Edmunds Answers questions

responses to answers.

dthompson57p — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:29:15 GMT

I had asked advise on 1995 nissan 200sx distribitor problem. This is the first time I have been in a forum. I clicked thumbs down thinking that would take me to a place I could tell you more about the car. How do I keep going in this forum? The car has 187000 miles and never over heated and has not had a oil pump replaced as far as I know.

I have a 2004 f350 with 6.0 power stroke. It has been sitting about 3 weeks and the weather has been sub zero at n

bigford — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:19:09 GMT

Have had no past problems. I'm thinking the ignition switch is stuck on or the starter solinoid is stuck.

Why does my truck continue to turn over when the key is in my pocket?

bigford — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:44:35 GMT

I have a 2004 f350 with 6.0 power stroke. It has been sitting about 3 weeks and the weather has been sub zero at night. I tried to start it and the battery was drained. I hooked up my charger. When I tried to start it, it turned over but no start. I took the key out but the starter still was engaged. I had to disconnect both batteries. Now, when I put the battery cables on, the starter tries to start the truck. The key is in my pocket. Any help?

I own a 2004 ION that will not start at times. Recieve message "service vehicle" Wait 10 minutes it starts.

28235 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:05:16 GMT

I own a 2004 ION that will not start at times. Recieve message "service vehicle" Wait 10 minutes it starts.

96 Windstar engine won't shut off

flatorres — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:27:05 GMT

I've got a few questions on here already regarding a 96 (originally posted as 95) Windstar that won't shut off with the key. Someone suggested a new lock cylinder, and I got one, which was the topic of the subsequent questions.

Well, I finally managed to get the old lock cylinder out and the new one in...turns out with the Windstar, the steering column housing doesn't need removal, nor does the steering wheel.

Got the new lock cylinder in, and the engine turns over just fine. It STILL won't shut down. The only way I can shut it down is via a relay in the engine...disconnecting the battery doesn't do it.

Please help. Is there any other fix I can make to get rid of this problem?

Thanks.

91 larado

viper_25_us — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:53:49 GMT

i forgot to mention i didnt buy a new coil but i used the one from my 91 cherokee sport same motor same coil still had the problem.....

Hi mate. Thanks for your answer..!! Beers R on Me

pogy1999 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:50:57 GMT

Hi wern10
pogy1999 here.. My jeep 4ltr straight six RHD from the UK...93.
With the electrics problem when running.....You were bang on the money..I took your advice and started checking the ignition wiring.. even though I secretly thought it was the ignition switch.....lol....after only 20 mins i found the problem, loose conetion of all things . thank you so much,, if your ever in the UK drop by and I'll get the beers in..
Bill

I own a 1994 Ford Escort Gt,1.8L DOHC. I recently replaced an ignition switch. Now my wipers, blower, sunroof don't work. Help!

papasmurf55 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:38:54 GMT

When I replaced ignition switch in my 94 Escort Gt The wipers,Heater blower and sunroof would not come on.Could anyone help me with this.I used
the switch out of a escort lx (93) auto tran,1.9 L motor. Could this be the problem?

Wondering how you made out.

jkugler — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:15:43 GMT

Just wondering if my answer to your ? helped any, give me a shout

i have a 97 s-10, 4.3 blazer. the ecm,crank,eng,turnsignal fuses dont have power. why?

ken317 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:29:00 GMT

my daytime lights don't go on, but it turns over. no spark and no fuel. 1/2 my fuse box is out of power. i checked all the wires in the ignition switch and they show power coming out when the key is on.

i had checked all that and found nothing wrong, i'm thinking the ignition switch. is that a good guess? i get power from all but 2 wires in the switch, i can jump the wires and the truck will start, but does that indicate thats the problem?

what can it be? please help.

I have to move the shift selector back and forth to get the key out of the ignition. Is it expensive to fix?

ronron2 — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:06:52 GMT

Sometimes I cannot get my ignition key out,so I move the gear selector lever back and forth and the key comes out. Is it an expensive repair?

Mallory distributor module testing?

walt69 — Sat, 02 May 2009 10:39:47 GMT

With the DMM still connected to the negative side of the coil you are going to watch the meter while blocking the optics on the module with your credit card. Placing the credit card or other device between the towers on the module blocks the optics. When the optics are blocked the readings on your meter MUST drop below 2-volts.

