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We have had no issues with our ignition up to this point, and have followed all tips and tricks we have found in manual and online (hold left or right while jiggling key, manually double checking car is in park with release, multiple keys) but still key won’t switch out of off position. There is very little play in the steering wheel with a hard stop click in both direction, which indicates a security lock. I would prefer not to do an ignition rebuild (holiday weekend 500 ish with new key, and 350 after holiday) any tips or tricks? Happy 4th of July!
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WARNING: read the whole text I am not responsible for any damages or issues caused by these possible fixes. This is meant to just inform you of possible fixes to the issue. I have a trick but that depends if you want to fix it or just get the car running. You can take off the covers to the steering column and then pop off the tumblers that hold your key combination in them. This will make sure that your key will turn but in doing so, any key or screwdriver or anything really can turn the ignition. Keep in mind if you have a transponder key, the car still will not start. Another thing that you may want to do before the tumbler fix is go to the hardware store and get some graphite to lubricate the key hole. Do not use dw 40 or other products that are meant to unseized bolts or lubricate hinges or things like that. Graphite is specific for keys and the only thing safe on tumblers. Hope this helped.
Thanks for both suggestions, going to take the graphite route first as I do have a transponder key. Had questions about WD40 causing more problems than solving. Thanks again!
[quote=”joelmeister” post=169251]Thanks for both suggestions, going to take the graphite route first as I do have a transponder key. Had questions about WD40 causing more problems than solving. Thanks again![/quote] it will cause problems because it is a corrosive solution if if is left with metals for too long. because the tumblers are so precise in the space between them and the key as well as the walls of which they sit in that if any rust starts building up it will seize it in place. wd40 will work but only if you take the tumblers out and clean them right after leaving you with the same problem you started with in the long run. Graphite will not seize them and will actually make it easier for them to slide for a long time. You should be able to tell when they are lubricated as taking the key in and out will do the trick and the key will be easier to slide in and out. The way you do it is you pour the graphite on the key and then you stick in in the keyhole and take it in and out a couple of times adding it onto the key after a few times until it is near seamless going in and out. you can pour some directly to the keyhole as well if you would like. Once the key is able to turn, add some to the side of the key while it is in there and blow it in with the slightest bit of air (glasses recommended if you will be blowing in with your mouth so it wont go in your eye) to get more of the graphite in there to lubricate all components
[quote=”ElCrazy93″ post=169263][quote=”joelmeister” post=169251]Thanks for both suggestions, going to take the graphite route first as I do have a transponder key. Had questions about WD40 causing more problems than solving. Thanks again![/quote] it will cause problems because it is a corrosive solution if if is left with metals for too long. because the tumblers are so precise in the space between them and the key as well as the walls of which they sit in that if any rust starts building up it will seize it in place. wd40 will work but only if you take the tumblers out and clean them right after leaving you with the same problem you started with in the long run. Graphite will not seize them and will actually make it easier for them to slide for a long time. You should be able to tell when they are lubricated as taking the key in and out will do the trick and the key will be easier to slide in and out. The way you do it is you pour the graphite on the key and then you stick in in the keyhole and take it in and out a couple of times adding it onto the key after a few times until it is near seamless going in and out. you can pour some directly to the keyhole as well if you would like. Once the key is able to turn, add some to the side of the key while it is in there and blow it in with the slightest bit of air (glasses recommended if you will be blowing in with your mouth so it wont go in your eye) to get more of the graphite in there to lubricate all components[/quote] imagine tumblers like pistons in cars where the rings are non existent and the size of the piston is the same as what the rings would be. It is a really tight fit just to give you an idea
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