Worn Ignition Switch?? 95 Tracker

jmcquaid · 10-31-2008, 02:32 PM

Has anyone experience problems getting keys made for their trackers? I have been to the locksmith 3 times and the keys appear to match the factory key but they will not consistently operate the ignition switch. This is a very reputable locksmith not a kid in a both in a parking lot so I am wondering what could be the problem.

John

aquanaut20 · 10-31-2008, 05:01 PM

The tumbler pins are worn, have him pull the cylinder and repin.

jtgh · 10-31-2008, 08:10 PM

you are saying a real factory key ,not a copy fails too?

remove the whole key switch( i just did this) ,
it has 2 snap off head screws on top. huh?
take a center punch or tiny chisel and hit em CCW. off they come.
take to lock smiith and have him refit it (tumbler) and a new master key.
then make copies of the master for use ,never use master.
ok
to put back buy the silly bolts , mentioned above from suz.
or just buy allen headed bolts like I did in metric match.

(this is your call this issue of lock security and value of car)

i dont think they are needed as the bolts are hidden on top
one to loosen the 4 bolts at column ,floor then remove the collumn bottom clamp
to tilt the column down. (unlikely for any thief to figure that out)
Do not do this if you have air bags.
also I had to pull steering wheel. to get better access and to pull of the switch assy.
that warps around column.
i made my own puller and after that job is piece of cake.

BTW ,there were no numbers stamped for key codes, on keys , or on the lock.
so on mine , I have custom key codes .

also mine didnt work with key reversed ! 1 side good , other bad.
no mine works perfect.

hope that helps.

jtgh · 10-31-2008, 08:13 PM

costs $25 lock out.
why more , if he does all.

alternate; buy a spare lock on ebay or wrecker and then take time.
no hurry as long as you can start car.

how ever , all locks i found, were missing keys.

jmcquaid · 11-03-2008, 07:27 PM

Thanks Jerry the original key works fine but the copies work only occasionally.
I will work on getting the lock assemble apart the locksmith said he could fix if I removed. I think my air bag is in place so taking the steering wheel off would not be my first choice.

The lock smith thinks one of the previous owners had a heavy set of keys and over time damaged the lock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtgh

you are saying a real factory key ,not a copy fails too?

remove the whole key switch( i just did this) ,
it has 2 snap off head screws on top. huh?
take a center punch or tiny chisel and hit em CCW. off they come.
take to lock smiith and have him refit it (tumbler) and a new master key.
then make copies of the master for use ,never use master.
ok
to put back buy the silly bolts , mentioned above from suz.
or just buy allen headed bolts like I did in metric match.

(this is your call this issue of lock security and value of car)

i dont think they are needed as the bolts are hidden on top
one to loosen the 4 bolts at column ,floor then remove the collumn bottom clamp
to tilt the column down. (unlikely for any thief to figure that out)
Do not do this if you have air bags.
also I had to pull steering wheel. to get better access and to pull of the switch assy.
that warps around column.
i made my own puller and after that job is piece of cake.

BTW ,there were no numbers stamped for key codes, on keys , or on the lock.
so on mine , I have custom key codes .

also mine didnt work with key reversed ! 1 side good , other bad.
no mine works perfect.

hope that helps.

aquanaut20 · 11-03-2008, 10:12 PM

My son just had a lockshith come out and completely rebuild 3 locks and cut new keys, $100.00Cad, all in my driveway.

jtgh · 11-03-2008, 11:19 PM

my key was stuck in lock (new key ,from crummy orig) and key turned on,
but would never turn off again.
he attacked the pins unsuccessfully.

no i forget 1 important got you,
I have 3 keys, 1 for ign. doors and a different one for rear.
IIRC, all three should be same (dang if i know for sure) but i think that is correct.
now, on the inside of the right door ,is a sticker (says fsm) with key codes.
get codes and make new key.

a virgin cut key might work fine in old ign lock.

hope that helps

jmcquaid · 11-04-2008, 02:08 PM

I will check the right door this evening for key codes. My door handles are shaved and electrical actuators installed so the ignition is the only thing it needs to operate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtgh

my key was stuck in lock (new key ,from crummy orig) and key turned on,
but would never turn off again.
he attacked the pins unsuccessfully.

no i forget 1 important got you,
I have 3 keys, 1 for ign. doors and a different one for rear.
IIRC, all three should be same (dang if i know for sure) but i think that is correct.
now, on the inside of the right door ,is a sticker (says fsm) with key codes.
get codes and make new key.

a virgin cut key might work fine in old ign lock.

hope that helps