Thank you very much for your detailed description. I started to have a “sticking” problem at about 105,000k and was glad to be back home from an outback’s tour in Australia (sealed and good unsealed roads only!) … imagine not being able to start at the back of Bourke! Anyhow, followed the instructions but decided to machine back the sprung pin face that caused the “sticking” and put back as original - including the cover, which I removed without damaging; it was a bit fiddly but works well. Mind you, I still don’t know the purpose of the sprung pin. Very appreciative of these two videos!!!
I had this issue, although i was confused as my key wasn't sticking in the barrel, it wasnt turning. It got progressively worse, and i almost got stranded, so i didn't want to push my luck. So i used your video as a guide. I've never done this before, and it took me twenty minutes. Thank you!
Paul, Thank you so very much for the completeness of this video. Richardson Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Richardson, Texas, replaced my '05 key tumbler twice, and as you know, did not fix the problem. I have completed the ignition switch repair myself, reinstalled the switch and am now waiting for my battery to charge before reassembling the dashboard components. Just so frustrating for service techs not to watch youtube!! Thank you again.
This was a life saver, just bought a crossfire that was having the issue, and in the past couple days it had gotten to the point where it was taking me 5-10 mins to get the key to turn. This fixed it to where it is smooth as butter. Really appreciate the information.
Hi, i got one too and my crossfire is hard to open the key to start the car, this was the same for you? Or your problem was to take off the key? Thanks
Happy to assist! Dealers are incredibly expensive, This is why I do these videos. Make sure you join the FB group Chrysler Crossfire Owners International
Paul, best video for this on TH-cam. I have a 2004 Crossfire and my key actually got stuck where I couldn’t even turn the ignition on. Thank goodness it happened at home. Anyway, followed your video step-by-step and. Worked perfectly. First time in a year I didn’t have to keep turning my key several times to start the car. Now it just turns easily and freely. Go figure! Anyway, awesome job my friend. Thank you!
Great job Paul ! When I did mine a couple of years ago I used your short video to learn how to get the spring and pin out, it saved me a lot of time. Thx for sharing your experience with the rest of the Crossfire community!
I think that you need one more "THANK YOU"....Your video and the written instructions in the Facebook Crossfire Forum solved my problem....I was lucky, because the key got stuck while it was still in my Garage. Thanks again.
Hey Paul, Just bought my 3rd Crossfire Saturday, and today did the key, all that hard work and surprise surprise, it was done already and I asked the previous owner if he did the key but he didn't know anything about it...must have been the original owner..!! DOH..!!
I thinks its a great idea to write it down somewhere like in the owner's manual or under the cover for the fuse panel of what has been done like the sticky key and the re-solder of the RCM etc.
Thank you so much for putting this video together. The pdf is great, but watching someone do it made it far simpler for me to wrap my head around. Got the job done in around an hour. My Crossfire is RHD, so there was a lot more room to work in, however the steps are mostly the same. Followed the update and didn't remove the key tumbler. Also in the RHD the transponder wire runs across the top. Thanks again.
Great video. I used your video and the write up I found on the Crossfire forum and performed the sticky key fix on my 2004 Crossfire coupe today. I would just add one note to your video. My car does not have the large black parking lock connector on the bottom of the ignition housing (the one you are reinstalling at 11:25). I got worried and looked all over for it thinking the P.O. might have disconnected it or cut the wires, but it was not there and the wiring was untouched. Then I thought maybe it is because my car has a 6 speed manual transmission instead of an automatic and found that is exactly it. So, if you have a manual transmission you will not have the parking lock connector so don't spend 10 minutes looking for it like I did!
Works on Mercedes SLK also! Thanks a lot. Worked like a charm. Worst part was putting the sash back together. Saved me $800 to $1200 from the MB STEALership.
Thank you so much for making this video!! My key wasn’t turning so I used your video to get good instructions and it’s fixed now. I was worried that my crossfire was doomed or that I would have to spend a ton of money at the dealership to get it fixed, but no, I did it myself. Thanks a million!!!!
Just wanted to thank you so much for the invaluable repair info!! My wife & I own 2 2004 Crossfires and you have saved us thousands of dollars in shop repair work!! 😃 Hope U continue cranking out these awesome videos! Happy Easter to U and your family!
Excellent video! I purchased a new barrel lock cylinder for my SLK320 but that did not resolve the problem. I followed this video and now it's fixed. I was able to put the original barrel lock cylinder back in so all my keys would match. Thanks for posting this!
Fantastic video. Worked like a charm on my 2004 Crossfire! My key was completely stuck and wouldn't turn at all... so the pin to disengage the cylinder wouldn't push in. I used a dremel with a grinding stone and just ground the pin out of existence. Thanks a lot man!
