Need Help with my '01 neon ignition!!

Here is my problem, the key for my 2001 neon feels like it is not going all the way into the ignition (although it does "ding" when the door is open) and will not turn at all. I have tried everything I can think of, all the jiggling in the world wont make it move, turning the wheel and playing with the tilt while trying does not work either. I even disconnected the cable to the shifter just in case that mechanism was somehow hung up. By now i have the cover off of the steering collumn and the center consul pulled out. PLEASE HELP ME BEFORE MY POOR CAR IS RIPPED TO SHREDS. Thanks

Reply to
Mark
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Assuming it's the right key it sounds like something has become jammed or damaged in the lock. Shine a flashlight into it. Is there any foreign object visible? If so you need to get it out. Is there any visible damage to the lock like for example would be left by somebody trying to force it with a screwdriver? If so you are probably going to need a new lock cylinder. If neither of the former you can try some wd-40 or similar lubricant and work the key in and out to see if you can get it unstuck. If that fails call a locksmith.

Reply to
Putyourspamhere

it is not

"ding" when the

everything I can

turning the

either. I

that mechanism

steering

BEFORE MY

try washing your ignition out WD-40 and working your key in and out numerous times. if that doesn't work ? you may have a bent wafer. your ignition may need to be removed,dissembled and repaired.

my2

Reply to
Key

NOT knowing for certain.. but, check the fuses.. certain GM's have a fuse that if it blows, the key wont turn.. do NOT know if Chrysler Neons do the same.. but, just cover yourself..

IF, the key is really NOT going in as deep as before, the possibility exists that the 'ding' contact in the lock has lost a part of it, and its stopping the key from getting all the way TO the bottom, and this means you need some expert help. it may or may NOT mean taking the lock out of the column.

--Shiva--

Reply to
--Shiva--

You should've taken it to, or had a qualified Locksmith do the job.

I don't know of any sane Locksmith in the world that would touch that job now!

Lube the lock with Silicone or Teflon & take a real good look at the key you're attempting to use.

You've probably had the key grandfathered several times & will need a code cut key.

My 2 cents worth.

Newnsie

Reply to
UPUHRS5437

Thanks for the advice guys, turns out I do need a new lock cylinder but that poses its own problem. The easiest way to remove it is to TURN THE KEY and then push the tab in and pop the works out, kinda hard to do without a key!!! So far I have removed the steering wheel and loosend off the "junk" holding the assembly on but it still doesnt want to move. If anyone knows what I'm missing feel free to fill me in.

Reply to
Mark

What you're missing is that the lock has to be turned to the proper position before it can be removed... to prevent it from being removed without the key.

A pro can overcome that. Instructions for how to do so do NOT belong on a public bulletin board. (Think about how you'd feel if we gave that info to someone who used it to steal your car...)

Reply to
Joe Kesselman (yclept Keshlam

I understand what you guys are saying and believe me if i could take it to or have a locksmith look at it I would but I live in a small town with no locksmith and I cannot afford to have a pro come all the way out here :(. Which is why I was hoping I could get it out myself and then take it into the city for repairs. Thanks for all the info it is appreciated

Reply to
Mark

You're missing a locksmith with experience. But I don't think you wanted to hear that?

Seriously, speaking for myself, I sure don't give out instructions for taking apart locks, or removing them. Never know who is reading this group, and who might want to take apart someone else's lock.

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

Depends on the lock. I'm willing to advise folks on the basics of working on locks... when it can be done in a way where the fact that they're able to do it at all demonstrates (or at least strongly implies) that they're authorized to be mucking with that door.

But many locks protect themselves and their owners by insisting that you unlock them before you can disassemble them, and car locks are a perfect example of that. This is a GOOD thing. It's very occasionally inconvenient, but generally those are cases where you're going to want an expert's assistance anyway.

If Mark feels like taking some risks, he could try to wiggle the key into the lock and hope he can turn it, at which point he'd be able to remove the cylinder. But that risks doing further damage and

*increasing* the eventual cost to deal with it. I might try fiddling with it in his shoes, but I'd trust my ability to understand what the lock was telling me ... and before doing so I'd run some basic tests to make sure there wasn't anything horribly wrong with the lock, and inspect the key to make sure there wasn't anything obviously wrong with *it* (such as an unreasonably steep cut, or it being on the wrong blank...)

Basically, this is a place where I'd say it's easier to take the locksmith to the car, or perhaps to have the car towed to the locksmith.

Reply to
Joe Kesselman (yclept Keshlam

How did you determine that the cylinder is bad? Has it crumbled inside? More likely that once you get the cylinder removed, it's usually repairable by a novice. But before the cylinder can be spun, the key must be fully inserted. Forcing it in is not the key to success. All these problems might be solvable with more details. Try rec.autos.tech, there are folks there bent on solving problems without restrictions.

If I understand correctly, the cylinder has probably turn slightly towards the ON position, and then jammed itself into the "only remove when in park mechanism" or the wheel lock mechanism. Scenario II, the key was not fully inserted and an attempt to turn it to the ON position was made and causes a seizure. Or scenario III, the last tumbler has gunk up/lock up and prevents the key from going in fully so the cylinder refuses to turn.

Tibur

Reply to
Tibur Waltson

Pull the steering column. 2 bolts under the dash, 3 bolts on the floor, 1-4 bolts under the hood.

Unplug the wires carefully paying special attention to the yellow wire for the air bag. These have special connectors that require you to remove a safety clip before you unplug them.

IMO this would be the easiest way to get the lock to the locksmith if you don't want to tow it.

Reply to
Roger Shoaf

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