| marysue |
My 2003 Honda Pilot has only about 70K miles on it. The key got very difficult to insert a few days ago. My husband sprayed it with a graphite spray. That helped but now the key will go in but it won't turn. My husband can get it to turn by jiggling it for a LONG time. Now I just leave the damn key in there.
My sister has the same car and the same thing happened. They told her it was because her key chain was TOO HEAVY ! I only have one other key on mine. It is NOT because its heavy. Its a very very poor design. :( |
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| netman88 |
yes, my other friend at work had a similar problem with his Ford.
Too many keys adds weight to ignition and messes it up.
I guess most cars use the same parts. |
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| normkol |
Spray a liberal amount of WD-40 in the cylinder, and try the key several times. Hopefully, that will get the graphite out and make the cylinder workable.
Graphite is a powder and sometimes binds in a cylinder. Most locksmiths use WD-40 to clean out a cylinder and then a lubricant spray.
Then, go to a locksmith or your dealer and see about replacing the cylinder. It's a warning that it is on its way out.
Be prepared, it's not a cheap replacement. See the thread a few above this one for a sample of prices. |
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| evad1074 |
I've got the same problem with my 2003 Pilot. I have a single key so the weight thing is not an issue. I too have resorted to keeping a key in the ignition rather than fight with the key to turn. I've tried both keys and the valet key, all do the same thing.
I'm scared to death what this may cost. $$$ |
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| normkol |
If all the keys are doing it, then it is the cylinder.
If you've sprayed and it doesn't help, go see a locksmith who does automotive work. They may just have to replace the wafers, which isn't too expensive.
Replacing the cylinder could be costly, since there is no aftermarket for it. |
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| marcucci |
I'll add that I've had this problem before with other vehicles and usually it's the key that's the problem, and not the ignition tumbler. If you've used both keys equally over time without keeping one "virgin" then trying the other key may not help.
I can tell you that the dealer cost is around 20 for the 03/04 key and the 05+ is like $30. They have to program the immobilizer but that only takes a few minutes. They will probably try and rape you but a little complaining should help.
It looks like if it is the tumbler, they only sell the tumbler, key, and door tumblers as a set, dealer cost is around $300 for all that. Labor will be a few hours to replace all the parts (youch!). |
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| dmtkconnolly |
I just went through this whole thing too! I only have 1 other key on my ring besides my Pilot key so I know it wasn't the weight that did it. The key started getting a little sticky going in and out of the ignition. Then I couldn't even get it out anymore so I just kept it in and used my remote to lock the doors. Then one day I'm at the post office and it won't turn at all. I had to have a locksmith come out and do his magic to get it to start and I drove it straight to a mechanic friend of mine.
You can't buy just the tumbler, you have to buy the whole assembly. It cost me $250 but would have been $850 if I'd had them install it. It comes with 2 new keys that will not work on your doors. I chose to just use the new keys on my iginition and continue to use my original key for the doors. I use the remote door opener 99% of the time so I went with this option. You could also have a locksmith fix the new ignition to match your old keys but this just added more expense.
Also - don't forget about your remote. My remote no longer works with the new programmed ignition but I just found instructions on this website on how to program it myself and I'll let you know if that works.
OH! One more thing. Once my mechanic friend got the new ignition installed, it wouldn't start. I still had to go to the dealer, show them my Registration and picture ID to get a "Brake code" that would temporarily start the car long enough for me to get it back to the dealer to have the new ignition programmed to my car. The car would not start without them doing this. It took 2 hours and cost another $75. I left and then realized I never had my remote programmed so I just called and they are saying it will take another 2 hours. It looks like it should only take about 5 minutes according to the instructions on this site. I HATE DEALERS! |
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| evad1074 |
I dropped by the Honda dealer yesterday and asked about the ignition switch. He said $531 would get me fixed up.
I can't help but wonder if this is happening to the 2003 Pilots why Honda hasn't addressed this.
Seems that Honda is a good car, but after 5-years you can't start them anymore with out buying a whole new ignition system. |
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