Key problems

[DonMarcoPolo]

So I went to turn my car off this afternoon (luckily in my driveway), and the key was stuck in the 'ON' position. I could move to 'Start', but nowhere else. I wound up having to kill the car by disconnecting the battery & the alternator. I finally wound up being able to pull they key out (still in run), and removed the shouds & steering wheel for better access.

That sucks.

I finally got fed up and decided to just lock the doors manually and chill out for a while, but then I found that my key no longer works on either front door. (used to) Still works on rear hatch, so that is how I had to enter the car when I realized I locked my phone in there.

That sucks too.

Help plz...I don't like being stuck @ home when my wife has my truck.

answers to questions you may ask:
>No, its not an automatic
>Yes, I tried turning the wheel....a lot
>Yes, I tried every possible manipulation of the key (jiggling, pushing, pulling, etc)
>No, I have not yet thrown a live grenade at it....but I'm getting close!

I appreciate any help I can get.

[JunkerXL]

go to subaru, give them your vin and cut a new key. :smt023

best 12 bucks you'll spend this week. if that dont fix it you have a grimlin following you around and need to seek help from a competent mogwai. :smt010 if it's not working in the door or the ignition, the key is the prime culprit. the key is brass, if i remember right, and that is a soft metal :smt005




:smt020

[Huffer]

Sounds like the key is worn, and got bent.
You may have actually damaged your ignition switch too.

[chuckthefuk]

You can fix this in 30 mins.

You need to go to the dealer and order a new Ignition Cylinder. This usually costs $75 depending on your car.
This includes a new key that WILL NOT match your current key.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/06/m504054522oes-1.jpg
So end result will be Ignition Key and Door lock Key.

You will need to remove the steering wheel column cover. Its 4 Philips screws if I am not mistaken. Once you take your cover out put the key in the "accessory" position. Now look at the ignition cylinder and you will see a little hole to stick a rod in and push the lock in and then you can just pull the key with the ignition cylinder out.

This is what it looks like when the wheel is removed. You don't have to take off the wheel its just going to be a bit harder.

Use a coat hanger that's trimmed down to size with some side cutters.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/06/20080529_220104_lock_cylindergif-1.jpg

Oh i forgot to add it is possible to recode your door locks to fit the new key or vise versa door locks to fit the ignition cylinder but this all costs money so its up to you.

-Chuck

[Huffer]

A key + matching ignition barrel is a bit less from a parts store... but the process is the same. Thanks chuck! :) Always informative.

[DonMarcoPolo]

Heck yeah, I'm sure diggin' the feedback! Thanks guys!

As far as the key is concerned, I don't doubt it could use a replacement, but it still works for the rear hatch.

I'm definitely gonna reexamine the cylinder to see if I can find that hole for the coat hanger. I sure hope its that easy, cuz my Hayes manual says I gotta remove the whole thing (and that assembly is like $130 @ autozone....ugh).

Its been raining every since that day, and my garage is a mess...so its cleanup day. Then I'll finally be able to pull the car inside and work to my hearts' content.

Again, thanks guys. I'll update as soon as possible. >Man, I love this forum :smt023 <

[chuckthefuk]

Double check with your dealer I vaguely remember the dealer saying that the later ignition cylinders had more wires for anti-theft or some jazz.

Forget the damn manuals just remove the steering column cover and bend a "sturdy" coat hanger in the shape described above. I warn you now.. don't expect this to be a 1.2.3 your done process, these cylinders are iffy you need to apply a extreme amount of force to push the tab in while in accessory.

Good luck
-Chuck

[DonMarcoPolo]

Well, screw a $175 part...I've just decided I'm gonna go a totally different direction with this one. Push-botton start anyone? I remember looking over that DIY a while back...looks like thats gonna save the day :) I'm actually gonna modify the setup a little bit though (since I like the use of my fogs). Will post up something when I'm finished.

Oh, and the coat hanger thing worked like a champ. That anti theft wiring you speak of is in the form of a tiny switch that is normally open when the cylinder is in its place...removing it closes the switch and disables the ignition system.

That being said, thanks again for the help. Ya'll are badass!

[DonMarcoPolo]

BOOYAKASHA!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gUJ0-y6tm4

[02_Legacy]

Using the parking light switch is an awesome idea so someone can't just get into your car and push start it without knowing about the switch.