MSG C5

Twice over the past few weeks, I've experienced a random ignition key issue on my 2004 vert. On both occasions, after inserting the key to start the car, it would not turn to the right or engage the ignition. It would take me about 4-5 times after removing and reinserting the key that it would then accept the key and allow me to turn the ignition to the right and start the car.

Both times, I used the key fob to unlock the car as usual and disengaged the parking brake as usual. Nothing different than what I've been doing the last 12 years since I bought the car new in 2004.

My question is whether or not the smart chip on the key is wearing out? Even though I have two fobs and two keys, the key in question as been used 99% of the time over the last 12 years.

Is there any other explanation that could cause this? It doesn't happen all the time, just twice over the past two weeks, however both times I was away from home, so it's concerning.

Thanks!

Pounder

I would guess the key and or the ignition switch (tumbler) is wore out !!

MSG C5

Thanks. By "stuck" do you mean jammed inside the cylinder? My key slides in/out rather easily, the ignition switch just would not turn over or turn to the right. I will try the flashlight method and check for these rollers.

srs244

a few years ago, my son had a similar problem with his camaro, turns out that if you have a fairly heavy key chain (lots of keys or other things) eventually you destroy the lock cylinder by the key being off center in the lock due to the weight of the keys etc. just another suggestion as to a reason it eventually might have happened. the reality is that eventually things like ignition switches give out.

TB1300

I had this same issue. I found that I could always easily insert the key, but sometimes it would turn, other times not.

Eventually I noticed that the key is not symmetric. At the back of the key, one side has a tooth, and the other side is flat.

If I insert the flat side down, it turns every time. If I insert the flat side up, it will not turn.

I suspect it should work either way, but maybe because of wear over the years it no longer will.

I posted about this a couple years ago, but nobody else seemed to have the same problem, although other people reported their keys were not symmetric either.

MSG C5

Thanks. I knew about the weighted key ring issue years ago and even though I never carried a bunch of keys I did have a heavy-ish C5 Corvette logo key ring I used for awhile but also removed. All I have used for a long time is a ring with two keys (ignition & house) and fob so I don't think that's the issue.

I just swapped to my second, back-up key which I have rarely used in 12 years, so I will see if that makes any difference. If it happens again, I know it's an issue with the cylinder.