Hey thanks for this Paul. After watching this I did it on my 05 limited. My key was getting hard to turn. A lot smoother now. You make it look easy. I'm not as flexible as I used to be
I was unfortunate enough to have the key not working. I removed the panels, during attempts to turn key TAPPED the area of the PIN AREA, I was able to to turn it the 90 degree as required. The rest was pretty easy. Good Luck Great video I might add!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Just performed this surgery on my SLK230 today. Worked like a charm! (Several months ago, I replaced the key tumbler, which of course did not fix the problem. It continued to get worse, until a couple of days ago when it became nearly impossible to turn the key.)
Just did my second car - the first time used the on line guide only. It has literally been "YEARS" since I did the other one, your video guide was very helpful especially since I couldn't find the pin! Your guide was great in refreshing my old memory banks. Thanks for posting your video.
At last; someone who has a functional brain ! I watch TH-cam videos with this type of content. I am a retried engineer, i have watch many videos that have crack me up so hard, that i wonder how some people maintain breathing and are able to walk, at the same time. Thank you for actually showing peolpe the right way to do this type of job.🤗 Note: Put the pin back Were it goes; c'mon !😐 i do not respond to emails... your rating is a 98% i would have given 100% but the pin killed it L.O.L.
Thanks so much for this great video. Everything went smoothly other than the fact that I chose a hot day and sweaty hands were a problem. Getting the bottom dash panel back in place is a bit of a chore.
Also, every locksmith that I've spoken to over the years has stated that WD40 is bad news for most locks, especially the more delicate ones. It's not a very great lubricant and it has a short useful life. It can also 'wash away' any original solid lubricant that might well still be doing its job. Meanwhile it attracts dust and dirt. A dry moly or graphite lubricant is recommended, specifically designed for locks (or the m+g with a quickly evaporating liquid dispersant). When the same thing happened on my W124, I too grabbed the WD40, which actually made it worse. Hence the finger-wagging from the locksmith. I've subsequently discussed it with other locksmiths, out of curiosity, and received pretty much the same response.
Thanks to this excellent instruction video, I was able to fix my Crossfire today.My ignition key wouldn´t turn at all, so I had to grind off the locking pin to be able to pull the assembly back. Now the locking pin and spring is removed and the car works perfectly. Many thanks to you Paul
As useful today as when it was first uploaded. Particularly how to remove the lock without disconnecting the main connector at the back. It's tight but it will go if you rotate it far enough.
Most excellent video! My daughter's 05 Crossfire had the doomsday scenario. The key would not turn at all. I took a Dremel with a conical shaped grinder and ground the button till it was lower than the sleeve. All other parts of the repair are the same. The steering wheel still locks, but no longer "double locks". Why Mercedes Benz/Chrysler felt the need to have a reluctor/transponder setup AND a steering wheel lock AND a double lock is anyone's guess. Simply a poor design. A satisfying free fix!
*****NOTE****** found out that there is no need to remove the key tumbler after all, but do put your key in it so that the locking pin can be depressed when removing the entire unit from the car Is your key getting difficult to remove from the ignition switch? Then you need to do this right away before it gets stuck and won't come out. Dealers are asking $800-$1200 for them to replace the ignition switch. You do NOT need a replacement, simply follow these easy steps and best of all its totally free, no parts required. If your key is stuck or will not turn anymore then you will need to drill out the locking pin (look at the 6:29 mark) to be able to release the entire unit to be able to work on it. Join us on Facebook at Chrysler Crossfire Owners International
Crossfire repairs by Paul hello Paul. I get all the way to the step where i have to twist the key to unlock the ignition. My key won't turn to the right at all. The reason I'm doing this is because my key wouldn't turn at all and my steering wheel is locked. I have the dash and under compartment out. Also the i can't push the pin In either. It seems to be locked like the key. I'd gladly appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. Thanks
Crossfire repairs by Paul thank you Paul. Another question. I also car take the tumbler off. Is that part of the reason I have to drill the pin down to get the ignition off? Also the fact that the tumbler won't come off. Will that stop that process once i get the pin drilled down? Thanks. My car is stuck at a gas station is why I'm asking. Thanks again
we found out we don't need to remove the tumbler to do this repair. if you can't insert your key and turn it to the 1st position THEN you will need to drill or grind the locking pin to be able to remove it from the steering wheel shaft
Thank you bunches You helped a lot. But it seems I have an issue with the plug at the bottom that has that plastic tab. When I put it back in and drive its all fine but when I shut it down that plastic tab keeps me from getting my key back out so I take that cable and plug out then my key comes out like it should. Any suggestions why it does that?? Thank you in advance. Chuck
Hey Paul, first off...thanks for all the vids, they're very informative. So, I ran into the sticky key issue and my xfire finally got to the point of seizing the tumbler. I completely replaced the ignition cylinder with new key and all transferred the old key components to the new. However, as soon as I plug the wires/transponder in I get a continuous beeping sound from ignition even when key isnt in and no start. Sometimes I get one start and immediate shut off if I unplug the smaller wire. Any idea where Im going wrong, it all worked normal before the sticky key finally got stuck
Paul thank you so much for these videos. wish you lived near me to help me with a cooling fan issue. Because car I bought had is wiring harness at cooling fan box which the AC and cooling fan don't work. wish I had a intack car to see what wire goes where.
