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| Problems Starting Following Ignition Issue | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 18 2012, 12:15 AM (485 Views) | |
| metrout | Dec 18 2012, 12:15 AM Post #1 |
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Elite Member
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After taking my '92 auto hb for a short trip (1/4 mile or so), the key refused to turn in the ignition. No problem, this has happened many times before. All part of the Metro experience, right? I turned the wheel, jiggled it like mad, took the parking brake off and rocked it back and forth (not sure if that actually helps), but no luck. I left it there (parked right in front of Autozone and a local repair shop, ironically) until that same evening. I checked the key for any signs of wear (it's fine and works on all other locks), brought a backup key just in case, pulled the center console, fiddled with the shifter cables under the console and above the transmission, and used a dab of assembly lube on the end of the key to smooth out the tumblers. Still nothing, and no engine codes. After the methodical approach, I tried the above steps again in a frenzy and was finally able to get it to turn in the ignition. The engine started, allowed me to attempt to drive, but would not move and promptly died. I was temporarily unable to pull the key out, but made some more adjustments to the shift cables (no idea which one; I'm making this up as I go) and was finally able to put the thing in neutral and push it to a more innocuous spot in the same parking lot. Still no engine codes, either. At this time, I'm able to put the key in, turn it, and pull it out. It will temporarily start, but promptly die and refuse to start again. I plan on checking fuel pressure, compression, and spark, but I'm mostly curious if messing with the shift cables could be entirely to blame for these symptoms or if I should be looking anywhere else for the source of the problem. Thanks in advance. |
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| wizard 03 | Dec 19 2012, 09:14 PM Post #2 |
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I have this problem occasionally with mine. I actually have to push the shifter lever foreward from park while turning the key in order to start the car, or to take the key out. i suspect something {electrical I bealive} keeps the key from turning unless the shifter lever is perfectly in a certain position. Anouther useless saftey measure Im sure. You may wish to tear apart the center console and try tinkering with all the fancy little levers and switches, or at least to allow you to push the shifter lever around.. As far as the main shifter cable, I do not think you need to adjust it, at least not untill you can actually get the car to run. You may try putting it into neutral and see if it starts any better or not. As for the starting problem, can't tell you whats going on there. Does it just "shut off" or does it act like its running out of fuel? Need some more information here. |
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| metrout | Mar 16 2013, 09:45 PM Post #3 |
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Elite Member
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I'm pretty sure this was the starter the whole time, which I replaced earlier today. So far so good. |
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| dayle1960 | Mar 16 2013, 09:54 PM Post #4 |
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Fastest Hampster EVER
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If you cannot turn the key, then the problem is the shifter/key cable underneath the console. Been there, done that. If the key turns and no-start, then either key cylinder or starter issues. Your OP stated the key would not turn in the cylinder which means the problem lies with the cable by by the shift knob. It is a simple operation to fine tune the cable's exact position relative to the key position. Just experiment with the nuts holding the cable to the chassis. If you wake up in the morning and the key still doesn't turn in the cylinder, then you know where I suggest to look for the answer. Good luck. |
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| metrout | Mar 16 2013, 10:11 PM Post #5 |
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Elite Member
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Ha... I noticed this unresolved topic and figured I should update it for posterity and all that, but I was following up on the wrong issue. I did solve this problem by fiddling with the shift cable, though I couldn't say what the problem was in the first place or what fixed it, exactly. |
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