01 Outback. 3 Q's: Key not turning, noise in front right when turning, hard 1st shift

[2001Outback]

Need some help. 2001 Outback 108K miles Auto transmission 4 cyl.

3 problems I need help with.

1. This one is weird. when starting the car, sometimes we cant turn the key to start the car. We have tried both keys, so unless both of our keys have problems, its something else. Basically you go to turn the key to start the car, and it wont turn at all. Have to shake the steering wheel back for forth, remove and reinsert key several times to get the key to turn... Any ideas?

2. when driving slow (like in a parking lot) and turning hard to the right (like pulling into a spot) there is sometimes a clicking/popping noise which sounds like it is coming from the front passenger side...something in the steering or suspension?

3. This seems to mostly happen when it is cold outside. after pulling out of the driveway in the morning, this very first shift is sometimes very hard and abrupt. after that 1st shift it usually does not do it. but when its cold it has a really hard first shift...any ideas? I have checked the auto trans fluid level and it is fine... so should I be worried? also, i was thinking about just changing the fluid anyway, what auto trans fluid filter do u guys usually get?

I would really appreciate some help

[RedRotors]

2. inspect CV joints (look for torn boot, grease trails), sounds like you have a bad one.

3. changing the fluid is a good start. If you DYI be aware you will only be draining about a third of the fluid so it will not be a complete change. Check your owners manual but it probably calls for a Dexron III fluid.

1. Could be a balky / going bad ignition switch or interlock mechanism. Some lock lube (graphite) may help but 50/50 on that. How many other keys and/or doodads (remotes, fobs, baubles etc.) hang with your ignition key? Quick way to ruin an ignition switch is to hang a pound of other stuff from it for a few years.

[airlia101]

I quickly learned that my master key is sometimes a pain in both the ignition and the trunk. The clones work fine, but the master has to be put all the way in, and then retracted just slightly to turn freely (getting worn). It became second nature in about a month. Also, you cannot turn the ignition if the wheel is turned completely left or right; a half-turn back toward center alleviates this. Forget where, but I think the manual mentions that. It's a quirk.

[2001Outback]

Originally Posted by RedRotors

2. inspect CV joints (look for torn boot, grease trails), sounds like you have a bad one.

3. changing the fluid is a good start. If you DYI be aware you will only be draining about a third of the fluid so it will not be a complete change. Check your owners manual but it probably calls for a Dexron III fluid.

1. Could be a balky / going bad ignition switch or interlock mechanism. Some lock lube (graphite) may help but 50/50 on that. How many other keys and/or doodads (remotes, fobs, baubles etc.) hang with your ignition key? Quick way to ruin an ignition switch is to hang a pound of other stuff from it for a few years.

thanks guys. what do you suggest i try for my first question on the key not wanting to turn. It is both keys that we have, so i dont think it is the key...
dont have much weight on the key ring

[2001Outback]

anyone else or anymore suggestions on question 1 or 3?