Chrysler Crossfire Ignition locked up?

Question

I have a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire, I stuck my key in and the steering wheel and ignition stays locked up as if I'm sticking the wrong key in. I was wondering what the problem might be. I done a little research and think I need a new Ignition lock cylinder. Any Ideas????

Answer 1

Buddy of mine just had the same problem in his 2003 Honda. It took a new lock cylinder just like you said. His required the key programming so it was pricey at the dealership. They said the pins had just worn down.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Chrysler Crossfire Ignition locked up?

I have a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire, I stuck my key in and the steering wheel and ignition stays locked up as if I'm sticking the wrong key in. I was wondering what the problem might be. I done a little research and think I need a new Ignition lock cylinder. Any Ideas????

Answer 3

2004 Chrysler Crossfire Problems

Answer 4

Chrysler Crossfire Forum

Answer 5

Make sure the gear shifter is in park solid and try wiggling the key and wiggling the steering wheel sometimes that will help.It's important when parking to park with the wheels straight bec sometimes you can end up with the ignition refusing to move etc.It maybe the ignition cylinder but if you've any extra keys I'd try them bec the new ignition cylinder can be costly due to possible dealership re-programming etc.



Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way check to see if any lock smiths are in your area they make come by and just give you a free estimate on the cylinder repair or they maybe able to fix the issue on the spot.

Answer 6

This is a fairly common problem not only with the Xfires, but with their counterparts over at Mercedes Benz.



I had the same problem. I have a 2004 that started sticking at 67K (I now have 119K). Started out at first just sticking here and there, to the point that I thought I would crack the key. And having no decent mechanic around and with me and a husband who aren't afraid to work on our cars, I used the following information - note - if you have the time/patience/bravery, you can repair/replace the entire ignition switch unit, and not have to deal with dealers who would charge you over $400.



You can either replace the unit, or do the cheap but permanent route of grinding down the 'blip' that is causing the steering wheel to lock. We did the latter. It does not affect the steering wheel, all the alarms, lights, etc., all work fine, you just don't have the issue of the steering wheel locking when you take out the key. I didn't have to deal with new keys either. If you decide to order a new ignition cylinder, it DOES come with keys, and I think that matching the key's signal to your car is either something you can do (several links may show how to do it), or the local dealership might help. It should not cost a lot to reprogram the key - when I had to get new keys for my Toyota 4Runner, I remember having to press and hold the new key near to the computer box (I know; different vehicle, but this still should not be pricey.)



The crossfireforum.org site has lots of threads about this issue, and for the most part, the members will give out lots of information, directions - many with detailed pictures - on how to work on your car. A poster that goes by rekbah has links to a really detailed way to remove the ignition



Good luck.



This one has pictures and is great if you decide to either order and then replace the cylinder yourself, or grind down that dratted piece:

http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/attachments/tsbs-how-articles/19226d1285817668-sticky-ignition-key-fix-sticky-ignition-key-fix_v2.pdf



http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/attachments/technical-modifications/4322d1180104403-anyone-replace-their-ignition-switch-yet-ignition-tumbler-removal-pdf.pdf





http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/technical-modifications/15839-anyone-replace-their-ignition-switch-yet.html

http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/tsbs-how-articles/33074-sticky-ignition-key-fix-10.html#post504963

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/1434354-how-remove-ignition-if-you-cant.html