Hi Paul, I can't find my parking interlock cable. The slot on the bottom of the tumbler assembly (where you plugged in a black electrical cable) was empty when I removed my dashboard! 11:08 in the video, you showed three cables to plug pack in. I only have the white plug and the transponder ring... I am missing the black parking interlock cable. Where does this connect on the other end? I reached behind the stereo and coin holder area but did not find any loose cables. Please advise! Thank you!
I’ve cut my whole ignition out and when I touch the wires together all ignition lights up but it will not stop how can I get around this please help me
at 6:40 the plastic piece you touched, i removed it and springs came out. wondering if i need to remove the steering wheel just to put that plastic piece in with the springs... i know i shouldn't have taken that piece out but needed room to drill out that area.
It can be done without removing the key tumbler, but on my xfire it seemed to go in and out of the column easier with the pressure off of the switch and the key out of the way..just sayin to be helpful
I did not see the black wire loop that is an antenna that goes around the cylinder ? do you or anyone know where it goes ? does it go around the housing or around the cylinder key black bezel ring ?
hello Nicole, you will need to drill out the locking pin then remove the en tire unit then you will be able to do the steps in the video and remove the pin and spring
I have the exact same problem and i dont know how to do it. Can you show me how to drill it out or maybe to help me because i live in austria and we have no chysler company here and mercedes and the other companies how are chysler supporter dont know the answer to solve it. Can you help me. This car means the world to me because of my gradpa who had a crossfire back when it came out and he also bought it together with my dad right before my grandpa died the crossfire we have now. Pls.
My key was sticking on occasion, showed this to my car mechanic and he said it was not needed, he squirted some WD40 into the ignition slot and said that's it fixed, the key has not got stuck since then. So will that do the job or is it just coincidental that the WD40 seems to have worked?
1st off this is a well documented issue with this permanent fix found in the Crossfire forum. 2nd if your "mechanic" is using WD-40 on a key tumbler he should only be using dry lube as it is specifically designed for key tumbler. Dry lube will not attract and hold these particles vs wet lube that can cause issues in the long term where you will need to open the tumbler to clean it in the future. I understand he was trying to save you time and money. www.crossfireforum.org/forum/
Want to buy a beautiful crossfire that runs perfectly- but the key is already stuck and won't come out. Mechanics don't know why, and want to replace the shifter. (Quoted $2,600). Would this technique get it out and back to normal? Quick response would be greatly appreciated.
key already stuck, you will to do this procedure but with a twist. To get the tumbler disconnected from the steering wheel you need to drill out the "locking pin", it is found at the 6:00 min mark, since your key is stuck this is the only way you will be able to remove the unit as the key presses against the locking pin making it impossible to push it inwards as in my video. once you drill off the locking pin you will now be able to remove the unit and then continue as per the video to complete the procedure and remove the spring and pin. DO NOT LET ANYONE REPLACE YOUR SHIFTER OR THIS UNIT. Its a free and simple procedure.
Crossfire repairs by Paul Excellent. Thank you so much for responding. I don't know how I'll be able to get in there to drill it out or if I'll need any special tools for the whole process, but hopefully there'll be a way. The car went into limp mode once, and that's when the key locked in... but after that it drove fine. So I'll be negotiating tonight to buy it and keep my fingers crossed :) Thanks again, man.
Crossfire repairs by Paul Bought the crossfire, and it's absolutely perfect inside and out, aside from the key being stuck. Can't lock the car, etc... I don't have a good mechanical mind, so I'm wondering if you are in the New Jersey/tri state area, or know of anyone here, that can do the work? I'd be happy to pay.
the delasehips will ask a fortune as you very well know. you can ask a locksmith company for a quote to this this modification as a few people have gone this route and found them to be very reasonably priced. We do have a few members of our Crossfire community that lives in New York area, you can join us on FB at facebook.com/groups/2211655775/ and see if any of them could assist.
My car won't start or accelerate off the line. I just played 1400 for the mistake of not doing this before it started and now I'm having other issues . Any idea what it could be
It should, but you need to be able to turn it at least a bit to the right (kind of "middle position") to be able to unlock the pin to get the ignition switch out. I did the whole thing this morning and everything is now perfect. Thanks Crossfire Repairs by Paul!
