"Ignition" key woes on 2003 CTD 2500

[BBowers]

I have a 2003 2500 quad cab 4x4 auto with 100k miles on it and it runs like new. I have only one problem. When trying to switch the key to the accessory position to listen to the radio while the truck is switched off (engine off) by twisting the key toward the driver (counterclockwise) and away form the starter engagement position, the radio will only stay on and functioning when I hold tension in the engine start direction. It seems like there is only a tiny point of contact to keep the circuit flowing. If i let go of the key with my hand, the radio switches off. Is this a bad starter key switch? What might be going on here? Otherwise everything works perfectly.

 

[Buffalo]

My '03 just started doing the same thing, also. I've only got 52,000 miles, on it, & many of those were cross-country trips. I can't understand how the switch could be worn out so prematurely but, it appears to be.



Recently, my '91. 5 W-250 had the switch wear out but, it has over 170,000 miles, on it. A guy, here in Phoenix, rebuilds them. Works like a brand-new, used one, now.



The Third Gen's are nice trucks, when they are working. However, they are so complicated (electronically) that they seem to have lost some of their reliability. My rear tail lights activate the "bulb-out chime & warning flasher" about every six months. I have to disassemble the tail lights, clean off all the bulb contacts with a pencil eraser, put di-electric grease on all the connections & reassemble. It's not hard but, just a pain in certain parts of my anatomy. If you don't address the problem, immediately, the chiming will drive you nuts. BTW, I have never had a bulb that was, actually, out. So, these are "Phantom Warnings". What a waste of time. Fortunately, I learned the "fix" on the TDR.



Dodge has had light bulbs & ignition switches in vehicles for close to one hundred years. What is so special about these new products that they can't get it right? Why do they keep having to upgrade things til they are no longer reliable? Must be to get us into the dealer for repairs is my guess.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[sag2]

Do you have a load of keys hanging on your ring? I've seen people with a pound of keys and stuff (my wife and daughter for instance) hanging on the ignition switch. The weight swinging can wear out the ignition cylinder or switch.

Also if the lamp outage warning keeps going off, especially on an 03, you need to replace the rear sockets.

 

[NC_Mog]

Mine has had an ignition issue since new. The accessory position won't always make contact. I've just never taken it out of service long enough to have it fixed. And no, I have very few keys on my key ring. As my warranty runs out soon, I'll get the truck in before the end of the month.