car problems

[swissmiss04]

My car has recently developed a bad habit of not wanting to crank. I have to fiddle w/ the steering wheel until it finally lets the ignition turn. Would this most likely be a problem with the:
1)Ignition itself
2) Steering column
3)Something else entirely

[AlphaSigOU]

Originally posted by swissmiss04
My car has recently developed a bad habit of not wanting to crank. I have to fiddle w/ the steering wheel until it finally lets the ignition turn. Would this most likely be a problem with the:
1)Ignition itself
2) Steering column
3)Something else entirely

Possibly #2; maybe something screwy with the steering wheel ignition lock. By any chance, is your car keychain loaded down with keys and other nicknacks? Take 'em off. (Except the necessary keys for your car; the house and other keys can go on a separate chain.)

The weight of these is, over a period of time, enough to throw off the alignment of the ignition key cylinder lock, making it hard to turn. At worst, it might leave your key locked in the cylinder, making it unable to be removed. (Happened to my mother's car once.)

Also, have the battery and alternator checked as well if it cranks really slow.

[swissmiss04]

Let me try the keychain paring down. Thanks for the tip!