Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Thank you. I bought a 2007. Not for that reason but thanks for clearing this up.
Last edited by alexdc; 08-01-2017 at 02:34 AM.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
PS: if they just replaced parts you can still have the key stick with the new part.
Last edited by KDW4Him; 08-09-2017 at 10:37 AM.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Hi all, I have question for you all!
I've worked my way through my dashboard using the pdf provided in this forum and I've found myself at a bit of a crossroads. I've removed all my screws, filed the locking pin down with a dremel and managed to disconnect the main electric harness connector but now that I'm ready to rock it back and forth to pull it out I've realized my key is still in the locking assembly (or the thing I've been calling the black cylinder) and it's completely stuck. I followed through to steps 13 but on my end it appears 14 is missing and between 13 and 15 it's a big step. I have at least two theories, including maybe it's just the key being bad:
I've read somewhere that it should be in position '1' exactly and everything will release but I think my key is somewhere between 1 and 0 - the locking assembly jiggles but my key is very much stuck. I can rotate the black locking assembly around the key (it seems loose-ish) and I can get the flat spot into position 12 but it doesn't seem to have any effect. I think if I can get it back to '0' I can take the key out but I'm not sure how to get back to '0'.
I've included a picture of my current situation (I tried plugging in the transition interlock in the picture - I thought it might help), any and all advice is welcome!
Underside of the key and the black cylinder/locking assembly.
I've worked my way through my dashboard using the pdf provided in this forum and I've found myself at a bit of a crossroads. I've removed all my screws, filed the locking pin down with a dremel and managed to disconnect the main electric harness connector but now that I'm ready to rock it back and forth to pull it out I've realized my key is still in the locking assembly (or the thing I've been calling the black cylinder) and it's completely stuck. I followed through to steps 13 but on my end it appears 14 is missing and between 13 and 15 it's a big step. I have at least two theories, including maybe it's just the key being bad:
I've read somewhere that it should be in position '1' exactly and everything will release but I think my key is somewhere between 1 and 0 - the locking assembly jiggles but my key is very much stuck. I can rotate the black locking assembly around the key (it seems loose-ish) and I can get the flat spot into position 12 but it doesn't seem to have any effect. I think if I can get it back to '0' I can take the key out but I'm not sure how to get back to '0'.
I've included a picture of my current situation (I tried plugging in the transition interlock in the picture - I thought it might help), any and all advice is welcome!
Underside of the key and the black cylinder/locking assembly.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
so i guess the reason for the sticky key is when the key blade becomes a bit dull when the key slips into the ignition some of the pins (tumble) which are supposed to be suppressed when the key slides in are not due to the blade being dull? so wouldn't the fix be buying a new key? i called around they are still expensive! i found an oem key on eBay and all the numbers match on my current key it just needs to be cut? people are saying that keys are programmed from the deal with the vin so the ring sensor will let the anti theft start the engine? how hard is it to just buy a key off ebay and cut it then transplant the guts into the new fob? is that possible? should i just eat the 200 bucks from the dealer and get the new key? would the new key still be sticking or would it resolve the sticky ignition? my issue is sometimes the key wont turn in the ignition at all. it happened once recently and i almost **** myself. lemme know cause if i can fix this with a new key, id rather buy a new key and not a new ignition tumbler? thank you crossfire gods!
p.s. i have done research with the crossfire/benz forum and got mixed messages. recently i read that a car can have up to 8 keys stored on its memory then will have to be cleared by the STAR. so is a new key really made for the vin or could i just buy a blank get it cut and have the computer just store it? 100. vs. 200.? if the new key would fix my issue i would just cave and get the key from the dealer.
p.s. i have done research with the crossfire/benz forum and got mixed messages. recently i read that a car can have up to 8 keys stored on its memory then will have to be cleared by the STAR. so is a new key really made for the vin or could i just buy a blank get it cut and have the computer just store it? 100. vs. 200.? if the new key would fix my issue i would just cave and get the key from the dealer.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
A new key will not fix your problem, a new key from ebay will not work without using your old key blade and guts and it won't fix your problem. A new tumbler is not needed. Go back to post 1 and click on "update' and read it - that is what is needed. Do it now or it just gets worse when it won't turn at all. If you can't do it -print it out and take it to a good mechanic and have it done.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Had my 2004 Crossfire a few months. Absolutely no trouble until last weekend when my key would not turn in the ignition. Many thanks to rekcah, drhrsh, bobg & onehundred80 for putting together the Sticky_ignition_key_fix_v5.pdf and for putting me back on the road.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
James, the symptom is a sticky key, that is you go to turn the key to start the car and it doesn't turn. Then you turn the steering wheel this way and that and finally after 10 attempts the key turns and your car starts! Others have thought it was just the tumblers, and/or lubrication of them. The real problem is in the steering lock mechanism housed inside the assembly I removed. Apparently a plastic cam inside wears down preventing the locking pin from retracting. The modification suggested by others eliminates the steering lock, so when the car is turned off and key is removed you can still turn the steering wheel. I decided to just replace the unit with a new one.
thanks!
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
So what did you replace? The housing/ locking unit, or tumbler? I'm looking on the mboemparts.com and there's a locking/ housing unit then the tumbler? Is the tumbler just a generic part or is it specified to vin? Did you get a new key too? I read on the slk forum they replaced the switch as well? Also what key indicator sensor we're you talking about?
thanks!
thanks!
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I recently bought a used Wrecked Crossfire in order to get the ignition out of the car and replace the one in my current driver. Not having thought it through ...is this possible with the computer cut key or will it imobilize the car and leave me stranded? Also I didn't think but if I was to do that I would have to have 2 keys one for the doors and one for the ignition. In need of guidance.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
The key fob has an unpowered chip in it that interacts with the key ring antenna and the SKREEM module. It has nothing to do with the key blade cut and the tumblers.
You would need to change the blade from the wrecked one into your fob, then all the stars will align.
You would need to change the blade from the wrecked one into your fob, then all the stars will align.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
I recently bought a used Wrecked Crossfire in order to get the ignition out of the car and replace the one in my current driver. Not having thought it through ...is this possible with the computer cut key or will it imobilize the car and leave me stranded? Also I didn't think but if I was to do that I would have to have 2 keys one for the doors and one for the ignition. In need of guidance.
- your current driver is easily repairable using the PDF file. No need to swap tumblers or anything else, just fix the one you have.
Re: Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Hi All
Forgive me if this is a repetition but my car is in the garage with the mechanic about to do the Sticky Key fix for me.
However he is concerned it may prevent the steering lock working in future which would mean the car would fail its MOT (I'm in the UK).
Please can anybody advise if it does stop the steering lock working?
Many thanks
Kevin
Forgive me if this is a repetition but my car is in the garage with the mechanic about to do the Sticky Key fix for me.
However he is concerned it may prevent the steering lock working in future which would mean the car would fail its MOT (I'm in the UK).
Please can anybody advise if it does stop the steering lock working?
Many thanks
Kevin