Ignition Lock Options

[AlexJez]

I have a question for anybody that can help me. I have an 08 Lancer that is giving me some problems with the ignition switch. When you remove the keys from the ignition and turn the steering wheel slightly it locks as most cars do these days, but it gives me too much trouble trying to get it unlocked. I move the steering wheel clockwise and turn the key, but the key won't turn. Has anybody else had any problems? I've actually gotten blisters trying to turn the key (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush-anim-cl.gif) I've been careful not to break anything though. The car also sits on a flat road and is a manual tranny in case that makes a difference. For those of you that work in dealerships, any idea what kind of costs I'd be looking at if it needs fixing/replacing?

[IsIAreIsMe]

Mine doesn't seem to lock often so I'm not sure about the Lancer. For my other vehicles I had to wiggle the steering wheel while turning the key.

[DuffmasterFresh]

You should have a warranty, so there should be no cost to you! Before I park anywhere I pull up on the emergency brake, slowly let my foot off the main brake until the car is stopped without the main brake depressed, and then put it in park, neutral or sometimes first gear. That takes the strain off of the transmission/ignition, I would rather replace the emergency brake then a transmission or ignition.

My old van, before my lancer, did that which is why I decided to finally give it up. I was tired of fixing it. It became worse over time, in the end I couldnt turn it off without removing the fuse. Then I had to fuss with it to get the key out, blistered my fingers countless times. Just take it in for warranty

[SiR Will]

You should have a warranty, so there should be no cost to you! Before I park anywhere I pull up on the emergency brake, slowly let my foot off the main brake until the car is stopped without the main brake depressed, and then put it in park, neutral or sometimes first gear. That takes the strain off of the transmission/ignition, I would rather replace the emergency brake then a transmission or ignition.

My old van, before my lancer, did that which is why I decided to finally give it up. I was tired of fixing it. It became worse over time, in the end I couldnt turn it off without removing the fuse. Then I had to fuss with it to get the key out, blistered my fingers countless times. Just take it in for warranty

how do you strain a ignition?

stoping with your e brake does nothing but wear out your rear breaks.

[SiR Will]

sounds like you have a problem with the tumbler in your ignition switch. take it to the dealer and have them replace it. i had that problem with a previous car.

[DuffmasterFresh]

In my van there was a positioning pin, which is an internal component. If I didnt put the emergency brake on before I put it in park, it would put strain on the pin and I couldnt turn my car on without time spent wiggling the key and wheel for minutes on end. dont use the brake to stop, just use it to hold the car in place before you put it in park. Its not as big a deal for the newer cars.

[master.axu]

A defective FAST key system might also cause the ignition to lock up. I used to have that problem, and after several visits to the dealership, and multiple parts changed, they finally figured it out.

I have never had the problem that you're having though on my 08 Lancer.

And regarding the use of the hand/park/emergency brake, I agree that it's best to engage it when the car is stopped (service brake depressed), and in D, R or N. This will avoid putting any kind of stress on the transmission, especially when parked on inclined surfaces. I noticed that if I put it in P and then engage the park brake, after I take the foot off the service brake pedal, the car moves a little.

So to sum it up:

1. Stop the car (stay on the brake)
3. Put it in N
4. Pull the hand brake
4. Put it in P
5. Release the foot brake
6. Stop the engine

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap.gif)

[NY-09GTS]

I'm a little confused here. The original post talks about locking the steering wheel. Mine doesn't lock, at least not in the sense like older cars did where you would turn the wheel to put it in a locked position. Mine is just locked by turning the ignition off and putting the ignition switch in the lock position. The wheel now does not turn (or is extremely hard to move in any direction), but it's not locked like old cars used to lock, there's no stop mechanism feel like older cars where the wheel feels like it bumps up against a locking mechanism. My last car (a 2006 toyota solara) was the same way too, you didn't have to turn the wheel to lock it. And to start the car or turn the ignition switch I don't have to turn the wheel to disengage the lock and be able to turn the ignition like older cars did.
Am I missing something here? I have the fast key system, so I have never actually inserted a key into the ignition, ever. Is the fast key system "locking" different than when using a key?

[SiR Will]

I'm a little confused here. The original post talks about locking the steering wheel. Mine doesn't lock, at least not in the sense like older cars did where you would turn the wheel to put it in a locked position. Mine is just locked by turning the ignition off and putting the ignition switch in the lock position. The wheel now does not turn (or is extremely hard to move in any direction), but it's not locked like old cars used to lock, there's no stop mechanism feel like older cars where the wheel feels like it bumps up against a locking mechanism. My last car (a 2006 toyota solara) was the same way too, you didn't have to turn the wheel to lock it. And to start the car or turn the ignition switch I don't have to turn the wheel to disengage the lock and be able to turn the ignition like older cars did.
Am I missing something here? I have the fast key system, so I have never actually inserted a key into the ignition, ever. Is the fast key system "locking" different than when using a key?

take your key from the ignition and turn the wheel and your steering colum should lock.

[AlexJez]

sounds like you have a problem with the tumbler in your ignition switch. take it to the dealer and have them replace it. i had that problem with a previous car.

That's what I was thinking. I try not to lock the wheel when I get out, but it still happens sometimes. I'll take it next week since I won't have time this weekend though. How much did you pay out-of-pocket for that other vehicle?

[NY-09GTS]

take your key from the ignition and turn the wheel and your steering colum should lock.

I never actually used the key in the door or in the ignition, since I have the fast key system. So I just went out to try it, I pulled the cap off the ignition, inserted the key while it's mounted in the fast key fob, and started the car (car doesn't start without the key mounted in the fob). I turned the steering wheel back and forth a few times, turned the car off, pulled the key out, and then tried to turn the steering wheel. I can't turn the steering wheel except for a small distance both ways, couldn't turn the tires at all, but I do not feel it lock (at least not like older cars do). Is the fast key system different or when you guys say locked do you mean you just can't turn the wheel?

[AlexJez]

That's what I was thinking. I try not to lock the wheel when I get out, but it still happens sometimes. I'll take it next week since I won't have time this weekend though. How much did you pay out-of-pocket for that other vehicle?

Yeah, mines the DE lancer so no fast key system, but it definitely locks the steering column when it gets to a certain position. I can turn the wheel when the car is off as long as the wheel doesn't get to the locking point. I turn my steering wheel slightly left, hear the tires move a little, so I won't accidently lock the steering wheel for now 'til I can get it checked.

[AlexJez]

So I finally have taken the car in to get the ignition lock checked, and sure enough there was a problem with it. It's been replaced and what a difference. It was done under warranty so (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

[woody189]

So I finally have taken the car in to get the ignition lock checked, and sure enough there was a problem with it. It's been replaced and what a difference. It was done under warranty so (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

cool bro, I'm glad.



Now my own question... what is the proper way to park??

I usually pull into the spot in gear, and immediatley turn the car off. I then pull up the E-brake. That's it. I don't put it into neutral or pull the e-brake 1st or anything.

I'm always sure not to keep the clutch depressed any longer than it has to be, even when parking. The second I'm in position, I turn the car off.

Is this not a good way to park?? And does it matter what gear? I sometimes park in 1st, 2nd, or reverse, depending on what gear I was in when I finished parking.

Thanks.

[NY-09GTS]

cool bro, I'm glad.
Now my own question... what is the proper way to park??
I usually pull into the spot in gear, and immediatley turn the car off. I then pull up the E-brake. That's it. I don't put it into neutral or pull the e-brake 1st or anything.
I'm always sure not to keep the clutch depressed any longer than it has to be, even when parking. The second I'm in position, I turn the car off.
Is this not a good way to park?? And does it matter what gear? I sometimes park in 1st, 2nd, or reverse, depending on what gear I was in when I finished parking.
Thanks.

You're parking fine. Pull in, keep it in gear, turn the car off, pull the e-brake. I guess it shouldn't matter what gear your in, I always put mine into first before I shut it off, just out of habit.

[woody189]

You're parking fine. Pull in, keep it in gear, turn the car off, pull the e-brake. I guess it shouldn't matter what gear your in, I always put mine into first before I shut it off, just out of habit.

Good, thanks. I never second thought it till I saw this thread.