Anovice

I have a 2000 I30. About 2 months ago I started to have a problem turning the key in the ignition. The problem occurs regardless if the steering wheel is locked or not. Sometimes I try 6,7,or 8 times and while I finally get the key to turn, I'm concerned that one of these days it won't. Yesterday I tried the spare key, but nothing different.

Today I took the car into the Infiniti dealership as they had a $19.95 special on an oil change and wash. I asked them to look at the problem and they said the car needs a new lock assembly at the tune of $665.30 installed. OUCH!

I am reaching out to see is anyone knows of a less expensive route to get the ignition lock assembly replaced. Are they available used and if so where? If not, is there an Infiniti dealer that I can purchase the part from online at a reasonable price? If so, I have a local mechanic who is good and reasonably priced and I could call him to see if he would have a problem installing the new ignition lock assembly and the cost.

Thanks.

Anovice

Amerikaner83

iTrader: (17)

Is the key itself worn out, so the peaks and valleys are not as pronounced??

Maybe you just need a fresh-cut key...get the dealer to cut one based off your VIN. Worth a shot, and should cost a hell of a lot less then a 660 dollar lock assembly

Dracc

had this problem in my old cavalier and one day the key seized up in the off position and wouldnt turn.. cheapest route is to call a lock smith and have them re-pin the cylinder for the ignition mine ran about 200 dollars with new keys but we have programed keys, he can re key it to fit your current key

Anovice

Thanks for the posts.

I have two extra keys, one I know was used less than a handful of times in 11 years, and it does not seem appreciable better. It still binds up and is hit or miss.

I like the idea of having a locksmith re-pin the cylinder and as I can bring the car to one, this should save on one coming to me. Will a locksmith need to remove the cylinder from the steering column? If so, where may I find instructions for removal of the cylinder to give them? Are you saying that because I do not have programmed keys that the locksmith will be able to re-pin the cylinder so I can use my current key?

Out of ignorance about cars, what is the difference between the ignition switch and the cylinder?

Anovice

memphisballer

iTrader: (7)

I had an older model two door '87 cutlass supreme where the same binding would happen so my uncle suggested I spray wd-40 in the lock.Two different vehicles I know but it worked in my case.