Ignition lock cylinder failing?
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Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 733
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From: Tunkhannock, PA (NEPA)
Ignition lock cylinder failing?
Ok. Here's the background. I have a '00 (first generation, details in signature). I have the sentry key (grey head). A couple times this past month, I've gone to start the car in the morning, to find the battery completely dead. Even the dome light couldn't come on.
What I noticed is that the key had been pulled out, but not quite in the "off" position, leaving all the accessories going. Blower, radio, wipers, etc. Not sure how I didn't notice everything on when I parked, maybe it settled back to "on" after leaving the car. No idea either way.
Has anyone ever changed their lock cylinder for the sentry key? How difficult is the process? Was it expensive if you went to a dealer or locksmith?
What I noticed is that the key had been pulled out, but not quite in the "off" position, leaving all the accessories going. Blower, radio, wipers, etc. Not sure how I didn't notice everything on when I parked, maybe it settled back to "on" after leaving the car. No idea either way.
Has anyone ever changed their lock cylinder for the sentry key? How difficult is the process? Was it expensive if you went to a dealer or locksmith?
Professional
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 180
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From: Gilbert, Arizona
Are you SURE it's not just a bad battery? Probably if it isn't the battery, yes your ignition cylinder could be bad. It is a real PITA to replace and some $$$ becuase with a new ignition cylinder you will probably need to have the dealership reprogram the ECU for the new key. On top of the fact that getting the actual part in and out is not for the faint of heart.
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Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 733
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From: Tunkhannock, PA (NEPA)
I'm not certain NOW that the battery isn't bad (being drawn down this low in these cold temps can't be good for it). It had tested OK for both idle voltage and draw before this last happened. This is the second time it's done it. First time I was the one driving, this time it was my wife.
Alternator is OK, as the voltage runs up to 14.4v as soon as it starts, and stays there after I remove the jumpers from my van.
I knew something wasn't right as soon as I put the key in, I had to turn it slightly clockwise to line the key up with the slot. Turning it to run confirmed my fear that it was indeed left on. I've also checked for parasitic power drains, which came out OK, and was nothing higher than the radio memory draw.
Seeing that it can be a difficult part to replace on my own, combined with having to actually have a dealership involved ($$$$), it's really worth it to fix. I'll just have to make sure that I double check that it's actually turned off fully, and show my wife how to do the same.
Alternator is OK, as the voltage runs up to 14.4v as soon as it starts, and stays there after I remove the jumpers from my van.
I knew something wasn't right as soon as I put the key in, I had to turn it slightly clockwise to line the key up with the slot. Turning it to run confirmed my fear that it was indeed left on. I've also checked for parasitic power drains, which came out OK, and was nothing higher than the radio memory draw.
Seeing that it can be a difficult part to replace on my own, combined with having to actually have a dealership involved ($$$$), it's really worth it to fix. I'll just have to make sure that I double check that it's actually turned off fully, and show my wife how to do the same.