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Wife reports ignition key extremely hot!

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She says twice just recently (today) the key was very hot when she removed it from the ignition.

 

It was 105+ today but, a/c has been working and she didn't complain of any other symptoms.

 

anyone experience this? (search won't let me use 3 letter words - ugh)

I've noticed the key on my 96 is occasionally pretty warm, and the lock cylinder and surrounding area in the steering column gets warm.

 

Possible the ignition switch is getting warm due to excessive current draw. Do you have any extra electrical consumers like bigger stereo, GPS system, added on lights, etc. that might be pulling extra amperage when the key is on?

  • Author

no aftermarket accs.

 

I asked if someone hit a seat heater or similar.

 

I admit I personally haven't done any investigation - not sure what to look for.....

  • Author

no seat heater, headlight or mirror heater switches on.

 

she's gonna check in the morning - may have been enough residual heat in the steering column after sitting in the sun to warm-up the key significantly. it was around 106 today and the inside of a car could be like a medium well cooked steak!

I don't believe that such issue could be related to any current Draw,

 

because those keys only triggers Signals, for ECU / Relays Nowadays,

 

They doesn't handle too much voltage like in the Historic Gen of Cars,

 

Unless there is Something else... but there are no Smoke nor Odors...

 

... may have been enough residual heat in the steering column after sitting in the sun to warm-up the key significantly ...

 
Yes, and also if the key was under Direct Sunlight, it will get Warm,

 

the A/C vents are Not on the way of the Key.

 

Kind Regards.

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