Hallo paul vielleicht kannst Du mir helfen.. Dein Video ist super, leider hat es bei mir nicht geholfen..Warum? Der Schlüssel lässt sich eeiterhin nicht drehen
I opened that little window and there was no pin or spring in it! And the key still gets stuck in the ignition. When it’s “off” I can’t get it out at all.
This happened to me and I left my car in the Walmart parking lot for abt a month going back and forth trying to fix it. Now it's at my house still not fixed.
Have you joined the Chrysler Crossfire International Owners group on Facebook? there could be members living close to you who could go and help you out!
Have you joined the Chrysler Crossfire International Owners group on Facebook? there could be members living close to you who could go and help you out!
I had same issue. I did the mod and when testing to see if it worked, the steering wheel unlocked and the key turned but the starter wouldn't operate. I hadn't put the transponder ring back on. When I put it back into position and turned the key to start, the starter operated and the engine started.
Wish i could afford more, you really saved me with this info!
Thank you very much for your detailed description. I started to have a “sticking” problem at about 105,000k and was glad to be back home from an outback’s tour in Australia (sealed and good unsealed roads only!) … imagine not being able to start at the back of Bourke! Anyhow, followed the instructions but decided to machine back the sprung pin face that caused the “sticking” and put back as original - including the cover, which I removed without damaging; it was a bit fiddly but works well. Mind you, I still don’t know the purpose of the sprung pin. Very appreciative of these two videos!!!
I had this issue, although i was confused as my key wasn't sticking in the barrel, it wasnt turning.
It got progressively worse, and i almost got stranded, so i didn't want to push my luck. So i used your video as a guide.
I've never done this before, and it took me twenty minutes. Thank you!
Happy my video helped!
Paul, Thank you so very much for the completeness of this video. Richardson Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Richardson, Texas, replaced my '05 key tumbler twice, and as you know, did not fix the problem. I have completed the ignition switch repair myself, reinstalled the switch and am now waiting for my battery to charge before reassembling the dashboard components. Just so frustrating for service techs not to watch youtube!! Thank you again.
This was a life saver, just bought a crossfire that was having the issue, and in the past couple days it had gotten to the point where it was taking me 5-10 mins to get the key to turn. This fixed it to where it is smooth as butter. Really appreciate the information.
Hi, i got one too and my crossfire is hard to open the key to start the car, this was the same for you? Or your problem was to take off the key? Thanks
You are amazing and saved us $2,000.00. We had quotes from an Okeechobee dealer and Palm Beach. Both were $2,000+. Thanks again.
Happy to assist! Dealers are incredibly expensive, This is why I do these videos. Make sure you join the FB group Chrysler Crossfire Owners International
Paul, best video for this on TH-cam. I have a 2004 Crossfire and my key actually got stuck where I couldn’t even turn the ignition on. Thank goodness it happened at home.
Anyway, followed your video step-by-step and. Worked perfectly. First time in a year I didn’t have to keep turning my key several times to start the car. Now it just turns easily and freely. Go figure! Anyway, awesome job my friend. Thank you!
I have the same problem How did you depress the locking pin with the key not turning?
@@robertestrada3104 just happen to me 3 days ago... did you figure it out? i have no way to get to a store to buy a Dremel.
@@TamponTea Yes, I drilled it out with a Makita and a grinding bit. What a pain, but I saved two grand!
So my ignition won’t turn either. Will I still be able to turn it to get the tumbler out?
Great job Paul ! When I did mine a couple of years ago I used your short video to learn how to get the spring and pin out, it saved me a lot of time. Thx for sharing your experience with the rest of the Crossfire community!
I think that you need one more "THANK YOU"....Your video and the written instructions in the Facebook Crossfire Forum solved my problem....I was lucky, because the key got stuck while it was still in my Garage. Thanks again.
Hey Paul, Just bought my 3rd Crossfire Saturday, and today did the key, all that hard work and surprise surprise, it was done already and I asked the previous owner if he did the key but he didn't know anything about it...must have been the original owner..!! DOH..!!
I thinks its a great idea to write it down somewhere like in the owner's manual or under the cover for the fuse panel of what has been done like the sticky key and the re-solder of the RCM etc.
Thank you so much for putting this video together. The pdf is great, but watching someone do it made it far simpler for me to wrap my head around. Got the job done in around an hour. My Crossfire is RHD, so there was a lot more room to work in, however the steps are mostly the same. Followed the update and didn't remove the key tumbler. Also in the RHD the transponder wire runs across the top. Thanks again.
