Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng

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Mon 18 Jun 2018 02:48
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng - Bette

Not so funny thing happened. Popped to shops, parked up, got shopping came back to car, fob worked to allow access, put blade key in ignition, turns 2 /3rds of way but not all the way to start the engine. (very annoying). lights on dash work, electric windows open, sunroof opens etc, but no engine start, chiming noise and flashing security light.

On way to the shops and whilst driving did note that there was an unfamiliar clicking noise to the left hand side backseating area of the car very similiar to the car doors locking themselves, which in fact did happen. i just rectified this when i stopped driving by pressing the open button on the key fob and got out of the car (didnt think anything of it - it never happening before). There was not anything that was pressing against the key fob whilst i was driving to have caused the clicking and the doors to lock by themselves.

Is this likely to be an immobiliser problem? I did go back to the car with the spare, which opened the doors but dead as a doornail for starting the engine!!

Also tried new battery in the key fob - didnt make any difference. Thought maybe flat battery to the engine.

Did get home. Very kind man who knew a bit about cars, took pity to help me out. He did something with a screwdriver under the bonnet at the front (towards the bottom) and started the engine. He said that because the car is auto, i was unlikely to stall so could get home, but once home the same problem would recur. The kind man wasnt sure what the problem could be, but thought maybe the ignition barrell needed changing or possibly an immobiliser problem.

Opinions welcomed. Worried sick about how much this is going to cost to resolve.

Thought a cheaper way- if immobiliser issue, to emergency join the RAC/AA pay their extra costs, but not sure if the RAC can re set an immobiliser - cant afford to pay out twice (join the rac only for them to tow me to a garage) as i only work part time:(

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Mon 18 Jun 2018 07:16
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng - hardway

Possibly a sticky ignition lock.

Buy a tube of graphite powder,

it's less than £5 on Ebay,

then puff some into the key slot and on the key blade and then work the lock.

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Mon 18 Jun 2018 09:21
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng - elekie&a/c doctor

The fact that it started with a by-pass repair under the bonnet suggests that it is not an immobilser fault. I suspect there is a fault with the ignition lock. The drive pin on the back of the lock barrel wears and does not turn the ignition switch adequately. If this is the case,then a new lock is an un-economic repair on these. However,it is possible to rig up a seperate push-button start switch mounted somewhere on the dash .

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Mon 18 Jun 2018 10:31
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng - Bette

Many thanks for your reponse Elekie.

New barrell lock not necessarily the right answer. Is that because the wear will happen again? Any indication in the difference in the cost to have a seperate push button start mounted? Would i have to go to a Chrysler dealer or would locksmith or machanic be able to offer this (would they want to?) and can the work be done on th roadside?

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Mon 18 Jun 2018 10:26
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng - Bette

Many thanks Hardway. I will try the graphite powder and report back if it works or not. Funnily enough you having said that, i've had a problem the the back door of the house. All of a sudden the back door lock will not engage with the key and i have to use a clothe to give leverage to get the key to turn enough to engage and leave the back door secure:-(

If only the ignition on the car could be resolved so easily - its such a worry.

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Mon 18 Jun 2018 12:51
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng - elekie&a/c doctor
Main dealer would only fit new parts.Cost of the job here I would guess at being in excess of £500.the add on push button start switch can be done by any competent tech/mechanic in 1-2 hours,so around £150 or less.
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Mon 18 Jun 2018 18:16
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004 - key will not turn all way in ignition to start eng - Bette

OK Update.

The Graphite Dust worked a treat to get the key to fully turn in the ignition. Managed to obtain some from a local hardware store. So many thanks for that tip:-)

It would appear that the security system recognised the key (i think) but sadley the engine would not start:-(

at least the key is working now, so hopefully not a barrel change. Maybe the ignition fuse???

i got a neighbour to try and give a jump start but nothing. the engine sounded like it was trying to do something thougth. after a few attempts all the dashboards indicators started to re appear which they were not doing yesterday when the key would not fully turn.

I approached a couple of garages about a push button start (4 actually) is this a new thing? none of the ones i approached wanted to know. Maybe just bad luck, One told me fitting a push start wouldnt work becasue 'it wont help on the steering lock'?? whatever that means

unfortunately none could give me any guidelines on price, but think it may be the ignition or needs a new starter motor - but how can a new starter motor be needed when the nice guy that helped me out, bypassed something down the front of the bonnet to get the engine started???

will need to research cost of starter motors Yeeeks;-(

More advice appreciated please:-)

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