Can someone explain this a little better? What do they mean by "blocking the optics"? Where are the optics? What are the "towers"?
Mallory 75 series Distributor
Thanks

Is there a web site that has instructions and pictures for maintenance for a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

donna659 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:46:13 GMT

I need to replace the ignition switch and I am too cheap to go out and buy the manual (library in my area is very limited). I am hoping to find something on the internet that can give me explicit instructions (pictures would be really helpful) so that I could do this myself instead of paying a mechanic.

Ford Ranger 4 cylinder running on 2 cylinders.

drdee2525 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:29:58 GMT

I have a 94 2.3L 4 cylinder. It was occasionally running rough then would start running ok. It got a little worse where I could stop when it was running rough and so I could check it out. I put an inductive timing light on the plug wires and found that on the front coil (intake side) that 1 & 4 were firing while 2 & 3 weren't. On the back coil (exhaust side) 2, 3, & 4 weren't firing. When it is running ok, all 4 on the front coil were firing, while 3 & 4 on the back coil still don't fire.

I read where it fires 2 plugs at a time so I figured it was either the Ignition Control Module or the Crankshaft Position Sensor. When it is running fine the timing appears to be more than 20 degrees BTC. (That is at standard idle with nothing disconnected).

Can you give me a little insight what it might be or how I can further check out the problem?

Does the back coil have any effect on the performance or just on the pollution control?

Thanks
drdee2525

Where is the ECM located in a 1992 Ford Thunderbird?

liamnugent — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:20:21 GMT

Trying to find the brain box in a 1992 Ford Thunderbird. Car doesn't start or runs like crap when it rains or is damp or very cold. Had this problem with another car, and replacing the brain box fixed the problem. Many possibilities. RSVP thanks!

Any ignition problems? 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

dannkeniron — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:06:05 GMT

I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and sometimes all the dash instruments go into the ignition pre-start mode but the engine is running. It is like the cluster is in the ACC mode like before you crank the engine only the engine is already in the running mode. Get it?

1990 Chevy Camaro won't crank. Has new starter. Can I bypass the anti-theft?

sjulian — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:43:12 GMT

1990 Camaro won't crank. Has new starter. Might be anti-theft. Can I bypass anti-theft? V6 engine. Sometimes it would start and now basically nothing. I think I can hear the fuel pump. How do I check what?

no engine spark in mazda 2001 b 3000

young11 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:41:32 GMT

drove truck to repair shop. Had plugs and wires replaced. Now they can not get engine spark. Has been 2 wks. They still have no answers. They want to replace computer.

Harmonic balancer/vibration damper 98 Pontiac. Which is bolt - right or left hand threads?

jborush — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:29:35 GMT

no spark need to get to pickups

Vehicle: '88 Chevy G-20, 5.7L. Engine will not run if lights turned on or horn sounded.

gene37 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:36:20 GMT

'88 Chev G-20, 5.7 L engine. Good battery. Alt. putting out 14.5v. Starts and runs fine. BUT, CANNOT TURN ON HEADLIGHTS OR PARKING LIGHTS OR BLOW HORN WITHOUT KILLING IGNITION. HAVE REPLACED H.LIGHT SWITCH, NO HELP. Have completely removed previously installed car computer and security system. No help. I am sure some of you experts can solve my problem in a second.

I have a alternator from a Chrysler K car. I'm wondering if the regulator is built into the alternator or not?

kenhanlon — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:31:31 GMT

i just simply need to knwo if the alternator has a built in regulator or not

I have a SBC 350 which the starter will not disengage from the flexplate upon cranking the engine.

stang5280 — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:16:13 GMT

The engine is in a 1938 ford street rod with an ez wireing harness. it is not running as yet but the starter continues to wind after releasing the key. It is a 1973 350, 153 tooth flexplate, new starter (with the holes straight, not stagerred). I have tried shimming it to no avail. the drive remains engaged even after removing the battery cable (of course it stops cranking). The flexplate is not in backwards and the ignition switch and coil are both new. The starter operates fine when bench testing it and has been checked out at my local auto electric shop. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Volvo ignition key won't turn

pablonadoe — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:18:16 GMT

volvo ignition key goes in but will not turn

Testing Jeep CPU for shorts?

sean654 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:07:41 GMT

How do you test a cpu for shorts when it is out of the car ?

when i took the cover off of my cpu i saw that the silicone it is coverd in was heat cracked the silicone is dark red so i cnt see the circuitry

How would I change the ignition switch in a 91 Toyota 4x4? The key has broken off inside it.

dshows — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:05:28 GMT

the key has broke off you could start it for a while but now it will not let me

Wiring diagram for ignition switch for a '64 Chevy Bel-Air.

visionary8 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:45:25 GMT

I have a 1964 chevy bel-air,straight six,automatic,4 door.

