Starter question (Will I need new keys made?)

Dont you mean, Ignition switch - the starter is next to the engine in the engine bay. Are you talking about where you put the key to start the car?

If so, then I would guess you will need a new key if you get a new ignition switch. Like changing a house door lock cylinder.

well a tumbler/lock cylinder is the key thingy, but im not certain if you need new keys. you may be able to have the tumbler set to your current set of keys.


that said, the stiffness is coming from the ignition switch i believe (the little plastic circular thing on the back side of the tumbler/cylinder). then again...your lock cylinder maybe trying to ceize(sp?).

anyhoo, where does it feel stiff....no gay stuff.

Regniffet said:

Dont you mean, Ignition switch - the starter is next to the engine in the engine bay. Are you talking about where you put the key to start the car?

If so, then I would guess you will need a new key if you get a new ignition switch. Like changing a house door lock cylinder.

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Duh. Yeah. I'm going to edit my post now. :embarrassed:

Bang&Olufsen DK said:

well a tumbler/lock cylinder is the key thingy, but im not certain if you need new keys. you may be able to have the tumbler set to your current set of keys.

that said, the stiffness is coming from the ignition switch i believe (the little plastic circular thing on the back side of the tumbler/cylinder). then again...your lock cylinder maybe trying to ceize(sp?).

anyhoo, where does it feel stiff....no gay stuff.

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LOL.

When I turn the car off, and twist the key counter-clockwise, it sticks about 1/3-2/3 of the way through the twist. I sometimes have to toggle it back and forth, and sometimes I have to twist it so hard, I'm afraid the key will snap off. I'm thinking you can't lube an ignition, right?

You could try spraying some wd40 into the tumblers (right down the key slot)and see if frees things up.

PSA said:

You could try spraying some wd40 into the tumblers (right down the key slot)and see if frees things up.

Click to expand...

that is the first solution. I got mine fixed without having it rekeyed. Would turn over and start but as soon as i let go of the key the car shut off. Switch was bad. cost me like 35 bux to get replaced.

If it's stiff when trying to turn. Check to see if the key is in good condition, if not have one done for you at an Acura Dealer (usually $7). Spray some WD40 into where the key goes. This worked for me a few years back on the Sedan, it's never had a problem since.

Yeah, I had new keys made and it hasn't helped. So WD-40 it will be tonight...

heres a good tip, those of you who love to have everything including the kitchen sink on the key ring...take it off! have as little weight on your key ring as possible, what this does is puts downward and side-to-side wear on your tumblers causing premature wear. so cut off your unnessasary items and keep the bare min on there.
peace
drew

Steering lock cylinder w/keys used to retail for around $197.00. You then should rekey the doors, glove box and trunk. Acura also used to sell a replacement "master set" which was a set of all cylinders keyed the same.

legendcoupe93, that's a very good tip.i was told the same thing about 6 years ago when my switch went bad and had to be replaced.i only put a minimum amount of keys on my chain and i haven't had to repair it again to date.

I had to do this with my legend, but I was having problems with the lock cylinder. I took my look cylinder apart, and removed a few tumblers and put it back together and now it works fine. Apartenly, your lock cylinder is stiff to turn. I would second everyone elses opinion on a bad switch. The switch is like $35.00 from autozone. This will take care of your problem. Not that hard to change.

JR

legendcoupe93 said:

heres a good tip, those of you who love to have everything including the kitchen sink on the key ring...take it off! have as little weight on your key ring as possible, what this does is puts downward and side-to-side wear on your tumblers causing premature wear. so cut off your unnessasary items and keep the bare min on there.
peace
drew

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Yup, I am a religious adherent to this principal--The only thing hanging off of any of my keys in the ignition is the ring.

I have no idea what the previous owner did, though. Considering the number of little things I had to clean up when I got this car, I wouldn't put it past them to have had a key-laden, weighted down anchor attached to the ignition...

acurarsxguy said:

I had to do this with my legend, but I was having problems with the lock cylinder. I took my look cylinder apart, and removed a few tumblers and put it back together and now it works fine. Apartenly, your lock cylinder is stiff to turn. I would second everyone elses opinion on a bad switch. The switch is like $35.00 from autozone. This will take care of your problem. Not that hard to change.

JR

Click to expand...

I just WD-40'd the ign. tonight. If that doesn't work, your recommendation is next.

ive got lotsa stuff on my key ring, i have my house keys and a lil scion key chain

If you are having a hard time turning the key then the switch portion is not the problem. It is the tumbler. WD-40 should take care of this. Spray some in there and turn the key on and off.

The only way I could justify replacing the switch portion is if you are having some weird starting issues like starting and running until you release the key or cranking and no starting at all.

Well, it looks like the WD40 is working like a charm--absolutely no resistance twisting the key, one way or the other (even on the best days before, it was always a bit sketchy). So I guess problem solved?

I could swear I had once heard WD40 and ignitions didn't mix...But alas, another daily annoyance with my Legend has apparently been solved!