Great video. I used your video and the write up I found on the Crossfire forum and performed the sticky key fix on my 2004 Crossfire coupe today. I would just add one note to your video. My car does not have the large black parking lock connector on the bottom of the ignition housing (the one you are reinstalling at 11:25). I got worried and looked all over for it thinking the P.O. might have disconnected it or cut the wires, but it was not there and the wiring was untouched. Then I thought maybe it is because my car has a 6 speed manual transmission instead of an automatic and found that is exactly it. So, if you have a manual transmission you will not have the parking lock connector so don't spend 10 minutes looking for it like I did!
Works on Mercedes SLK also! Thanks a lot. Worked like a charm. Worst part was putting the sash back together. Saved me $800 to $1200 from the MB STEALership.
I hope it works on mine also! Will know shortly....nervous...
Thank you so much for making this video!! My key wasn’t turning so I used your video to get good instructions and it’s fixed now. I was worried that my crossfire was doomed or that I would have to spend a ton of money at the dealership to get it fixed, but no, I did it myself. Thanks a million!!!!
How did you get your tumbler out if your key wouldn’t turn?
Just wanted to thank you so much for the invaluable repair info!! My wife & I own 2
2004 Crossfires and you have saved us thousands of dollars in shop repair work!! 😃
Hope U continue cranking out these awesome videos! Happy Easter to U and
your family!
Excellent video! I purchased a new barrel lock cylinder for my SLK320 but that did not resolve the problem. I followed this video and now it's fixed. I was able to put the original barrel lock cylinder back in so all my keys would match. Thanks for posting this!
Fantastic video. Worked like a charm on my 2004 Crossfire!
My key was completely stuck and wouldn't turn at all... so the pin to disengage the cylinder wouldn't push in. I used a dremel with a grinding stone and just ground the pin out of existence.
Thanks a lot man!
Hey thanks for this Paul. After watching this I did it on my 05 limited. My key was getting hard to turn. A lot smoother now.
You make it look easy. I'm not as flexible as I used to be
Excellent video, this mechanism is exactly the same as the switch on the mercedes slk230 and c230 very well done thank you!
I was unfortunate enough to have the key not working. I removed the panels, during attempts to turn key TAPPED the area of the PIN AREA, I was able to to turn it the 90 degree as required. The rest was pretty easy. Good Luck Great video I might add!
Thank you Paul, I just fixed my car thanks to your video,,,If you are ever in cheyenne ,, dinner and drinks are on me
You my friend deserve the best in this world! Thank you so much for your effort in uploading this video!
Had to do this after work stuck in my parking lot thank the Lord I had tools with me
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Just performed this surgery on my SLK230 today. Worked like a charm! (Several months ago, I replaced the key tumbler, which of course did not fix the problem. It continued to get worse, until a couple of days ago when it became nearly impossible to turn the key.)
glad I could help
Just did my second car - the first time used the on line guide only. It has literally been "YEARS" since I did the other one, your video guide was very helpful especially since I couldn't find the pin! Your guide was great in refreshing my old memory banks. Thanks for posting your video.
Paul, thanks so much for the vid. The ugly sticky key finally appeared in full force yesterday and I'm about to start the repair now. Cheers.
You are the man!! Took me a couple of hours, followed your video exactly, worked a treat! Thank you!
At last; someone who has a functional brain ! I watch TH-cam videos with this type of content. I am a retried engineer, i have watch many videos that have crack me up so hard, that i wonder how some people maintain breathing and are able to walk, at the same time. Thank you for actually showing peolpe the right way to do this type of job.🤗 Note: Put the pin back Were it goes; c'mon !😐 i do not respond to emails... your rating is a 98% i would have given 100% but the pin killed it L.O.L.
You would be surprised as to some who would have asked where to put the pin… 😆
My next day off is now planned. This is a great how to video. Thank you so much for sharing, Paul.
Thanks so much for this great video. Everything went smoothly other than the fact that I chose a hot day and sweaty hands were a problem. Getting the bottom dash panel back in place is a bit of a chore.
Superb video.
Just repaired my R170 Mercedes using your technique.
Much appreciated
I had the same problem, just a few w40 in the ignition switch ! It saved my time and my poor hability
Totally different issue. You had a dry lock issue,
This is more serious when lube does not work
Also, every locksmith that I've spoken to over the years has stated that WD40 is bad news for most locks, especially the more delicate ones. It's not a very great lubricant and it has a short useful life. It can also 'wash away' any original solid lubricant that might well still be doing its job. Meanwhile it attracts dust and dirt. A dry moly or graphite lubricant is recommended, specifically designed for locks (or the m+g with a quickly evaporating liquid dispersant). When the same thing happened on my W124, I too grabbed the WD40, which actually made it worse. Hence the finger-wagging from the locksmith. I've subsequently discussed it with other locksmiths, out of curiosity, and received pretty much the same response.
