Ignition issue

1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
222,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GRIM GONZALEZ
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  • 2 POSTS
I put the key in and it doesn’t want to turn all the way. I took it apart and with the plastic part to the ignition the car starts right up but not with the key.
Apr 19, 2020 at 9:36 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Can you get a video of what is happening at this point? I am not sure I follow how this is happening. You are holding the plastic part of the key to the ignition and the car starts but you are not turning the ignition with the key?

On a 1997 Maxima, you should have a metallic key so I am not sure exactly what you are experiencing. Thanks
Apr 19, 2020 at 10:10 AM
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GRIM GONZALEZ
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I took the ignition and use the ignition switch to turn on and off the car because the key turns but doesn’t want to pass ACC position.
Apr 19, 2020 at 3:10 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
So you took the switch out and are jumping wires? If I am understanding correctly then I just suspect the cylinder is stuck. This is actually pretty common so here is a guide that will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Step 4 I suspect is your issue. You can try to use a spray lubricant and see if it frees up. If not, you will need to replace the cylinder.
Apr 20, 2020 at 1:27 AM
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