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Ignition key wont turn

Tiny
BOBGBK
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
At least half the time when I park my 2006 Mazda Tribute, the steering wheel and the ignition key lock. So far I have always been able to turn the ignition key on and start the car if I jiggle the steering wheel. It appears to happen randomly, whether the wheels are turned or straight. I am afraid that at some point I will not be able to jiggle the steering wheel enough to unlock the ignition.

Since I have never owned a car with this type of anti-theft system, is this an unusual occurrence or is it an indication of a deterioration of the ignition tumblers? The vehicle has 60,000 miles. I am a second owner but the previous owner for some reason had the keys reprogrammed two years ago.

Should I have the car checked by a locksmith or a dealer? Nothing was broken in the first place. I would need a better explanation before going to a dealership.
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011 AT 11:31 PM

21 Replies

Tiny
MEFO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It is a known problem with the ignition switch. Some vehicles also need to replace the steering lock. Not the tumblers or key section. Both parts can be had for under $200.00. You can do it yourself. Remove the steering shroud.3 screws, 5.5mm socket. Disconnect negative battery cable, Remove airbag from steering, remove screws, use screwdriver to notch the single bolt head that holds the module in place. Unscrew bolt and remove module, replace with new module and install old key tumbler assembly in new module before installing back on steering. Replace connections etc removed. Google for pictures or videos on how to do this. Pretty simple and straight forward.
Tip: take photos before removing each part if you have a bad memory. Cheers.
P.S. Dealer will charge you $650.00 up if you take it to then. Maybe ask a friend to assist you.
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 1:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

Here are some diagrams to help anyone thats whats to do the job (below)

Installation

Align the ribs on the steering lock module with the window of the steering column tube. Align the locating pin with the slot on the locating bracket of the steering column. Tighten the bolts until the head of the bolt shears off.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
READOMARK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 135,000 MILES
2003 mazda dont start from key.I can start it from the relay box. What can be the problom
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Do you mean you can't crank the starter from the ignition switch but are able to crank the starter by means of bypassing the ignition switch?

Is this an auto or manual transmisison?
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
READOMARK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
YES. AUTOMATIC TRANS.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Faulty ignition or park and neutral position switch are possible causes.

Try shifting to N and see if you can crank.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
READOMARK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I PUT A NEW NEUTRAL SWITCH ON. STILL DONT START FROM KEY. IS THAT SWITCH ADJUSTABLE.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Yes. You need to confirm that it is correctly adjusted.
If dash indicator lights are working, ensure the P indicator lights up when gear shift is in position.

If lights work ok, you would need to do troubleshooting with the wiring circuit. You would need a test light or a DVOM. Have you checked the starter relay?
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCHOONER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
Electrical problem
2003 Mazda Tribute 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 50000 miles

My 2003 Tribute stopped the other day and the key light on the dash started flashing. After getting off the road and turning the key off the engine then started again but again stopped after 3miles and refuses to start again. Towed the car to the local dealer
The Mazda dealer says maybe the key has lost it security code. The spare key is being sent to the dealer to try this but I was wondering if you have heard of this problem before. They say if the spare key still does not work then the computer may be at fault?
3 weeks ago I fitted an after market module that plugs into the back of the computer but the car has done 500 miles since then and had no problem.
I have seen this problem described on a Mazda forum but no answer was given.

Thanks in Advance
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
What is the aftermarket module for? I have heard of the transponder in the keys going bad, but not often! Do you have a remote start?
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCHOONER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The after market module alters the computers setting to obtain more power(approx 8%)and may increase fuel economy.
I do not have a remote start.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Do they know about your extra module? This I assume makes input data to the pcm to fool it on fuel mixture. The possibility exists that it has adversly affected the PCM. Try disconnecting it. The PCM makes the final decision on if your key is OK with input from the security module.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCHOONER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The after market module alters the computers setting to obtain more power(approx 8%)and may increase fuel economy.
I do not have a remote start.[/Quote:1df94a8dfe]

Yes they know about the plugin module and have removed it and still the car would not start.
Tomorrow my wife will take the other key to the dealer and see what happens, Hopefully it will start!
Thanks for your advice.
Will let you know the outcome.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KMH5754
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
Electrical problem
2005 Mazda Tribute 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 88000 miles

when I turn off ignitoin I sometimes cant get the key out. Its stcuk. Keep turning it off & on etc fianlly it will come out.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Is there a website for your add on module?
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Normally when this occurs you will have to replace the ignition lock cylinder. However, on some occasions simply replacing your key with a new key will solve the problem. I suggest trying a spare key to see if the solves the problem. If not you will need to replace lock cylinder.

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCHOONER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Website for plugin module is

powerchipgroup. Com
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTDARIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am having the same problem and my mechanic just diagnosed it yesterday and told me it is the neutral safety switch so I have ordered it from Mazda Dealer the only place you could find it. Let's see what happens.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCHOONER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Spare key didnt make any difference, still has key light flashing and will not start.
Dealer still not sure what to do?
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTDARIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am having the same problem and my mechanic just diagnosed it yesterday and told me it is the neutral safety switch so I have ordered it from Mazda Dealer the only place you could find it. Let's see what happens.
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:40 AM (Merged)

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