1995 Tahoe ignition switch issues

[jrsavoie]

1995 Tahoe ignition switch issues

My daughter called and had trouble turning the key in the ignition, After about 1/2 hour of jiggling the key, trying to tirn the steering wheel back and forth & adjust the tilt up and down the key finally turned.

The ignition switch was replaced about 4 years ago. I'm sure it's in my thread someplace. The switch was replaced with an OEM GM switch.

She is using the most often used key - the original OEM. We haven't compared keys yet.

We might have one that is not as worn if that is possibly the problem

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Acesneights1]

try another key. If not maybe the tumbler.

 

[Chief915]

I have always heard that having a lot of key's or key rings all together on one ring will wear the switch out quicker. The extra weight, while it isn't a lot of weight, bouncing around and pulling down on the key wears it out faster.

On the other hand, compare keys, maybe the one she normally uses is getting worn for years of use.

 

[jrsavoie]

I have always heard that having a lot of key's or key rings all together on one ring will wear the switch out quicker. The extra weight, while it isn't a lot of weight, bouncing around and pulling down on the key wears it out faster.

On the other hand, compare keys, maybe the one she normally uses is getting worn for years of use.

I don't know why that would be. It's only about 17 years old.

This is one of the few vehicles that does not have a wad of keys hanging on it.

I just hope I don't get a call if she's out late and I have to bring different keys to try. I told her to spray oil in it and if it happens again, try turning the key upside down

 

[Acesneights1]

I have always heard that having a lot of key's or key rings all together on one ring will wear the switch out quicker.

The switch is mounted on the bottom of the column, operated by a rod. That is an old wives tale originated from the old Cars and trucks that had the ign switch in the dash. I supposed possibly the tumbler but I doubt it. Seems to me they wear out from use more than anything.

 

[Chief915]

The switch is mounted on the bottom of the column, operated by a rod.

Agreed......For clarity's sake.... When I said "ignition switch" I was referring to the ignition lock cylinder, the thing your key goes into on the steering column. I said ignition switch because your average shade tree mechanic may not know WTF an ignition lock cylinder is.

 

[bk95td]

You shouldn't really use oil in a lock cylinder. It makes dirt stick and gets gummy . Dry graphite is the right stuff to use.
The lock cylinder is a real PIA to get out if the key will no longer work. Much easier to replace the cylinder while it still works if it is giving grief. Not that terrible to buy and have keyed to match from the stealer.

 

[jrsavoie]

Thanks all

I'll be getting a new tumbler installed ASAP

 

[Acesneights1]

Never did one n a 95+ but on a <95 it's a tit job to change the cylinder. I had an old one laying around my toolbox form an 80's squarebody...Wouldn't cha know my 93 used the same exact one. When the cylinders got worn on the old Square bodys, it was cool cause you could pull the keys out while it was running. I actually used to save cylinders that would do that.

 

[jrsavoie]

I always liked that feature. Had a couple that if you started them and pulled the key. you could turn them on and off till you used the key again.

Never did one n a 95+ but on a <95 it's a tit job to change the cylinder. I had an old one laying around my toolbox form an 80's squarebody...Wouldn't cha know my 93 used the same exact one. When the cylinders got worn on the old Square bodys, it was cool cause you could pull the keys out while it was running. I actually used to save cylinders that would do that.