistance !
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