Read through several posts here and couldn't really find any similar symptoms to what my 2001 is experiencing. I have a 2001 with almost 250K miles on it and recently it has started not making contact when I insert the key into the ignition switch and turning to the START position. If I wiggle the key, pull out and stick it back in, joggle the steering wheel...it will eventually make contact and start. Other times, I insert the key, turn to START, and it starts. This seems purely related to the switch itself, as the battery is new and strong, starter is good, no hesitation or slow turnover at all.
Do these switches go bad? Can they be replaced? Does the FSM explain disassembly and or maintenance on them?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Worn Ignition Switch???
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cps2001path
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:33 am
- Car: 2001 Pathfinder
- Location: Huntsville, AL
Re: Worn Ignition Switch???
Switch could go bad... Download FSM here on nico.
Re: Worn Ignition Switch???
Another thing I'd like to throw out there is the key blade itself. At 260k miles, my qx4 was having hit and miss starting episodes. I thought it was the ignition slop.
This was apparently a non-OEM replacement key blade, and it was pretty rounded. At 250k, if original, your key would likely be worn. Get a replacement made and see if it makes better contact with the ignition cylinder internals.
This was apparently a non-OEM replacement key blade, and it was pretty rounded. At 250k, if original, your key would likely be worn. Get a replacement made and see if it makes better contact with the ignition cylinder internals.
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cps2001path
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:33 am
- Car: 2001 Pathfinder
- Location: Huntsville, AL
Re: Worn Ignition Switch???
Good thought...and I had thought of that, however, it seems like sometimes when it wont make contact if I move the wheel back and forth it will make contact. Also, my key is OEM so it has the chip inside it. Therefore, I would assume it will not start with a copy. Is this true or not true?
Re: Worn Ignition Switch???
Mine would be very unpredictable as well and a steering wheel jiggle would sometimes work. Who knows what sequence would get it to go - Sometimes it started within the 1st attempt in the dead of winter. Sometimes I had to first kick the right rear tire 2x with my left foot. Other times rubbing the shift knob counterclockwise with my left hand while honking with my right was the only way to get it to start... you get the point.
I only replaced the key because I needed a spare for my yet-to-be-done remote start project and bingo!
A locksmith could ensure you get the right key with a transponder for around 30 bucks... or just buy a regular blade with no chip for about 3 bucks and see if that helps with the cranking at least, and hopefully it makes contact. Even if it doesn't start the car, you have a spare that can unlock it.
I only replaced the key because I needed a spare for my yet-to-be-done remote start project and bingo!
A locksmith could ensure you get the right key with a transponder for around 30 bucks... or just buy a regular blade with no chip for about 3 bucks and see if that helps with the cranking at least, and hopefully it makes contact. Even if it doesn't start the car, you have a spare that can unlock it.