Dean_Fuller

After just a couple of minutes running the metal part of the key gets HOT! Has anyone had this issue? Cause? Fix? This is my son's 80 model.

karl ruiter

Don't know the cause or fix but my '82 did this as well.

Alan

Mine does this if it has been parked in the sun (heat soak in Phoenix)... However generally if the ambient temp is low and the key gets hot it implies there is resistance in at least one of the switched circuits: Ignition (15) or Accessory (X). This is not good and probably means your voltage on circuits 15 or X are at lower voltage than the battery direct supply... (you can verify at the top fuse connection on these fuses) over time this will only get worse and will likely eventually cause intermittent failure.

I'd recommend replacing the switch (only) portion of the ignition key/switch ASAP.

Alan

Mrmerlin

and cleaning the connections at the CE panel and the battery, as causual factors

karl ruiter

My thought at the time was that there was current that was actually going through the key, possibly to do with the alarm, but that is probably not correct.

Mrmerlin

the key and the switch are 2 different parts, the key portion is in charge of turning the switched portion and unlocking the steering column.
If your key is getting hot then the switch must be getting very hot, possibly to melt the innards of the switch

chrly924s

Hey DeanIf you'll move back to K-town and help me get my 83 back on the road, I'll help you install one of these new 'Key Intercoolers" Mounts right next to the GPS on the dash!!

Reddog928

+ 1 Hope things are cool in tejas , but I sure could use some help installing a Porkentensioner!

Charlie aka Reddog928

Dean_Fuller

I found no work in Texas so I'm on to other things now.....sure wish I could move back but not happening anytime soon.

Alan...do I need to replace the igintion switch??? The part that attaches to the backside of the lock? Or the lock itself?

Thanks guys..

Alan

Just the switch part. ~ $60 relatively easy once you get access to it

Alan

Dean_Fuller

Thanks

perrys4

Mine did this also, there is nothing around the cylinder to get it hot. I also bought a new switch but after looking it over when I had the dash out I left it alone. No issues as of late and i did notice it more when it was hot out.

Rob Edwards

I am having this hot key issue on the GTS. I have also noticed that when starting the car, if I crank the engine for two seconds or so, stop, then crank again, the speed at which the engine cranks on the 2nd try may be faster or slower than the first. Anyone ever noticed this with an impending ignition switch death?

I never got around to the CE panel cleanup on the GTS, sounds like it's time...

WallyP

No, the ignition switch starter activation is basically binary - all that the ignition switch has to do is to furnish enough power to activate a standard relay. The relay then just activates the starter solenoid, which is a heavy-duty relay that activates the starter. You very possibly have dirty main battery cable or ground issues.