Question-------------------------
Followup To iginition 19th dec
Question - Thanks for the response. The probem seems to be mechanical in that i simply cant rotate the key sometimes. if i put some wd40 down the barrel it seems to losen it up and then it will work again.
Roland
I have a Neon right hand drive uk vehicle. Its a 1998 lx auto 2.0 litre.
I have had intermittent problems with the key not turning in the ignition. Normally after a couple of minutes it starts but unfortunately yesterday and this morning, it wont work at all. It seems like an electrical fault but i know very little about cars. I had the head gasket replaced last week, so its becoming an expensive vehicle!
I look forward to your thoughts. Many thanks.
Matt
Answer -
Hi Matt,
Are you experiencing that the key lock cylinder will not rotate to the run and start positions, or that it will but that it won't operate the starter motor and other electrical functions that you would normally assoicate with those two key positions? If it is mechanical in nature, try moving the steering wheel to the left or the right in case it is a hang up with the locking mechanism. On the electrical cause issue unfortunately I don't have the Neon specific manual but might be able to extrapolate from similar models of that time to figure out what is wrong. Tell me more about the elctrical responses if you can move the key at all to the run, start, or accesory positions.
Roland
AnswerHi Mike,
WD-40 tends to evaporate which leads you back to the original problem fairly quickly. I don't have the Neon manual so I can't be sure how the lock cylinder is removed but the way it goes on the Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze is that you remove the covers from the column (usually screws on the underside will release the upper and lower covers from oneanother. Then disconnect the negative clamp of the battery. Then you turn the key cylinder to the "run" position. Then on the underside of the housing that contains the key cylinder you look for a protruding "tab" which when pressed with the tip of a screwdriver will release the cylinder. At that point you can lubricate the barrel of the housing with some silicone grease that will last. Make sure that the cylinder is lined up in the original "run" position when you reinsert it so that it mates with the switch's slot. You might also check the switch itself for its ease of motion, but return it to the original position before inserting the key cylinder. I can't be certain that the Neon is identical but I suspect it is. Additionally check the mechanism that locks the steering wheel in position in the "lock" position for freedom of motion.
Roland
