Ignition switch won't pop out

[jay1028]

I have a 2003 ZX5 with 145K miles. The ignition switch has been staying recessed sometimes after the key is removed. When it is working properly, I can freely push it in and it pops back out, so it doesn't seen that something is binding. When it stays recessed after the key is removed and you open the door, the chime sounds as if the lights are on or the key is in the ignition.

Nay ideas?


Jay

[Sponsor]

[mikeeshaq]

If the keyhole is offset rather than centered

You need to change it immediately

Ford has a kit where you match the tumblers to your existing key

If you wait till it does not turn at all then it will cost much more!

[SkyPilot]

Originally Posted by mikeeshaq

If the keyhole is offset rather than centered

You need to change it immediately

Ford has a kit where you match the tumblers to your existing key

If you wait till it does not turn at all then it will cost much more!

This it NEEDS to be changed before it locks up then it becomes a few hundred bucks to fix. You can buy a ign cly from a local lock smith and he can key it for you. This should cost no more than $100 and then install is pretty easy from there.

This is what you have to do if it locks up

This is what you have to do if you replace it now, see post 2

As you can see you wanna replace it now!

[jay1028]

I am already one of the hundreds that had the ignition switch lock up and not turn. I had to have a locksmith come to the house and fix it 2 years ago. He removed the tumblers that were hanging up and now there are only four and the key turns fine. I am not sure my problem is understood.

The cylinder assy is spring loaded inside the housing and does not always pop back out..On my model, you remove the key and you can push in the cylinder about 1/8 inch and it pops back when you let go.

It does not always pop back out. It is not a problem with turning the key to start the car.