2 da max

Hey fellas, I had my ignition "locking" up on me, I did some reading and lubed it up with some liquid graphite. I had no problems for a week or two without the key not being able to turn.

Anyways the other night I tried hard to turn the key and I heard a loud poof as the key turned all the way to the on position. The key moves very loosely and easily from off to on and the car does not go into accessory or start mode.

I then changed the ignition column and it still does the same thing. What did I break?

thanks in advanced!

justin_4runner

it sounds like u broke the electronic portion of it, not the lock part, i would pull the lock back out and check out the electronic part.

2 da max

The electronic portion? I purchased the entire ignition column where the key goes in. Excuse my ignorance but which part would that be? and how do i fix that?

justin_4runner

most of the ignitions have 2 parts the key lock part and the electronic part, the part that the lock goes into is usually the electronic part of it, there will be a couple bolts that have heads broke off or something close that is more then likely the part that's broke.

2 da max

Got you, Im going to inspect it as soon as I go home. Now if the electronic part is broken is that a part that is hard to purchase aftermarket?

peow130

That would be the ignition start switch. Sounds like you replaced the electronic lock cylinder.

The ignition start switch can be had on rockauto.com for $39.99

You could probably find a decent one at a junkyard for cheaper, but it could be a crapshoot.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I have used 2 out of the boneyard and havent had any problems. I think just 2 small screws hold it to the lock assembly and then the plugs into the rest of the harness if I remember right.

2 da max

ignition start switch? hmm let me do some searching, where is it located exactly?

peow130

Literally right behind the ignition lock cylinder that you said you replaced.
It's a big plastic cylinder, with a knob or something in the middle thats attached to the metal lock cylinder.