just aquired a 2003 crossfire coupe and the key wont turn to unlock the steering wheel lock. I searched several places and watched several youtube videos to learn how to remove the switch/lock mechanism and followed instructions only to find out the button securing the mechanism would not depress. after several attempts to get the button to depress i tried to drill it and at that point it simply turned with the drill bit. i resorted to a dremmel with cutoff wheel and notched the retaining tube in front of the lock button, bent down the metal tube so the mechanism with the button would now be free to slide sideways. i have now discovered the mechanism will not slide sideways so i can remove it. it does rotate up and down but does not move laterally. have i missed something, i thought there may an additional pin on the backside but looked at photos on line and do not see anything that would keep me from removing the part. any information on how to get this thing out greatly appreciated
thanks

 

This is the oldest and most known issue with our cars, here ya go:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ru-2006-a.html
In the first post, click the "McCubbin" version of the fix.

 

Skicky Key Fix and Stuck Key Fix McCubbin V1.pdf

 

Thanks, I've read that thread and it was very helpful up to the point of withdrawing the entire assembly. My problem is I cannot get the assembly to withdraw so i can remove the lock pin that is accessed from the back of the unit. Ive got it to the point where the pin is no longer a critical part but the entire unit is stuck somwhere in the steel barrel. I certainly dont want to take a bfh to it so i was hoping someone has come across this and has some insight on how to get it out.

 

See below for v6, follow the procedure and when you get to page 10, see: "Pin cannot be pushed in".

Dozens and dozens of us have dealt with this. I was unaware that Rober's version does not address this.

 

Thanks again, downloaded the pdf and read it, very helpful also. at the end there is a brief instruction on how to address a stuck pin, essentially it involves a dremmel and some time. i used my dremmel and eventually got to the point where the pin is no longer a critical part. I should be able to pull the ignition lock assembly to the right and withdraw. the lock assembly will only move up and down and will not withdraw laterally. i watched a couple of youtube and am a bit confused as to whether or not the ignition tumbler assembly should be removed before removing the entire lock assembly, some indicate removing and others leave it in. any help here appreciated. I have removed the transponder ring and the black locking ring for the tumbler assembly but i tried to turn the key to the first position with the locking ring on the unit and off and neither would let me turn the key to position 1. I cannot see where the two are connected i.e. i should be able to withdraw the entire assembly with the key and tumbler in or out.

 

No, you can't turn the key when it is jammed like that.

As to working it loose, remove the bolt and collar COMPLETELY from around the assembly so that the metal parts and move a little as you work it out of there and keep in mind you must drill the pin out, down such that it does not get caught coming out. THIS is NOT easy to do, and is why we PREACH at people to FIX THIS BEFORE IT LOCKS UP, you are going thru what so many have gone thru. Iv'e never had to drill one out, as I only do pre-emptive fixes, once they lock up, I refuse to work on them, it's just too frustrating, and you can see why I say this. The only thing that keeps it from coming out is that damn pin (and maybe clearance from the brace on the right.)

Also,
You must remove the assembly, then punch out the cover as described, then get the spring and wedge out of there. Once you do that, you can turn the key - I always drop about three drops of oil into that cavity and let it soak in before I button it all up and put it back in.

 

Thanks, again. I did just that, had to drill out the pin. the key turns, the locking pin is gone. Thanks for all the help

 

Once again, when things don't go right and all hope is gone, Valk and pizzaguy swoop in to save the day!
You may not hear from us but we are all out there following the daily posts and absorbing all the information.
Thanks to both for all the contributions to this forum. I and many others greatly appreciate it.
Thanks to Aerospace for reporting back on solving his problem.

 

I am happy to hear this. And thanks for coming back to tell us how it went, so few do that.

 

After reading this thread I am so glad that I did the Sticky key fix BEFORE I started having problems. I watched a few videos showing how to do this. I found a video showing how a person was able to accomplish this task without disassembling the whole switch. I found it was still easier yet to keep the switch in the car, don't even remove the wire harness and use a Dremel tool to grind a small hole in the cover plate, {I used a small chainsaw sharpening stone in the Dremel} remove the plate with an awl, remove the spring and lock pin, and then reinstall switch. I don't claim to be an expert but this method worked great for me and eliminated a few steps in the process. I'm hoping that my two cents worth saves the next guy a bit of grief.

 

And that is why we PREACH to people to take care of it TODAY not "when it acts up".