Key won’t always fit into ignition

Ravinder · 25th November 2023, 13:01

Hi. I sometimes have an issue where the key doesn’t want to go into the ignition. I have to keep trying it several times. Sometimes, for several minutes! Any idea why this is and how I can fix this issue? Thanks.

Azur · 25th November 2023, 14:36

Solved here by using electronical contact spray. Has to be specific contact spray for electronics, not normal wd40 or so.

patrolman pete · 25th November 2023, 19:49

I had the same problem a few month ago. Previously the steering lock hadn't engaged for a few years and the key was just going in with no resistance. The problem I had with the key not going in felt like something was blocking the keys entrance.

I used a small amount of plus gas releasing oil on the key and worked it in and out. It still was binding a bit and I had to wiggle the steering wheel to get the key in. Now it's okay and the steering lock function has returned.

FrattonEnder · 27th November 2023, 15:30

A locksmith recommended to me to use a pencil on the blade of the key. This was for a household lock, but the principle is the same. The graphite from the pencil is a natural lubricant and, not being a liquid, won't pick up all the crud an oil would.
HB grade or softer - a 6H would be no good!

SteveThackery · 27th November 2023, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrattonEnder

A locksmith recommended to me to use a pencil on the blade of the key. This was for a household lock, but the principle is the same. The graphite from the pencil is a natural lubricant and, not being a liquid, won't pick up all the crud an oil would.
HB grade or softer - a 6H would be no good!

You can actually get graphite lock lubricant powder very cheaply:

Home Secure™ Graphite Powder Lubricant for High Security Cylinder Locks https://amzn.eu/d/c1ymiTg

That's what I would use - easier than making your own.

Ravinder · 27th November 2023, 18:55

Thanks, everyone. Will try one of these techniques.

25th November 2023, 13:01	#1
Ravinder This is my second home Rover 75 saloon x2, Rover 75 Tourer x2, Rover 220 Coupe Turbo Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kirkcaldy, Fife Posts: 9,038 Thanks: 2,278 Thanked 2,852 Times in 1,718 Posts	Key won’t always fit into ignition Hi. I sometimes have an issue where the key doesn’t want to go into the ignition. I have to keep trying it several times. Sometimes, for several minutes! Any idea why this is and how I can fix this issue? Thanks. __________________ Wanted - Indian bride. Cash waiting. (All sorted - bargain) First name and forum name: Ravinder Rover 75 2.0 CDT Connoisseur SE 116 (160 remap) Royal Blue (JFM) This vehicle was the 50,481st 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 2,238th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE to be made out of 3,775 This vehicle was the 5,002nd 75 in Royal Blue (code: JFM) to be made out of 14,420 Royal Blue 75s

25th November 2023, 14:36	#2
Azur Loves to post Rover 75 Saloon. 2,5 V6 Conn.SE auto, Moonstone green, White gold, Dorchester red Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Hollandscheveld Posts: 496 Thanks: 684 Thanked 280 Times in 117 Posts	Solved here by using electronical contact spray. Has to be specific contact spray for electronics, not normal wd40 or so. __________________

27th November 2023, 15:30	#4
FrattonEnder Avid contributor MG ZT Join Date: May 2020 Location: Gloucester Posts: 240 Thanks: 40 Thanked 47 Times in 28 Posts	A locksmith recommended to me to use a pencil on the blade of the key. This was for a household lock, but the principle is the same. The graphite from the pencil is a natural lubricant and, not being a liquid, won't pick up all the crud an oil would. HB grade or softer - a 6H would be no good! __________________ Serial Longbridge owner - Rover 213SE, Rover 216GTi, Rover 416 SLi, MG ZS 120+, MG ZT CDTi, MG ZT-T 190. Flies in the ointment - Ford Mondeo Mk4 CDTi Zetec, MINI Cooper 1.6

27th November 2023, 18:55	#6
Ravinder This is my second home Rover 75 saloon x2, Rover 75 Tourer x2, Rover 220 Coupe Turbo Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kirkcaldy, Fife Posts: 9,038 Thanks: 2,278 Thanked 2,852 Times in 1,718 Posts	Thanks, everyone. Will try one of these techniques. __________________ Wanted - Indian bride. Cash waiting. (All sorted - bargain) First name and forum name: Ravinder Rover 75 2.0 CDT Connoisseur SE 116 (160 remap) Royal Blue (JFM) This vehicle was the 50,481st 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 2,238th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE to be made out of 3,775 This vehicle was the 5,002nd 75 in Royal Blue (code: JFM) to be made out of 14,420 Royal Blue 75s

25th November 2023, 19:49	#3
patrolman pete Posted a thing or two Rover 75 club se tourer CDT and a Connoisseur SE Diesel Auto Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Houghton - le - Spring Posts: 1,436 Thanks: 618 Thanked 333 Times in 197 Posts	I had the same problem a few month ago. Previously the steering lock hadn't engaged for a few years and the key was just going in with no resistance. The problem I had with the key not going in felt like something was blocking the keys entrance. I used a small amount of plus gas releasing oil on the key and worked it in and out. It still was binding a bit and I had to wiggle the steering wheel to get the key in. Now it's okay and the steering lock function has returned.