2003 Ignition Cylinder Actuator Rod help

It's probably the ignition switch itself actually. It could be the rod but I kind of doubt it. The ignition switch is what the rod goes into and actually moves to engage connections. If the switch is worn out then this is why jiggling it might sometimes make it work.
All you have to do is remove the column plastic that hides it and it should be very self evident. I think there might be a small amount of adjustment that the switch will have to mount to so before you put the plastic back on make sure that it's in proper adjustment and it starts.
There's also a PATS transceiver in the column that sends out a signal to the key and gets a signal back. It's rare but perhaps that's the problem.

Cobrajet67 said:

It's probably the ignition switch itself actually. It could be the rod but I kind of doubt it. The ignition switch is what the rod goes into and actually moves to engage connections. If the switch is worn out then this is why jiggling it might sometimes make it work.
All you have to do is remove the column plastic that hides it and it should be very self evident. I think there might be a small amount of adjustment that the switch will have to mount to so before you put the plastic back on make sure that it's in proper adjustment and it starts.
There's also a PATS transceiver in the column that sends out a signal to the key and gets a signal back. It's rare but perhaps that's the problem.

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Thank you so much! I will try that, I actually replaced my old one about 8 months ago and kept it just in case because I read somewhere that that might cause a rough idle (it was the IAC ultimately). That's an easy fix, it's right under the steering wheel 😄 That would be so amazing if it fixed it! I want my boy back running! Lol.

Steph's Stang said:

Thank you so much! I will try that, I actually replaced my old one about 8 months ago and kept it just in case because I read somewhere that that might cause a rough idle (it was the IAC ultimately). That's an easy fix, it's right under the steering wheel 😄 That would be so amazing if it fixed it! I want my boy back running! Lol.

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Are you talking about the ignition cylinder(thing the keys go into that you turn) or the ignition switch(thing that the rod from the cylinder engages)?
If you already replaced the ignition switch it might just be that it needs a slight adjustment on the column. Otherwise then I would just put the original back in.

Cobrajet67 said:

Are you talking about the ignition cylinder(thing the keys go into that you turn) or the ignition switch(thing that the rod from the cylinder engages)?
If you already replaced the ignition switch it might just be that it needs a slight adjustment on the column. Otherwise then I would just put the original back in.

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Hi!

I've actually replaced both. I replaced the cylinder that the key goes in on Friday and recoded the key. The old one I could still make it start by jiggling it when it was in the start position, now with the new one it dings when the key is out and the door is open but the car is in the off position and not running or anything. I thought maybe it was misaligned but it was in the run position when I installed it. I put the old one back in and it would ding too but I was still able to start it but then the cylinder froze up when I took it out.

The switch that the rod from the cylinder engages I replaced about 8 months ago. That was the square box that goes under the steering wheel with the pin sticking out of it.

The part that was recommended I replace was this (ignition cylinder actuator) but I believe this is in the steering wheel column 😕

So far I have been able to do everything myself that has come up here and there but taking out the steering column scares me lol.

You don't have to take out the column. You've already done these jobs once already and it just involves taking off the plastic covering it. Like I said the ignition switch is the likely problem or maybe the electrical connector going to it. Put the old one back in and see if it fixes it.
There are little teeth on that plastic rod so maybe there's adjustment to it that needs to be done or maybe it does need to be replaced.

Cobrajet67 said:

You don't have to take out the column. You've already done these jobs once already and it just involves taking off the plastic covering it. Like I said the ignition switch is the likely problem or maybe the electrical connector going to it. Put the old one back in and see if it fixes it.
There are little teeth on that plastic rod so maybe there's adjustment to it that needs to be done or maybe it does need to be replaced.

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I just switched out the ignition switch with the old one and it started right up!! I cannot thank you enough for your help! I can't believe it went out that fast. Now to figure out why it dings when it is off with no keys in the car when the door is open but I'm just stoked it starts 😁