Ignition Key Difficult to get in the lock.

[wixyw]

This has been happening off and on just recently, you can't push the key into the barrel, just solid won't go in, then keep trying and it goes in. The next time will be okay, but the problem returns randomly. Any ideas ?

Phil

[Roderick]

You could try rubbing a soft grade pencil tip up and down the key blade. It worked for me, as the graphite eases insertion.

[stevestrat]

Originally Posted by Roderick

the graphite eases insertion.

Oh Matron!

I used to have it where occasionally I couldn't turn the key unless I moved the steering wheel due to the steering lock being engaged, wonder if it could be similar here. Next time the key won't go in try moving the steering wheel.

[COLVERT]

The graphite is a good idea But------------It's probably the spring loaded tumblers that are sticking.

You need a liquid lubrication like WD 40 that will run down around the spring plungers and unstick them.--

[stevestrat]

Wouldn't advise WD40 as it can attract dirt and gum up a lock.

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by stevestrat

Wouldn't advise WD40 as it can attract dirt and gum up a lock.

I believe that WD info says the opposite and thin oil might gum up things a bit as WD 40 is supposed to clean them. The WD does seem to evaporate after a while though and leaves hardly a trace of it having been there.

Personally I have, over time, unstuck lots of things that have stayed un-stuck using WD 40.--The main thing to keep it off is anything with pure rubber in as opposed to synthetic stuff. Pure rubber swells up..--

Over here in France I have bought a couple of spray cans that appear to have a very light oil in them coupled with Graphite. The oil seems to almost vanish leaving a semi-dry lubricant in the exact place you want it to be. Might be on sale too in the UK.

[Bruno]

Much the same with me as I cant seem to get key in to my ignition of my 2002 V6 that had done 86K mls. Wondered if any thing to do with flashing red light on dash. I have disconnected the battery for 30 mins but no difference.Thanks for previous help. Bruno

[Rich in Vancouver]

I work as a locksmith (dont do cars though) and im not a big fan of WD40.
Its mostly solvent and leaves very little behind in the way of lubrication. It is very good for cleaning parts though.
I use a product called Tri-Flow which contains Teflon. It is amazing on any mechanical parts but I am not sure if it is available in the UK.
That said, with the electronics in modern car ignitions I am leery of squirting liquids straight into the lock. I would spray the key then insert it to try and get a small amount into the cylinder.
Not a big fan of graphite either as it is quite messy. A supplier once gave me a bag of white graphite powder and it worked well without staining everything it touched, but while driving home with the bag on the console it struck me that if I got pulled over by the police I would have a lot of explaining to do!