I recently had intermittent problems with my key not being able to turn the ignition switch to the start position, but if you jiggled it a bit it would turn and start the engine. Just when I thought I had a real problem developing, it disappeared for a couple weeks.

Recently the weather has changed dramatically down here. Yes, it gets cold down here occasionally and the problem returned. This time not only was it sticking on start, but you had to really play with it to get past Acc to Off to remove the key. At first I thought I needed a new key, but my wife was complaining about having the same problem with her key.

Well if finally came to a head while I was at work. My wife couldn't remove her key, so she ran over to Honda and they successfully removed it for her. They quoted her $410 for the ignition switch and labor, but the new key that came with the part would only start the ignition, we'd have to use our old key on the doors and trunk...OUCH

Well before going that route, I bought a $2 tube of graphite and shot it into the key slot a couple of times. It was better but still notchy. Here it is a couple of days later and it feels like silk. I guess the graphite had to work into the mechanism, because now it feels perfect and it's currently cold again, so I'm hoping this is a fix. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Have any other high-mileage 6th Geners had to deal with this issue? Did you use Graphite and was it a fix or just a band-aid. Man those keylocks/keys most be made of gold :^)

Its a good idea to use Graphite on all the locks on the car (once a year). I have not used it on my Ignition lock, although...
I use that spray lube on the hinges and such, also...

I'm surprised Honda didn't offer to re-key the ignition for you if they were to replace the switch.

My dealer had a locksmith match the new switch to the rest of the car.

I've since been told the tumblers can be replaced in the existing keylock, which I'll keep in mind for the future, but the graphite did the trick. Silky smooth and never a problem since using the graphite, that was $2 well spent.

According2me:

There IS an ignition switch interlock recall that MAY likely involve your car. Have you checked with the American Honda Owner's Association?

Your dealer wants to BLOW you for $410? ....for an ignition switch/key replacement? Essentially leaving you with your old key to use as a "Valet" key for the doors and the trunk?

UTTERLY PATHETIC! SHAME ON THEM!!!

Sir/Madam, YOU need to make some phone calls!

Your dealer wants to BLOW you for $410?

:eek:

Cajun and All:

OK, I shall replace my "politically-incorrect" term "BLOW" with "RIP OFF."

For the proposed ignition switch repair, $410.00 sure sounds like a RIP OFF to ME!

A key cylinder-tumbler kit should run about $235. Adding (an estimated) $75 for labor, that totals up to (a more realistic cost of) around $310. Therefore, I'd say your dealer is trying to RIP YOU OFF for about $100. I KNOW I wouldn't pay it!

Maybe a disassembly-cleaning procedure would do the trick. Else, keep lubricating it with modest doses of Graphite. You indicate that seems to have resolved your problem, thus far.

A key cylinder-tumbler kit should run about $235. Adding (an estimated) $75 for labor, that totals up to (a more realistic cost of) around $310. Therefore, I'd say your dealer is trying to RIP YOU OFF for about $100. I KNOW I wouldn't pay it!

according mentioned a "new key" as part of his dealer's proposed solution. My dealer charges ~$70 to program a key (if memory serves), so maybe the price of the new key + program labor is part of the $410???

I have a 1998 Honda Accord LX. Had the same problem a few yrs. ago. A co-worker of mine was married to a Honda Mechanic who suggested I contact the dealership re: possible recall. Lo and behold, mine was part of the recall. They replaced it at no cost to me and gave me back my original key which still works wonderfully. Yay for service bulletins!

wardenr...I did receive the recall on the ignition switch, but if I remember correctly, the problem addressed was being able to remove the key with the car started and in park or neutral. The dealer mentioned this to my wife when she ran the car over there while I was at work and ours was a different failure.

It's been 3 months now and we've had no cause for concern with the ignition switch, the graphite remedied the problem. No problems turning the key to start the car or removing the key upon stopping it.

A key cylinder-tumbler kit should run about $235. Adding (an estimated) $75 for labor, that totals up to (a more realistic cost of) around $310. Therefore, I'd say your dealer is trying to RIP YOU OFF for about $100. I KNOW I wouldn't pay it!

Not sure if you've been to a dealership lately, but labor rates start at about $90-100 an hour. My dealer is $104 an hour. My independent is $90 an hour.

The ignition switch has to be drilled out of the car (security measure), and don't forget about the immobilizer system, there's some programming more than likely that has to be done to sync the microchips together. Then re-install and put the steering column covers back together. Drilling the switch out is the biggest pain, next is probably making the electronics communicate.

So this dealer is probably charging 2 hours of labor at 100 an hour. $200

I am getting nervous that I am about to have to replace my ignition switch. It appears that every 2-3 or 4 times I try to start my car, I get nothing, yet all the lights and everything are on. The engine makes no sounds like it is going to even attempt to turn over and it's getting worse with the heat. Doubtful of a mian relay as the car isn't even trying and it's not cutting out either.:dunno: