Car starts and runs just fine, but the accessories don't work when I turn the key into the "down" position. The key warning dinger also sounds like a wounded animal, works most of the time, but sometimes intermittently--like it's on its last leg. Think I will need a new cylinder? I've got the steering column tear down tech article saved, so it can be done. Just curious what the forum has to say. Also, in cold weather the key is a little bit harder to turn, although it turns normally in the summer.

 

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There is a rod that goes from the cylinder to the ignition switch. The switch can be adjusted forwards or back. You my need to move the switch forward (toward you) to get the key back position to work or, a new switch (if original switch).

IIRC (don't quote me), the door chime works from a micro switch at the cylinder, excessive key wear (original key) may make the switch act up.

Sticky key cyl may just be due to dry internals. A shot of wd40 type oil (prefer dry graphite spray myself) may resolve that issue. Could be badly worn key as well (causing warning chime problem, too)

 

I don't think the key is overly worn, but I'll give it a closer look. Now about the rod....I knew there was a rod to the ignition switch, but did not know the rod also operated the accessories in reverse. It's not a huge deal to drop the column and look. I had to drop it to fix the dimmer switch rod when I first go this car. So are you telling me the cylinder could possibly be ok, and it could actually be a bad ignition switch? That'd be a lot easier to replace. I'll try the wd40 too. Do you spray it into the keyhole, or around the outer edge?

 

Electrically, everything that happens, key controlled, with/in the car is the ignition switch... the cylinder is just a means to physically activate it.

The rod is metal, the switch is plastic... wear occurs over 20-30 years requiring adjustment (or, replacement) sometimes.

By 'overly worn'.. I mean general wear... the cut of a key is barely visible but, in time the key (and tumblers) to wear. If you have an original key (or aged copy), the cuts will appear rounded and smoothe to the touch as opposed to sharp and angular. Key wear and tumblers can be a finicky thing.

A shot of lube into the key cylinder is best but, if you only have oil, a bit across the cuts of the key and letting it be in the cylinder for a bit work as well (lets the oil creep to the tumblers). Then just work the key in/out a few times. Generally that will fix a temperamental key cylinder.

 

Looked at my key, and you're right. The cuts are worn smooth. I will drop the column to look, and if it's sketchy, I may try to replace the ignition switch first, and go from there--cheap and relatively easy. That may solve my problem. If not, I'll move on to the cylinder. In my 4th gen I looped some string around the dimmer switch to pull it forward with one hand while I tightened the screw with the other. May have to do something like this on my thirdgen ignition. Thanks you've been very helpful!

 

Dropped the column today and was able to slide the ignition switch forward a little. Solved the problem, key now works in the accessory position! Thx again deadbird......another small issue this car had has now been fixed.