Key will not turn to position III

[MrTwo]

I have a 91 that I have owned for three months, up until last week I never had a problem starting her.

When I turn the key it clicks to position II with no problem and everything comes on. When I try to turn it to position III it will not turn, it feels like something is stopping it (clutch switch?) With enough finesse and a little luck it will let me turn to position III but it feels almost sticky (for a lack of better terms, it is VERY hard to turn.) Once the engine starts I have to turn it hard back to position II to keep for hurting the starter. After that it is fine until I kill it and want to start it again.

Does anyone have any ideas on what this could be and ways to test and narrow down the possibilities? I have tried forum searches for a couple of hours but have not found any info that sounds like my problem.

One more thing I should mention: Since I have been messing with this problem I have noticed that I can remove the key freely at any time including while I am driving Which I'm assuming means my baby was stolen at some point? (Carfax report did not have anything about theft...)

Thank you for any help or ideas you could give me!
-Jason

 

[D'Ecosse]

Think you're looking at the key-switch mechanism itself. Probably needs to be replaced. Not unheard of in NSX's - usually manifests itself as just not making consistent contact in the ignition or start position though so may have been tampered with. Definitely shouldn't be able to remove keys in any except lock position!

Incidentally the clutch switch is purely an electrical interlock for the starter circuit - there is nothing mechanical or electro-mechanical that can inhibit the physical movement of the ignition switch itself.

The nuisance factor of replacing the ignition switch is having different keys for ignition & doors. If it doesn't already have keyless entry consider adding an after-market alarm (or just remote entry) that will give you remote door & trunk opening capability but you may be best to replace everything. Believe that remote early is no longer available for early cars.

I believe (not 100% certain - check with dealer to be sure) - if you get part assembly # 1 you get complete lock set including the doors
Part number for this is 35010-SL0-A01 (list price $665)

The number for ignition switch alone (item #2) is 35100-SL0-A01 (list price $395)

(I assumed you have manual since you mentioned clutch switch)

plus labour charges of course unless you DIY

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

I have a 91 that I have owned for three months, up until last week I never had a problem starting her.

When I turn the key it clicks to position II with no problem and everything comes on. When I try to turn it to position III it will not turn, it feels like something is stopping it (clutch switch?) With enough finesse and a little luck it will let me turn to position III but it feels almost sticky (for a lack of better terms, it is VERY hard to turn.) Once the engine starts I have to turn it hard back to position II to keep for hurting the starter. After that it is fine until I kill it and want to start it again.

Does anyone have any ideas on what this could be and ways to test and narrow down the possibilities? I have tried forum searches for a couple of hours but have not found any info that sounds like my problem.

One more thing I should mention: Since I have been messing with this problem I have noticed that I can remove the key freely at any time including while I am driving Which I'm assuming means my baby was stolen at some point? (Carfax report did not have anything about theft...)

Thank you for any help or ideas you could give me!
-Jason

Sounds like a bad ignigtion switch .... Order one from Acura and you might get lucky and get a special key with it.

 

[TyraNSX]

Sounds like the key is worn down to the point you can pull it out with car still running. My Subaru does this. Do you have a barely used spare key to try (either spare OEM or a duplicate made from an unworn original)? FWIW be careful how hard you push inward on the key when starting. My cylinder is spring loaded, if I push the key in deeply I can't turn it all the way to start. If I only apply force to turn the key without pressing the cylinder inward, it is no problem. I have no idea why Honda has this. It took me a few days of thinking I had a big problem to figure this out.

 

[MrTwo]

D'Ecosse: I'd hate to go with a two key solutions, but I don't want to mess with changing out all the locks. It is also good to know that my clutch switch could not be causing the issue. I have a stupid question: does the ignition switch include the actual part that they key goes in and turns? I am assuming it does if I would need a different key to start my engine after replacing it. Based on how the key feels in the ignition I would like to try and take the ignition switch apart and clean it like I have read in other threads, is this an option? Thank you very much for your help and info!

TyraNSX: Unfortunatly my key appears to be brand new and in very good condition so it must be related to the ignition switch.

From other threads I've read that ignition switches are under $100, is this possible or am I misreading something as Acura seems to be listing $395?

Again, thanks to all for the help and any aditional comments!

 

[D'Ecosse]

D'Ecosse: I'd hate to go with a two key solutions, but I don't want to mess with changing out all the locks.

