I'm in a '06 legacy and about a week ago, out of the blue, my key started getting "stuck." This is NOT a steering-wheel-is-locked-issue. The key slides in perfectly, but no matter how you wiggle it, or the steering wheel, it will only turn about 1 in every 6 tries. Once it turns once, it might turn perfectly 3 or 4 times before getting "stuck" again.

 

I've tried both keys, so it's not a key issue.

I've tried graphite - makes thing smoother but no luck.

If I leave the key IN the ignition, it continues to start perfectly.

At first it seemed to be doing if when I parked at an angle, but this morning I parked straight and still had the issue.

 

Is this the ignition cylinder? Worn tumblers? Or something electronic? Any help is appreciated! I'm past warranty, so I would be up to try anything before bringing it in to the dealership...

This happens. Need to change the cylinder. They have it at AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts.

Yep, tumbler has gone bad. Mine eventually got stuck in RUN and I couldn't turn the engine off...

Yep, tumbler has gone bad. Mine eventually got stuck in RUN and I couldn't turn the engine off...

 

That's when you pop the hood and pull a vacuum line and stall it out.

Thanks for the responses! I may have to dig up some tutorials for the cylinder replacement... Unfortunately AutoZone hasn't made it's way to Missoula, but I'll check around online.

 

I'm wondering how long I have before I'll be in a bad situation though.