'97 Sebring Convertible Replace Ignition lock cylinder w/o key

Tim, sounds like tumblers in ignition may be sticking or your keys cut worn out, put key in ignition and hit end of key sharply/some force with a small hammer, wrench, screw driver handle what ever you have, try turning key.
If this dose not do it call a good locksmith, they are cheape then the dealer.
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1999 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Ignition Coil in ...

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Jan 31, 2011 - Uploaded by syyenergy7
Ignition Coil in Gen I distributor, Chrysler Sebring convertible. ... I have a 1997 Sebring Convertible and it has the 2.5v6. .....Some reason I thought this was about replacing the cam position sensor, now I realize it's actually the ...

take center of steering wheel off,access the star screw through a hole in the wheel to remove mechanism

I think a dealer can help you get another key made. If not, you have to drill and break out the lock cylinder until it can be removed. It is a messy job and some of them have a piece of titanium in them to prevent drilling, that is where the breaking part may come into play.

A key code is stamped on the lock cylinder to aid in replacing lost keys.

Cirrus, Stratus, Sebring Convertible and Breeze CAUTION
The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before working around the steering column. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bags, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Disarm the air bag system, as described in Scetion 6.
2. Remove the upper steering column shroud.
3. Pull down the lower steering column shroud enough to access the lock cylinder retaining tab.
4. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position.
5. Insert a small prying tool into the tab access hole and depress the tab. Fig. 1: Depress the retaining tab and remove the lock cylinder
   
   
6. Pull the ignition lock cylinder from the steering column. To install:
   
7. With the ignition key in the lock cylinder, turn the key to the RUN position. Depress the lock cylinder retaining tab. Fig. 2: The shaft at the end of the ignition lock cylinder lines up to the socket at the end of the lock cylinder housing
   
   
8. The shaft at the end of the ignition lock cylinder lines up to the socket at the end of the lock cylinder housing. The socket must be in the RUN position for the socket and lock cylinder to line up.
9. Line up the lock cylinder to the grooves in the lock cylinder housing. Insert the ignition lock cylinder into the housing until the retaining tab sticks through the opening in the housing.
10. Lightly pull on the ignition lock to make sure it has engaged the retaining tab.
11. Turn the key to the OFF position. Remove the ignition key.
12. Install the steering column covers.
13. Arm the air bag system, as described in Section 6.

Sebring Coupe and Avenger NOTE: For information on removing/installing the Ignition Lock Cylinder, refer to the Ignition Switch removal and installation procedure, earlier in this section.

The tumblers inside the key lock cylinder has jambed up causing this to happen. The only remendy is to replace the key lock cylinder

THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS TO BE IN THE START POSITION.INSERT 1/16 INCH ALLEN WRENCH PRESS THE LOCK CYLINDER RELEASE PIN AND ROTATE THE KEY TO THE RUN POSITION.AND PULL THE LOCK CYLINDER OUT.WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW CYLINDER ALIGN THE RETAINER SLOT IN THE HOUSING THEN PUSH THE CYLINDER IN UNTIL IT SNAPS IN POSITION.

This is for the ignition switch like you are asking for:

Ignition Switch REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Cirrus, Stratus, Sebring Convertible and Breeze CAUTION
The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before working around the steering column. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bags, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Disarm the air bag system, as described in Section 6.
2. Remove the left end instrument panel cover/fuse panel and remove the retaining screw holding the end of the instrument panel top cover.
3. Remove the instrument panel center bezel.
4. Remove the screws that secure the instrument panel top cover to the center of the instrument panel.
5. Lift the instrument panel top cover enough to gain access to the knee bolster attaching screws.
6. Remove the lower knee bolster attaching screws and knee bolster from the vehicle.
7. Remove the lower steering column cover attaching screws. Pull down on the lower cover to clear the ignition key cylinder and key release (if equipped).
8. Remove the lower steering column cover, sliding the cover forward while holding down the steering wheel tilt lever.
9. Tilt the steering wheel down to the fully lowered position and remove the upper steering column cover.
10. Remove the screws that hold the combination switch to the ignition lock housing.
11. Place the ignition lock cylinder in the RUN position.
12. Insert a small prying tool into the hole in the lower cover and depress the cylinder release tab.
13. Remove the ignition lock cylinder from the steering column.
14. Unfasten the electrical connectors from the switch.
15. Using a No. 10 Torx® bit, remove the ignition switch mounting screw.
16. Depress the retaining tabs and remove the switch. To install:
    
17. Place the ignition switch in the RUN position. Be sure the actuator shaft in the lock housing is also in the RUN position.
18. Install the switch, making sure the switch snaps over the retaining tabs.
19. Install the retaining screw.
20. Connect the wiring to the ignition switch.
21. Install the ignition lock cylinder.
22. Install the 2 combination switch mounting screws.
23. Install the lower and upper shrouds.
24. Install the knee bolster to the lower dashboard panel and tighten the lower knee bolster attaching screws.
25. Install the screws that secure the instrument panel top cover to the center of the instrument panel.
26. Install the instrument panel center bezel.
27. Install and tighten the screw holding the end of the instrument panel top cover. Install the left side instrument panel/fuse panel cover.

