How do you fix an ignition switch on 1996 Dodge Neon that is sticking and won't start?

Answer 1

If it is the ignition switch and not the key tumbler assembly , it takes a Phillips screwdriver and a #10 torx with the hole in the center, remove the under dash cover and the bottom half of the steering column cover with the Phillips, then use the torx to remove the retaining screw from the ignition switch. Unplug and replace! the unit is located on the left of the steering column under the blinker switch. They average around thirty dollars after market. If it is the key cylinder, you would follow the same instruction except for removing the ign switch, turn the key to the on position and push in the retainer on the bottom then pull out ! I just did this to my daughter's 98 with a little help from a pipe wrench , (it would not go in to the on position) ! The cylinder is not offered after market and Dodge wants 80 or 90 dollars for it so I took it to a local lock smith and they rebuilt it for $28.00 Good Luck ! -------------------------------- I tried the answer above with no luck. My key wouldn't go into the on position either, in fact the key wouldn't move at all. All I ended up was denting the crhome-like plate on top of the key cylinder with the pipe wrench. I guess I didn't want to apply so much force not to make matters worse. I ended up calling the locksmith, who, to my surprise, solved it in less than a minute! And here I offer you the cheapest solution. What he did was to take the key off the keychain, insert it in the cylinder as usual, and then insert the thin end of a file (a common tool for locksmiths) through the hole of the key and use it as a lever. Then he started shaking it quickly and vigorously -obviously not enough strenght as to break the key- taking it in and out, and shaking back and forth several times, until it actually turned!! Once it turns you press on the retainer and pull the cylinder out. Then take it to the locksmith and you can save big bucks on the rebuilding and the having the locksmit go to where the car is.

Answer 2

Dodge ignition switches seem to have this problem. To get going again, take a rubber mallat or similar object, and give the end of the key a reasonably hard thump. Make sure to strike the key exactly on the end and straight on to avoid key damage. This should get you going again. My dodge is a 2000 and I did the same but repeatedly hit it gently and it engaged... I'll follow up with what I did to repair it... but I greased it and kept fiddling with it and got it going.