Ignition issue

GRIM GONZALEZ

MEMBER
1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
222,000 MILES

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.

Sunday, April 19th, 2020 AT 4:36 PM

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

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

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Sunday, April 19th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM

GRIM GONZALEZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

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.

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Sunday, April 19th, 2020 AT 10:10 PM

KASEKENNY

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.

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Monday, April 20th, 2020 AT 8:27 AM