I need a wiring diagram for the ignition switch! THANKS!

98 VW Polo jolts, like the car has hiccups or something.

rhopkins1 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:01:24 GMT

Sometimes when im driving my 1998 polo 1.6,the car starts jolting,like the car has hiccups or something.On other occasions ill be driving along and the car will sort of stop accelerating,so i hav to take my foot off the accelerator,leave it a second and then put my foot back on it and it will accelerate,but this will keep happening.is it possible for this to be the ignition coil,i thought it could be but you will know alot mor than me on this,please someone put me out my misery.thanks

Advice on changing from 6 v to 12 v system on a 1955 Mercury.

harleyrichard — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:28:07 GMT

I have a 1955 Mercury with a 272 engine and automatic transmission. I would like to convert the 6 volt electrical system to a 12 volt system. I would appreciate any and all advice on doing the conversion and what parts I will need to do it. Is it possible to change just the starting, charging and ignition systems and keep the rest 6 volt?
Thank,
Richard

I have a 2000 GS. When I turn off my car and try and restart, it won't start.

ldeath4122 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:20:41 GMT

If I let my car sit for several hours it will start up. I will have brief electrical problems. When I shut the car off and try and start the car it goes completely dead.

A question about auto repair labor cost. Honda DX.

deepbass — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:43:26 GMT

Does anyone know what the estimated time it takes to change a distributor on my 1991 honda, and what should a mechanic charge for this job. Since I will be getting the part new, what would be a fair price for labor?

What spark plug number goes in a 1952 Alfa Romeo 6c 2500?

baw0263 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:37:10 GMT

I need the spark plug number & gap setting for a 1952 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 2.4L engine.

I have a 1990 Chevy Corvette that has trouble making contact between the ECM and the 4 plugs .

donald27 — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:51:09 GMT

Replaced the ECM on my 1990 corvette and have problems with the pins connecting round pins in the ECM square hole in the plugs what can be done to get a better connection?

If I upgrade my manifold and carb, 351W to 351C, and get a HP distrbutor, would the distributor need to match original 351W or 351C? 1976 Torino Elite

envytestsite — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:04:47 GMT

Hi, I'm working on converting my 1976 Torino Elite to a high performance street rod. Basically planning on working on the top half and ignition components. Here's my question in a nutshell: if I replace the intake manifold and carburator with a Combo Edelbrock Performer Intake and a Holley 600 CFM Carb., would I look for a distributor to match the existing stock block (351W) or one that matches the now modified intake (351C or 351M)? I have no plans to change the cam, valves, rockers, pistons, rods, etc. I have another question about converting single exhaust to dual, if you can answer that one, check it out. Thanks so much. I've noticed most answers on this website are pretty profesional and trusting.

Changing spark plugs. The rear 2 plugs on the driver's side of motor are nearly impossible to remove. Any ideas?

bluebombers99 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:39:19 GMT

No room for hands and tools. Any ideas?

I'm putting a tune up on my '96 Toyota Camry and I have run into a huge problem.

sampsonyaknow — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:47:02 GMT

I changed the rotor, cap, filters and all of that without a problem but only three out of the four plug's would come out. How do I get that one plug out of there with it being stuck so far down there?

Where is the ignition switch located on a Plymouth Grand Voyager 99?

ozie — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:02:08 GMT

What does electrical connector look like and where is the starter solenoid? My radio lights blink when I turn key over but nothing happens. I checked battery and starter itself. They both work fine. What should I do next to find or fix problem? Which side is ignition on? I see where you put the key and then on right side there is a black little box with two connectors attached on the key switch I only see one connector. Please help.

