I have a '98 STS. I've had few problems with my STS, but fairly often, after a drive of as short as 6 or so miles, day or night, winter or summer, I take out the key when I arrive home and the end of the key's pretty hot, about 140 degrees F.

Is this a result of:
an illumination lamp for the lock,
proximity to the powerful stereo system, or
electrical resistance from an impending igntion switch/lock problem

Please tell me what you can.

Hello Res STS,


New hear to the forum and have been doing more reading instead of replying so as not to annoy people and in the process make myself seem any more stupid than I already am:)

When I came across your post I decided to reply because I have the same "problem". Hasn't been an issue other than it sure feels hot in my hand when I grab the keys:lildevil:

I don't know if using the Valet key matters. My car was a repo, so no fobs or "regular" keys when I got the car. Other than some scratches on the paint and the dreaded burnt out 3rd brake light she runs like a champ.

Glad I'm not the only one with hot hands after driving. Would love to know the reason though.

98 STS

I've never had that problem with my 2000 STS, so something must be up with your lock cylinders!