Those two are the options & unfortunately there's no compromise - either change ignition only & have different keys or change them all.

I have a stupid question: does the ignition switch include the actual part that they key goes in and turns? I am assuming it does if I would need a different key to start my engine after replacing it.

Yes

Based on how the key feels in the ignition I would like to try and take the ignition switch apart and clean it like I have read in other threads, is this an option?

You can try I suppose but going on your description sounds pretty much shot.

From other threads I've read that ignition switches are under $100, is this possible or am I misreading something as Acura seems to be listing $395?

No, you're reading it correctly. You can see from the parts breakout drawing that the key switch assembly is not available separately (although some of the smaller pieces are) Which thread said $100?
Maybe your thinking about the electrical part of the switch which is available separately - see item 11 in the drawing - part # 35130-SL0-A01 - that is ~ $88 list I believe but doesn't appear to be your problem, more mechanical associated with key cylinder. (that electrical switch part is also included in the assembly however)

You could try Ray Laks Honda Acura World - they have excellent prices on OEM parts, typically 25% or better off list and free shipping (& no sales tax)

Contact Tim Poliniak - 1-888-RAY-LAKS and get a quote from him

 

[drew]

Unfortunatly my key appears to be brand new and in very good condition so it must be related to the ignition switch.

Is it reasonable to think that your new key has been mis-cut? Do you have an original key?

You might also try some graphite dust in the key hole. You would be amazed at how it lubes things up...

Lastly, if you don't want to pop for a new lock...you might try gutting one or all of the tumblers. Yes, that means any key will turn the lock...but that would be a secret that only you know.

Drew
/on a mis-cut key, you can "smoke it" (allow a light film of ash to coat the key, as under a smokey flame) and see where the tumbler are binding up on it. Smoke and File down on the key until it works! Though the key is double cut, usually only one side is used by the lock at a time.

 

[D'Ecosse]

You might also try some graphite dust in the key hole. You would be amazed at how it lubes things up....

Recognize also Drew that his key comes out in any position - I'm thinking it's already loose rather than not hitting the tumblers correctly. (May already be stripped!)

 

[drew]

his key comes out in any position....stripped

You may be correct. If the lock is abused: well, heck.

**

The key retainer can be easily disabled: newspaper delivery folks will do this with their car/truck. As they are always leaving the driver seat to fill up the sidewalk dispensers. They don't want their keys stolen along with their car/truck.

Not that I'm saying somebody used the NSX to load newspaper dispensers, but that somebody could easily "mod" their car have the key be removable. Maybe for some weird parking situation. Or, you know, to prevent the Cupholder from stealing your keys when you have your mind on, uhh, "other things".

**

I'm also remembering that the NSX lock is installed using a bolt that twists off its head when it is torqued correctly. So just removing the lock will be a hassle involving a drill...

**

What fun.

Drew
/To buy yourself some diagnosis time: you can detach/operate the electric switch part of the lock seperately. Just put the key lock in "run" and remove key. Not that I'm recomending this, but it will work in a pinch.

 

[MrTwo]

drew: Unfortunatly the key has worked for the entire time I have owned the vehicle so I doubt it was miscut. I do keep another key that came with the car at work and will try it tomorrow and see if I get lucky.

D'Ecosse: The key is loose, but when inserting the key and turning it the first two clicks it feels like any other ignition. The only difference is I can pull it out with very little force in any position. For a lack of better discription, the ignition feels good until I try to turn to position III.

TyraNSX: I noticed the spring loaded key cylinder too. When I first got the car it took a day or two to remember to push the key in when I tried to take the key out. I have been trying to not push the key in when I start the engine so I don't think that is the problem.

I ordred a new ignition switch and it should be here Wed. so now all I need to do is figure out how to install it I will also start looking at keyless entry systems (or try and figure out what kind of alpine alarm / keyless system is already installed.) Does anyone have a link to a how-to article on replacing the ignition switch? It doesn't look like too complex a job but its always good to have some inside tips.

Many thanks again to everyone for helping me I have lurked the boards for a while and am really impressed and thankful for the help...

-Jason

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I ordred a new ignition switch and it should be here Wed. so now all I need to do is figure out how to install it

-Jason

Did you order the #2 above?

Regards,
LarryB