Thank you for the great step by step video saved $1200
Thanks to this excellent instruction video, I was able to fix my Crossfire today.My ignition key wouldn´t turn at all, so I had to grind off the locking pin to be able to pull the assembly back. Now the locking pin and spring is removed and the car works perfectly. Many thanks to you Paul
I have a 2004 Chrysler crossfire and my key is stuck in the ignition any idea to help??
Worked like a charm. Thanks a whole lot for this video Paul.
I find it hilarious your key looks exactly like mine does. Ripped panic alarm button, worn Chrysler symbol, and broken key loop.
Thanks for the instruction, followed all steps and now it works perfectly!!
Hello, thanks for your video, i followed it to the letter and everything works great on a 2004 crossfire. Sincerely from France.
J'espere aussi pour moi en Anglaterre!
Great work, not yet having issues but have saved this just in case mine starts playing up.
Omg thank you so much for your video! You saved me $1600.00 Chrysler was going to charge me!
As useful today as when it was first uploaded. Particularly how to remove the lock without disconnecting the main connector at the back. It's tight but it will go if you rotate it far enough.
Most excellent video! My daughter's 05 Crossfire had the doomsday scenario. The key would not turn at all. I took a Dremel with a conical shaped grinder and ground the button till it was lower than the sleeve. All other parts of the repair are the same. The steering wheel still locks, but no longer "double locks". Why Mercedes Benz/Chrysler felt the need to have a reluctor/transponder setup AND a steering wheel lock AND a double lock is anyone's guess. Simply a poor design. A satisfying free fix!
Paul, you are my hero! Thank you for an awesome tutorial! Jeff
Thank you very much ! You make this look easy. I plan on doing this very soon, Thanks again.
Great job with the video . The video help me so much thank you
Thank you so much for such an informative video! Can you do one that shows how to replace the ignition cylinder? Thanks again 😊 👍
*****NOTE****** found out that there is no need to remove the key tumbler after all, but do put your key in it so that the locking pin can be depressed when removing the entire unit from the car
Is your key getting difficult to remove from the ignition switch? Then you need to do this right away before it gets stuck and won't come out. Dealers are asking $800-$1200 for them to replace the ignition switch. You do NOT need a replacement, simply follow these easy steps and best of all its totally free, no parts required. If your key is stuck or will not turn anymore then you will need to drill out the locking pin (look at the 6:29 mark) to be able to release the entire unit to be able to work on it. Join us on Facebook at Chrysler Crossfire Owners International
Crossfire repairs by Paul hello Paul. I get all the way to the step where i have to twist the key to unlock the ignition. My key won't turn to the right at all. The reason I'm doing this is because my key wouldn't turn at all and my steering wheel is locked. I have the dash and under compartment out. Also the i can't push the pin In either. It seems to be locked like the key. I'd gladly appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction.
Thanks
Crossfire repairs by Paul thank you Paul. Another question. I also car take the tumbler off. Is that part of the reason I have to drill the pin down to get the ignition off? Also the fact that the tumbler won't come off. Will that stop that process once i get the pin drilled down? Thanks. My car is stuck at a gas station is why I'm asking. Thanks again
we found out we don't need to remove the tumbler to do this repair. if you can't insert your key and turn it to the 1st position THEN you will need to drill or grind the locking pin to be able to remove it from the steering wheel shaft
sorry to hear, looks like your unit has locked up, you will need to drill out the locking tab look at the 6:29 mark
hi paul i can't turn key because it broke inside so pin won't let me pull unit out what can i do
Dude, thank you so much. This trick definitely worked for the time
Glad it helped
Great video. Very informative! This helped me alot! Thank you @Crossfire Repairs by Paul!
THX 👍
Best regards from Germany 😎
Thank you bunches You helped a lot. But it seems I have an issue with the plug at the bottom that has that plastic tab. When I put it back in and drive its all fine but when I shut it down that plastic tab keeps me from getting my key back out so I take that cable and plug out then my key comes out like it should. Any suggestions why it does that?? Thank you in advance. Chuck
I really thank you for the video, it was a great help, excellent explanation in every detail.
Hey Paul, first off...thanks for all the vids, they're very informative. So, I ran into the sticky key issue and my xfire finally got to the point of seizing the tumbler. I completely replaced the ignition cylinder with new key and all transferred the old key components to the new. However, as soon as I plug the wires/transponder in I get a continuous beeping sound from ignition even when key isnt in and no start. Sometimes I get one start and immediate shut off if I unplug the smaller wire. Any idea where Im going wrong, it all worked normal before the sticky key finally got stuck
This guide saved me! Thanks!!
Glad I could help
Excelent video dude! Thanks a lot!
