Hey everyone, I am getting a little worried. Whenever I go to start my car up the key will turn just about all the way to the end. It wasnt like that a couple weeks ago. Is the ignition lock cylinder going out or what??? I have had problems with the ignition lock cylinder before. It got stuck and would not turn over. I just want to know what is wrong that way I dont get stuck out somewhere.

Mike

 

It's more likely that you have a problem with the ignition switch linkage, not the lock cylinder. The rack and sector gears, or the linmage rods and/or switch would be my guesses.

 

Vader beat me to the punch!

To help diagnose this before it actually completely fails, you could do something like disconnect the battery (or otherwise create a no start condition).

At that point you will be able to play with the lock cylinder all you want. I'd check the mechanical feel of the switch. If its binding or sticking that would be a sign there might be problems with the rack components.

Another thing you can do is... Pull the neutral safety switch (manual) and put a meter up to the wires coming out of it. You should be able see when the start switch closes. This way you can check the operation of the starter w/o interfering with the starter switch itself.

I believe the starter switch is on the top side of the steering column almost at the base. I just checked a picture it looks like it is located vertically above the brake light switch. I've never pulled mine, but it might be worth pulling and checking.

If none of these works and you don't want to do a preventative maintenance column tear down then you better get AAA or at a minimum be very nice to your GF until its fixed!

 

Thanks guys I appreciate it I will probably try and diagnose it later today when im done with my final. Is this something I am going to be able to fix myself? If not how much do you guys think it will cost to get this fixed?

 

It never fails, your car always seems to die when its a bad time!

The only thing I can say about how much it will cost to get fixed is that it will cost more than expected. For example, say you figured it was going to be about $150 and you figure heck, I would even pay someone $250 to fix it. Well, then that means it will probably be about $350! Once you bring your car someplace like this, its not like you have a lot of negotiating power either!!!!

The cost will depend on whats actually wrong and how good/lucky the mechanic is that works on it.

- joe