My daughter pulled the keys out of the ignition while in the lock position. We replaced the cylinder so it doesn't keep turning but won't start. could she have broken starter switch at same time?

Asked by scape May 08, 2012 at 10:11 PM about the Dodge Grand Caravan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My daughter broke something by trying to force the keys out of the ignition, not realizing it had to be turned to the correct position first. When I put the keys in they would turn to far, though I was able to start it a few times after many tries of sort of pushing them in a bit.  We replaced the ignition cylinder whatever after taking it out and seeing where it seemed a piece of metal broke off,  now it turns the way it should but car just won't start. Van actually, 1995 dodge caravan.  Could the starter switch actually have broken too? my husband is looking at the starter itself to replace, im thinking it would have had to have been something related to what my daughter did but until the research I did when this happened, this is new to me.  Thanks

3 Answers

24,445

When you installed the new lock and you said a piece of metal was broke what does the piece look like and where is it from exactly? You might have broken off the tab that actuates ignition? I would get the switch issue resolved before doing any work on the starter.

1 people found this helpful.

I didn't see the piece that broke off, my husband didnt see it either just the place on the key cylinder where it appeares a little piece came off, it was at the edge furthest from where the key is inserted. One of the times I was trying to start it after this happened it felt like something caught where it should, the engine just started to turn over but then it felt like something slipped, the key again turned past where it should, and it died, so maybe what you mentioned? Is that part of the ignition switch? I was thinking if it was still starting then the starter itselfn wouldn't be a likely issue unless I am just not clear on what it does. Thanks

24,445

Check to make certain that the lock cylinder is inserted all the way into steering column.

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