Paul thank you so much for these videos. wish you lived near me to help me with a cooling fan issue. Because car I bought had is wiring harness at cooling fan box which the AC and cooling fan don't work. wish I had a intack car to see what wire goes where.
cooling fan? check my other video on the "Blower fan resistor replacement" th-cam.com/video/GRiq-U13T68/w-d-xo.html
Many thanks! That really helped me out 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Happy I could help. Hope you subscribed to the channel!
This is a great video!
Don't forget to click the "Subscribe" button
Excellent Paul thank you
Hi Paul, I can't find my parking interlock cable. The slot on the bottom of the tumbler assembly (where you plugged in a black electrical cable) was empty when I removed my dashboard!
11:08 in the video, you showed three cables to plug pack in. I only have the white plug and the transponder ring... I am missing the black parking interlock cable.
Where does this connect on the other end?
I reached behind the stereo and coin holder area but did not find any loose cables.
Please advise!
Thank you!
My crossfire is not an srt. I saw that yours is. But I assume all crossfires should have this?
okay to get this right . i just delete the pin and the spring ????
Yes, that’s all you need to do 😊
@@CrossfireRepairsByPaul thank you paul ! had to get my manual convertible towed home the other night due to this. about to knock it out right now!
@@CrossfireRepairsByPaul does the manual version of the car have the connector you slid off the bottom . mine seems to be missing from that slot
I’ve cut my whole ignition out and when I touch the wires together all ignition lights up but it will not stop how can I get around this please help me
Thank you very much!!! Works perfect again.
My thing is when I put my key in it doesn't turn at all so is that gonna be an issue with me doing this
I drilled a small hole in it in the car to get to the pin didn't have to unplug the main wire
Does this happen on all Crossfire model years? The forum specifies 2004-2006. I just got a 2007 and wondering if it's a potential issue. Thanks!
the forum is correct 2004-2006
Thanks!
You saved my life dude! Thought i was going to have tow it!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for your support!
Esta es la
Solución a que la llave no gira y el volante está bloqueado? Entonces tengo que perforar el seguro?
at 6:40 the plastic piece you touched, i removed it and springs came out. wondering if i need to remove the steering wheel just to put that plastic piece in with the springs... i know i shouldn't have taken that piece out but needed room to drill out that area.
What happens if i remove the unit in position 0 ? No chance to turn the key anymore in my case.
This works thank u so much
Why can't you place some WD-40 on the key/into the ignition to lube the spring and pin?
two separate sections
So do we have to remove the key tumbler or is it just an extra step that doesn’t need to happen??
I like you, thank you so very much for this Video…. You help me soooooooo much
Glad I could help, please make sure to subscribe to my channel
@@CrossfireRepairsByPaul It is best to add that the key must be in and in position 1, otherwise the bolt cannot be pushed in
Graphite aerosol spray works fine to correct this problem if you don't ignore it.
2 different issues
It can be done without removing the key tumbler, but on my xfire it seemed to go in and out of the column easier with the pressure off of the switch and the key out of the way..just sayin to be helpful
can I do this repair if my key will not turn at all ????
That's what I'm facing as of today!
If I drill out the locking pin as my key won’t turn can I re-use the same tumbler with out the locking pin? Or do I need a brand new tumbler? Thanks
Also do I need to step at 4:26 if my key won’t turn? Or can I just take out the pin at 9:11 and it won’t hurt nothing?
I did not see the black wire loop that is an antenna that goes around the cylinder ? do you or anyone know where it goes ? does it go around the housing or around the cylinder key black bezel ring ?
Hello Paul my key don’t want to turn in the ignition. I Try to move the sterling but it’s lock
Thank you
hello Nicole, you will need to drill out the locking pin then remove the en tire unit then you will be able to do the steps in the video and remove the pin and spring
I have the exact same problem and i dont know how to do it. Can you show me how to drill it out or maybe to help me because i live in austria and we have no chysler company here and mercedes and the other companies how are chysler supporter dont know the answer to solve it. Can you help me. This car means the world to me because of my gradpa who had a crossfire back when it came out and he also bought it together with my dad right before my grandpa died the crossfire we have now. Pls.
My wife is having issues where the steering wheel is locking is this the same issue?
Paul, my key not only got stuck, it also broke. Doy you know if I can get a new key at the dealership?
Yes but they will be very expensive.
Go to Needswings.com or the Mercedes Swap shop and they will get you a new key
I just removed that pin. Dont want my key to get stuck. My question is what does that pin do? I put everything back together dont see any difference.
Mee too with my girlfriends slk r170 dont see any difference
My key was sticking on occasion, showed this to my car mechanic and he said it was not needed, he squirted some WD40 into the ignition slot and said that's it fixed, the key has not got stuck since then. So will that do the job or is it just coincidental that the WD40 seems to have worked?
