I would'nt bother... but if you really must you can take the steering column apart, and check the cylinder catches... you may have to replace the entire cylinder, or your pins might have been damaged by whatever tool the thief used. I really would'nt bother replacing it though.... those ignitions cost up of $60.

 

Well the thing is that it will probably be harder to sell (less money) with that problem. If it's only $60 or less to fix then we'll probably just do it. Thanks for the help.

 

most likely the key that you are using has lost its teeth, I had an old CRX with non-original keys that were worn out, and I was able to pull it out of the ignition while the engine is running

 

yeah shops fix the ingition all the time. people usually have to repair or replace the steering column and the ignition after its been stolen. I worked on this neon that was just recovered and i had to start it with a screw driver. sorry had to just through in that story. heh

 

most likely the key that you are using has lost its teeth, I had an old CRX with non-original keys that were worn out, and I was able to pull it out of the ignition while the engine is running

It didn't do that before though, just after it was stolen.

So is this a reasonably easy thing to fix? Is there anything that's easy to screw up?

 

that happens in my dads 90 camry, key just comes out, but it doesnt fall out.

 

just call around to some shops and ask how much it would cost to fix the ignition.

 

Well, my parents got it fixed for $150, joeyl was completely right - they said the key/ignition interface was worn out. Thanks y'all!

 

$150? damn... 150 kinda sucks.. I would buy a new ignition, and set of keys for the car and do it myself.. and I bet I could do it for under $100. could even get inventive, and make it into a button start..

 

Yeah, I hate it when parents just go ahead and do shit that you already told them you could do.... oh well, it's all done and over now.