More coming.....

this is for 98, but may apply if yours is late 97 build.

Article No.
98-21-14

• IGNITION SWITCH - HIGH EFFORT IGNITION KEY INSERTION/REMOVAL AND/OR KEY CHIMES SOUND WITH DOOR OPEN AND IGNITION KEY REMOVED

Publication Date: OCTOBER 15, 1998
FORD: 1998 CONTOUR LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1998 MYSTIQUE
1999 COUGAR
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include the 1999 Cougar . ISSUE: The ignition key may be difficult to insert or remove and/or key chimes may sound with the ignition key removed and driver's door open on some vehicles. This may be caused by internal design characteristics in the ignition lock cylinder increasing insertion/removal efforts which may allow the lock cylinder to stick.
ACTION: Install a revised ignition lock cylinder. The revised ignition lock cylinder should reduce the possibility of high insertion/removal efforts and ensure proper chime function. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer concern.
2. Observe the ignition lock cylinder as the key is removed. If the lock cylinder snaps outward to the non-depressed position and the chimes stop sounding, continue to Step 3. If it does not snap outward, replace the ignition lock cylinder with the appropriate cylinder by referring to the Parts Block in this article.
3. Insert and remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder. If binding or high efforts are encountered, replace the ignition lock cylinder.
4. From the Parts Block, select a lock cylinder with a part number suffix identical to the center character of the key code of the vehicle. The suffix must match the center key code character to maintain a single key system.
5. Install the replacement lock cylinder, by referring to the 1998 Contour/Mystique Workshop Manual, Section 211-05 or the 1999 Cougar Workshop Manual, Section 211-04. NOTE: KEYS INCLUDED WITH NEW IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS ARE CUT FOR THE IGNITION ONLY. IN ORDER FOR THE KEYS TO FUNCTION IN THE DOOR LOCKS, THE KEYS MUST BE CUT TO THE DOOR CODE OF THE ORIGINAL LOCKSET. THE KEY CODE WILL CHANGE UPON INSTALLATION OF THE REPLACEMENT LOCK CYLINDER (FIGURE 1).
   
   
   Figure 1 - Article 98-21-14
   
   NOTE: ADVISE THE CUSTOMER TO DISCARD ALL KEYS THAT WERE CUT TO THE ORIGINAL IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER.
   
6. Record the new key code on the repair order and provide to the customer. Advise the customer to record the new key code in a permanent location and to discard all references to the original key code. NOTE: REPLACEMENT IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS ARE SHIPPED WITH NON-PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) KEYS. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PATS, OBTAIN TWO (2) ROTUNDA KEY BLANKS (OR OTHER FORD AUTHORIZED BLANKS, SUCH AS: ILCO, STRATTEC, CURTIS, HUF, OR VALEO) AND CUT TO THE REVISED KEY CODE. USE OF OTHER UNAUTHORIZED KEYS MAY CAUSE ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE PATS SYSTEM.
   
7. Program PATS keys using one of the two following methods:
   

(1) For vehicles with Integrated PATS (IPATS), function built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and built beginning:

• 2/2/98 Kansas City (Contour/Mystique)
• 2/16/98 Mexico (Contour/Mystique)
• All 1999 Cougars

Using the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester equipped with Service card (green) level 3.0 or higher:

1. From NGS menu, select:
   • Service Bay Functions
   • PCM
   • Enter Security Access (10 minute delay)
   • Ignition Key-Code-Erase
2. Disconnect Data Link Connector (DLC).
3. Cycle the first non-programmed key in the ignition to run position for at least 3 seconds and then turn to the off position.
4. Cycle the second non-programmed key in the ignition to run position. The theft indicator should prove out for 3 seconds.
5. Verify the vehicle will now start using both keys.
   

(2) For Contours/Mystiques with Stand Alone PATS and built before:

• 2/2/98 Kansas City
• 2/16/98 Mexico

Using the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester equipped with Service card (green) level 1.0 or higher:

1. From NGS menu, select:
   • Service Bay Functions
   • PATS
   • Ignition Key-Code-Erase (this process may take up to 8 minutes to complete )
2. Disconnect DLC.
3. Cycle first unprogrammed key in the ignition to run position. First key will program and allow vehicle to start.
4. Again cycle first programmed key to run position. Within 15 seconds, remove original key and turn new unprogrammed key to run position. The theft indicator should prove out for 2 seconds. New key will start vehicle.
5. Repeat this process for additional key programming. NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE NOTED FOR THE PART NUMBER BLOCK:
   • Part Number suffix will match center character in key code
   • Logo on key is Ford for Contour models
   • Logo on key is Mercury for Mystique and Cougar models
   
   

PART NUMBER PART NAME F5RZ-11582-A Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-B Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-C Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-D Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-E Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RY-11582-A Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-B Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-C Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-D Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-E Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar