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Re: On replacing the whole key assembly Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: On replacing the whole key assembly, ZAAB ![]() |
There are four components to the ignition - the housing, the ignition switch, the lock cylinder, and the gearset.
The housing holds everything, and is bolted to the floor.
The ignition switch connects +12v to various systems in the car, including the starter.
The lock cylinder is what you stick your key into.
The gearset connects the action of the lock cylinder to the ignition switch, and provides the reverse lock-out function.
The switch is usually what fails - connections inside go bad. Replacements are cheap - under $40 IIRC. The gearset can also be damaged or become sticky, which results in a hard to turn key, a switch that just doesn't function, or sticky action. Replacement is also cheap, but unless it's damaged can often be cleaned up and put right back to work. Replacement gearsets are not very good quality IMHO. The lock cylinder can go bad in a variety of ways, including being worn or damaged to the point it won't accept a key, or the key can be removed. Locksets are expensive, but assuming the actual cylinder isn't damaged, any locksmith can rebuild the cylinder so it works right... I've had several done, usually less than $25.
posted by 12.71.42...
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