How to remove a key cylinder from a Ford F-150?

fastone100 — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:40:09 GMT

1990 Ford F-150.

How do I remove to key cylinder from the column?
Do I drill it out? If so what size bit?

2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor.The steering column locked up and none of my keys will turn in the ignition or start it.

wyoming4 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:33:42 GMT

2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor. The steering wheel is locked in place and none of my keys will no longer turn in the ignition.

The closest Mitsubishi dealer is 170 miles away.

The locksmith won't work on the steering column because he is not "air bag" certified. What do you think the problem is? How would you suggest that I proceed?

Why won't my 83 Ford F-150 stay running?

wingnut11 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:56:10 GMT

I have an 83 F-150 5.0 v8 I recently picked up cheap, it simply doesn't stay running, just as soon as you let go of the key in the start position it cranks, fires (1 or 2 cyl) then just as you let go of the key she stops, its getting plenty of fuel and a solid spark, new cap and plugs, and fuel filter the caps on tight and such, the only other thing I could think of is the key switch? so I pulled it and it doesn't look burnt or faulty in any way, does anyone have any idea out there?

Thanks!

I have a '02 Jeep Liberty that will not allow the key to turn in the ignition. It is frozen, any thoughts?

mikey192 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:12:46 GMT

This car has 61,000 mile on it and it just started happening. We had it towed to garage but when it was taken off the tow truck it unlocked itself. It has happened about 6 times now and the last time we just jumped up and down on the front bumper and it releases. Has anyone heard of this before?

04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Ignition lock and steering won't turn. Tried hitting. No luck! Any other tricks?

anton510 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:19:59 GMT

I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Steering and Ignition won't turn. Tried hitting with hammer (lightly) on key. No luck (trick worked in the past) Would like to remove cylinder lock so that I can replace with new. Since lock won't turn tab on cylinder will not push-in and it cannot be removed. Does any one have any other suggestions? Will grinding off tab allow cylinder to be removed (without turning key). Any help will be appreciated! Thanks.

Is there a way to reset the key to ignition immobilizer? Or a way to bypass it?

moserr — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:37:47 GMT

Ignition problems.

Problem is that the key and immobilizer need to be reset or bypassed temporally.

Need a chip key made for my 2003 Nissan Pathfinder.

99accent — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:49:35 GMT

Need 1 extra chip key made and a locksmith says he must go into the remote aftermarket box under the dash and remove and program the remote starter key. I went to Nissan today and they said NO for a 2003 Pathfinder. Who's right?

How do I replace the ignition lock on a 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD?

boostboundgti — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:01:44 GMT

I have already bought a new ignition lock but cant figure out how to remove the old one. The key goes in but will not turn at all.

How do you program a new ignition key for a 2003 Chevy Impala?

marmenteros — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:21:46 GMT

I put a new ignition in my car and now it still won't start. I tried what some call a 30 minute override or whatever but it didn't work.

How do I change the battery in my 2007 Toyota Avalon keyless entry device? Manual is in car!

vegaswally — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:48:52 GMT

How do I change the battery in my 2007 Toyota Avalon electronic key?

00 Pontiac Grand Prix ignition won't turn.

jd22damian — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:10:43 GMT

Key was sticking for along time and my idiot brother forced the key out now it will ding when the key is in the ignition but will not turn at all. Not with trying to fool it that it's in park or anything. Money is tight so I need an answer better than we can tow it in and it could be a few things but I can't tell you. How much it will cost? Please help me figure this out.

96 VW Passat won't start

bmar99 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:14:57 GMT

I have a 1996 VW Passat w/ 2.0 I put the key in the ignition all the dash lights come on door buzzer works along with the normal stuff, when i turn the key nothing happens at all. i have replace the battery and starter and no change. any help would be appreciated.

Why is the key getting stuck in the ignition of a 2004 Accord?

brophyjt — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:48:44 GMT

I have a 2004 Honda Accord and the keys are getting stuck in the ignition. If I restart the car and push the gear shift forward with addition force the key usually comes out. Any ideas on how to fix the problem? Is there a switch that needs to be replace.

i need to deactivate the system on my 2001 lumina that has to have the key with a chip so i can use a reg. key?

razorray1 — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:08:03 GMT

can i bypass this security issue with the ignition key that has a chip so i can get a copy without the chip to work?