Is it the Ignition Key Switch?

[aggiedoc]

My daughter gave me her 1995 Nissan 240 SX when she bought a new car. It has 154,000 miles and drips oil, but runs good IF you can crank it.

The most frustrating thing is putting the key in the ignition and nothing happens when you turn it. Sometimes if you turn the key harder it will crank.

Sometimes you have to take the key out and put it in and turn multiple times before it will crank.

IF it turns over it starts, but it's especially noticable in the afternoon after work. In 130 degree interior heat it may take several minutes repetition before the ignition turns over. In the relative cool of the morning it often cranks on the first turn of the switch.

What is the most likely culprit, the key switch itself? How do you fix that, if so?

Thanks

[MaximA32]

It could be the ignition cylinder or it could be the key itself. I would make sure that the key isn't worn with age.

[dgms240]

my 95 is doing the same thing, had a new key made recently but still doesnt start. ignition cylinder?

[MaximA32]

The ignistion switch is most likely the culprit. It's fairly easy to replace.

[BoBa524]

when you replace the ignition switch... you don't need a new key right?

[dgms240]

my headlight combo switch shorted out or is just messed up... could this cause something to go bad in the ignition since they are both on he steering column?

[Warren]

If the lock turns with the key in it, it's doing it's job and neither the key or the lock needs to be replaced. The ignition SWITCH on the back side (left side of the column) should be the culprit. The lock and key are mechanical devices used to turn the switch, the electrical part of the equation here. Consult your FSM for proper procedures to change the switch itself. Of course, this is taking into account that the clutch pedal is being depressed fully on a 5 speed and the transmission is in park on an automatic.

Warren

[MB97KA240sx]

I think its the ignition switch also becuse my 97 is doing the same thing and my friend had to do it on his A4... the only thing is my service engine light comes on and i get a misfire code but i just changed the distriduter wires and sparks. so i dont no why that code is coming up.

[2.4niz]

When you turn the key to the on position, even if it doesn't crank, do all the dash lights come on? If so your cylinder is probably fine, unscrew the ign. switch, turn the key to on, and use a screwdriver or something to turn the ign. switch. if it still doesn't start, then its definately the switch.

[NM50]

Dead spots in the starter motor,inoperable solenoids,bad relays,poor cable connections,open inhibitor switches,open clutch switches,open ignition switches,and broken wires are all possibilities.Ues a test light to check for power to the starter when turning the key to the start position.If no power then check at the ign. switch.The problem is between these two points.

[MB97KA240sx]

Thanx i'm quite sure its the switch now