key wont turn, tumblers worn out, how to replace?

cgneon · Post by **cgneon** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:43 pm

so, tumblers i guess are worn out, has happened before, and slamming the key in seemed to unstick it, but now i think its done. was fine this morning, went to drive it just now and key wont turn, wiggled the steering wheel while trying to unstick it, now that is locked,

i see the tumbler and key on rockauto for 45$...

but how do i remove the current one. i took off the bottom of the column, and there is a little yellow tab but it doesnt do anything. i think the key has to be in the run or acces position to remove, but it wont move. tried banging it with a screwdriver, tried lubing it...

i dont mind having 2 sets of keys one for door, one for ignition, i know i can setup the new tumbler to match the current one, depends on my mood. ive never even used the keys on the door before, so i dont mind having 2 keys.. its on 01 neon and does not have the programmed grey key.

help?

wickedgood4684 · Post by **wickedgood4684** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 9:39 pm

your right it needs to be in the run position to be removed.

(on the tumbler to the right) there is a grey triangular tab sticking out on the left side. when its install in the car the key needs to be turned to the run position and then the tab needs to be pressed in, and the tumbler can be pulled out.

Once it is out you leave the key in. You will notice when you turn the key in the tumbler how 2 pins are pressed down when the assembly rotates. So what you have to do is press both pins down and rotate the assembly with the key the opposite way you normally turn it ( like when its in the car and you just want the radio). Once you turn it back far enough the assemble with the key in it will pull out from the outer casing. (you can remove the key from the assembly)

Now you will notice 10(iirc) little tabs sticking out. 5 on each side. take these out one by one(WATCH OUT FOR THE LITTLE SPRINGS, DON'T LOSE THEM!!!) There is a number on each one. write it down in order by side and put it back in the tumbler.

Now with the new tumbler take it apart the same way with the key provided. The new tumbler should have came with a bunch or replacement tabs. So now you have to match up the number code you created with the tabs. So slowly pull each one out one by one and replace it with the appropriate NEW tab according to the code you took from the old tumbler.

Now put the outer casing back over the tumbler assembly, take your old key and put it in the tumbler and rotate it back to position. If you did it correctly you have successfully re-keyed your new tumbler to your old key.

cgneon · Post by **cgneon** » Tue Dec 03, 2013 12:37 pm

thanks for the info, ordered the replacement lock this morning, but what do i do if i cannot get it to the run position.. i have been trying for a few hours, and nothing, smacked with a hammer, etc. do i need to hammer a screwdriver in and force it to turn with vicegrips? i dont care about having a diff set of keys for ignition as i use the keyfob for the door anyway.. getting a new car soon, but need to drive this for a few more months.

MichNeon · Post by **MichNeon** » Wed Dec 04, 2013 12:43 am

Do you have a second key that has not been used much or at all? If you do, try it in the key cylinder. I'm thinking that the key you use is worn, as well as the tumblers. A key in better condition might move the tumblers enough to get the cylinder to turn. Don't force the cylinder to turn, you might wind up breaking the column casing around the key cylinder assembly.

cgneon · Post by **cgneon** » Wed Dec 04, 2013 6:25 am

yes have tried both keys

gtxtreme19 · Post by **gtxtreme19** » Wed Dec 04, 2013 9:39 am

In my 00 I had the pull the key out of the ignition just a fuzzy before it would turn. Its like that in my 99 now too.

cgneon · Post by **cgneon** » Wed Dec 04, 2013 1:04 pm

update, went and got a new key made that was solid metal, instead of the rubber grip, got some PB blaster from work, and a quick smack with some vice grips it finally freed up, so i got it pulled and undid the battery cables until i get the new part...

probably just gonna use the new keys, and not even mess with swapping the pins around to use older worn keys.. gettin a new car soon anyway

thanks for all the info posted above.

caustic neon · Post by **caustic neon** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 8:43 am

fyi from now on keep thew keys on your key ring to a minimum, heavy keys will wear out the lock cylinder on our cars, i always keep a spare after it happned to me. lol

fixitmattman · Post by **fixitmattman** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 8:39 pm

meh, I just kept using the key after it did that to me. It wore out enough that it starts the car but I can straight out remove it from the cylinder in the run position. Came in handy in the winter warming the car up :p

Post by **occasional demons** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 8:45 pm

fixitmattman wrote: Came in handy in the winter warming the car up :p

This.

Works great for running into the convenience store too. As touchy as the clutch is, even if someone got into it, they would probably stall it out, and be dumbfounded looking for the start button, while I bludgeon them.