Reply to "I guess this was my initiation to the club..."

Chris,

Congratulations on your new “Beast”. I know that there is always apprehension when buying a car that you have not seen.

As for your ignition issue, I have been there and done that. My guess is that the cold weather was just cold enough to cause gook etc. to gum up the lock cylinder action.

The lock cylinder (mechanical side) has NO spring. The “pop out” occurs with the mechanical action of removing the key. The problem is that as you remove the key it comes out but the cylinder stays in. The next time you go to start the car the key will only partially go in.

I got some temporary relief by using different lubricants/cleaners. Everything from W-D 40 to electrical contact cleaners. I sprayed a small amount inside the lock cylinder and the outside of the cylinder (run position lock cylinder pushed in)). This gave me temporary relief but not a permanent fix. I also tried to remember to put a small amount of downward pressure on the key as I pulled it out.

Later on I also disassembled and cleaned out the electrical side (see PP). It helped but was not the underlying problem. The electrical side of the switch is available NOS. $100 or so. Pantera owner Larry Finch usually has one available. Last I kept my emergency “Italian” lock tool a paper clip in my ashtray.

Earlier this year I stumbled on a NOS cylinder and keys on eBay, and have had zero issues since.

Jeff