Truth or Myth

i cant find pop rocks anymore...

We have pop rocks at my work, so I know they still exist. And the problem starting could be simply due to the fact that it's a COLD MORNING. Ever take that into consideration?

the real question is, how heavy is heavy?

Truth or Myth

I have heard many mechanics telling me that my huge keychain will damage my ignition because of its weight. Is there any truth to this? They claim that the weight of the keychain will damage the tumbler or whatever inside the key switch and that will make the car turn over slower.

I'm asking this because I think my starter is going bad on my 98. On cold mornings it will not turn over the first time, but does on the second time (only on mornings when engine is cold). So, I'm wondering if the big keychain could be the cause. BTW, my keychain has a Swiss army knife attached to it which weights about 2 - 3 lbs.

rooooooooofl a keychain messing up your ignition system? buwahhahhaha i got two lego's, 4 keys, one albersons card, and a rubics cube on my key =P

True

Sure if your carrying around dumbells on your key chain?

true

Serious now, no one has ever told you that? I heard it from a girl when I was in high school. Then a friend told me his mechanic told him that. And a few weeks ago at Jiffy Lube, the mechanic noticed my keychain and told me that same thing. I dunno...

better be safe then sorry

yep, the weight will mess up the tumbler, not to sure about effecting its starting performance though

Listen close on the first try to start, Keep the door open and listen for a click outside as you move key to the start position. If there is a click or it takes one or two tries with clicks and it starts, my guess is you have the classic Toyota starter problem.

As far a heavy keys ????

CW

heavy keys will damage your entire ignition cylinder. the weight will throw the entire thing off, and effectively make it useless.

OH YEAH...guess what kids...it's also a VERY expensive repair. we at the dealership LOVE people who have massive keychains...because we know they'll eventually be back for that little doozy.

i could find out an accurate price for you in the AM if you like.

ok, you've heard the same thing from 4 people now...at least 3 who know what they're talking about...and you're STILL questioning it?

right now, i see you as having two choices: a - remove the keychains and attach them to something else. the rearview mirror perhaps?

b - go ahead and let us know when you can't start the car anymore...and don't bitch about the price, because you've been warned.

good luck, and i hope you make the right choice.

truth. Although it could be an urban legend like pop rocks and soda....but I'm pretty sure it's true.

it is true that it will damage your key cylinder BUT its got nothing to do with your starter problem.
your starter prolly needs new set of contacts.

or like CraigW said, the starter may prob need to be replaced all together- my starter gave out when my 96 hit about 50k miles..very young indeed! (luckily it was still under warranty) its a common problem..so your not alone!

i was serious, how heavy is too heavy?

real question is, where can i still find pop rocks?

well...the lighter the better. seriously. the more weight you have hanging from your keys, the higher likelihood you have of having issues with it. personal example: i used to carry a lot of keychains...and my keys were really heavy. i was able to start my car with no problem, but before i smooshed up the car i noticed it getting harder and harder to turn the keys. i put 2 and 2 together on that one.

i just checked with one of our service writers on the cost for an ignition cylinder replacement...he estimated it was around $350 for an employee to get it done...meaning that at a toyota dealership, it would cost more than that for the average person.

he DID rattle that number off his memory of the last Prizm that came through...one of the employee's kids drives it.

now i ask you all who carry heavy keys...is it really worth that much money to carry a lot of stuff on your keys?

Thinking this is a classic mechanic "car problem" that they tell those less mechanically inclinded...

First off... my wife's car's ignition is crazy hard to get to turn and she has 3 keys and its a 97 saturn... my car 97 prizm and I have at least 20 keys and mine turns fine...

did she buy her car used?

Yes... from an old lady who never drove...

hmm...that's odd.

i can at least verify that there's a much higher likelihood of it happening when one carries a lot of keys. i can't say it'll happen to every car.