2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4L. Came in for other work but also had complaint about ocassionally not starting. Customer is an older lady that has a hard time turning the key. But she's had the vehicle for a very long time and only recently became a problem. Seems like it's getting worse. A couple times she's actually had to call her daughter to come and start it for her.

Found it to be an issue with the ignition system. The car will only start if you turn the key fast and hard. If you turn the key slowly it will not start. No matter how hard you hold the key to the end. Now what's causing that? Could be a number of things.

Key: The key looks fine so doesn't seem probable.

Tumbler: The key feels solid in the lock cylinder. Doesn't make any difference with the starting if I play with the key.

Ignition housing: This is a big problem with Ford Escapes in particular.

Ignition switch: Seems most likely.

Other: Could have a bad connection somewhere. If the signal is dropping out the computer will think you're trying to double start the car and will disable the starter.

Under normal circumstances this would be an automatic ignition switch replacement. However the 100% repeatability of this made me pause and give it a bit more time to see if I could narrow down the diagnosis. The lady has had a lot of work done already so we'd like to be as sure of the repair as possible!


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