1st off this is a well documented issue with this permanent fix found in the Crossfire forum. 2nd if your "mechanic" is using WD-40 on a key tumbler he should only be using dry lube as it is specifically designed for key tumbler. Dry lube will not attract and hold these particles vs wet lube that can cause issues in the long term where you will need to open the tumbler to clean it in the future. I understand he was trying to save you time and money. www.crossfireforum.org/forum/
Want to buy a beautiful crossfire that runs perfectly- but the key is already stuck and won't come out. Mechanics don't know why, and want to replace the shifter. (Quoted $2,600).
Would this technique get it out and back to normal?
Quick response would be greatly appreciated.
key already stuck, you will to do this procedure but with a twist. To get the tumbler disconnected from the steering wheel you need to drill out the "locking pin", it is found at the 6:00 min mark, since your key is stuck this is the only way you will be able to remove the unit as the key presses against the locking pin making it impossible to push it inwards as in my video. once you drill off the locking pin you will now be able to remove the unit and then continue as per the video to complete the procedure and remove the spring and pin. DO NOT LET ANYONE REPLACE YOUR SHIFTER OR THIS UNIT. Its a free and simple procedure.
Crossfire repairs by Paul Excellent. Thank you so much for responding. I don't know how I'll be able to get in there to drill it out or if I'll need any special tools for the whole process, but hopefully there'll be a way.
The car went into limp mode once, and that's when the key locked in... but after that it drove fine.
So I'll be negotiating tonight to buy it and keep my fingers crossed :) Thanks again, man.
Crossfire repairs by Paul Bought the crossfire, and it's absolutely perfect inside and out, aside from the key being stuck. Can't lock the car, etc... I don't have a good mechanical mind, so I'm wondering if you are in the New Jersey/tri state area, or know of anyone here, that can do the work? I'd be happy to pay.
the delasehips will ask a fortune as you very well know. you can ask a locksmith company for a quote to this this modification as a few people have gone this route and found them to be very reasonably priced. We do have a few members of our Crossfire community that lives in New York area, you can join us on FB at facebook.com/groups/2211655775/ and see if any of them could assist.
My car won't start or accelerate off the line. I just played 1400 for the mistake of not doing this before it started and now I'm having other issues . Any idea what it could be
check my CPS and my RCM videos. A bad CPS will cause "no start but will crank" while the bad RC< will cause "no start and no crank"
Probably dumb question but, do you leave battery connected the entire process of this fix? I have to do the one on our car.
whenever you work on any electrical components always disconnect the battery, better safe than sorry
Crossfire repairs by Paul
Thank you, I will let you know how it goes.
I made the repair according to your video and it worked!!! Super thx to your video you saved me a ton of money!
Doesnt seem like you disconnected the battery....did you??@@CrossfireRepairsByPaul
hi paul just a question key cannot work in any position seems its the neimann stuck what to do ? is this can work ?
Yes, sounds like you have the Sticky Key issue
:50 No offense but anybody who does not know what a phillips head is should NOT be trying to repair an ignition switch.
my key wont turn all they way right? will this help? its not sticky just wont turn.
It should, but you need to be able to turn it at least a bit to the right (kind of "middle position") to be able to unlock the pin to get the ignition switch out.
I did the whole thing this morning and everything is now perfect.
Thanks Crossfire Repairs by Paul!
I tried doing it without removing the key tumbler and it made the process more difficult
removing the tumbler is an xtra step that has no effect on this repair
Hallo paul vielleicht kannst Du mir helfen.. Dein Video ist super, leider hat es bei mir nicht geholfen..Warum? Der Schlüssel lässt sich eeiterhin nicht drehen
What happens when you try shifting the transmission into neutral, does the key turn ?
I opened that little window and there was no pin or spring in it! And the key still gets stuck in the ignition. When it’s “off” I can’t get it out at all.
what year is your crossfire. I would try a "dry lube" (designed for doors locks, ignitions)
Your key is in worse condition than mine, and I thought mine was pretty bad. :)
Who cares! He did this video very well.
I have this problem with my key. It's sitting in the parking lot. I am not a car person, and too lazy to do this.
Someone please fix this for me.😄
This happened to me and I left my car in the Walmart parking lot for abt a month going back and forth trying to fix it. Now it's at my house still not fixed.
Have you joined the Chrysler Crossfire International Owners group on Facebook? there could be members living close to you who could go and help you out!
Have you joined the Chrysler Crossfire International Owners group on Facebook? there could be members living close to you who could go and help you out!
I did this now car won’t start
I had same issue. I did the mod and when testing to see if it worked, the steering wheel unlocked and the key turned but the starter wouldn't operate. I hadn't put the transponder ring back on. When I put it back into position and turned the key to start, the starter operated and the engine started.
Larry Smith thanks found out I needed transponder key