What can I lube/adjust so its easier to turn my key when its cold outside? Works fine once it turns past the first click.
Ignition hard to turn when cold
- Thread starter 72RatCamaro
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Try powdered graphite- works good for me
There are two parts to this. one is the key tumbler. You can lube this directly with a dedicated product like a graphite powder.
The other part is the actual electrical switch. You have to remove the plastic surround from the steering column. You will then see that the key tumbler is connected to the electrical switch via a rod. I think one screw holds the electrical switch in place. You can remove the switch to see if it is binding. If so, you might be able to spray some lube into it.
Are you sure it's not an issue that your key is worn and is not making proper contact with the lock pins. Is it really hard to turn, or do you need to wiggle the key to get proper pin alignment, then it turns easily? If it's the pins, then you can take the key and tumbler into a locksmith and have him either make a new key or replace pins, or both...
The other part is the actual electrical switch. You have to remove the plastic surround from the steering column. You will then see that the key tumbler is connected to the electrical switch via a rod. I think one screw holds the electrical switch in place. You can remove the switch to see if it is binding. If so, you might be able to spray some lube into it.
Are you sure it's not an issue that your key is worn and is not making proper contact with the lock pins. Is it really hard to turn, or do you need to wiggle the key to get proper pin alignment, then it turns easily? If it's the pins, then you can take the key and tumbler into a locksmith and have him either make a new key or replace pins, or both...
- Thread starter
- #4
its hard to turn. Not needed to wiggle the key.....barely needs the key when its warm outside. This issue is only when its cold. I sprayed lube in the key hole
Mine has the same problem and when i do turn it, it will stay on and not want to return to on position
silicone lubricant works wonders on locks, its clean and doesnt attact dirt, so you don't have to worry about it fouling it up later. i used graphite on my 62's door locks for years and they always made grinding sounds and were sticky, shot a spray of silicone lube into them several years ago and it did wonders
If your key is heavily worn, I would suggest taking out the key lock in the door, one clip and it comes out in less than a minute, I had a locksmith recreate my keys w/ that and they all work great and was very inexpensive... easier than taking out the ignition tumbler to duplicate a key. IMHO
If your key is worn I would do that regardless of whether that solves your sticky problem.
If your key is worn I would do that regardless of whether that solves your sticky problem.
My problem is just weather related like -5* and my lgintion acts like it is all gummed up.(and my stearing wheel shakes)
I think I posted on this same subject a while back ('ill have to look for my own post) I have similar issue...as I recall teh locak smith said use WD40. Mine is hell to turn when it gets cold. Wonder if just new lock cylinder will solve the problem?
Wanted to chime in on this and see if there are any other suggestions. I've had what seems like similar trouble usually when it's really cold - I'll put the key in the ignition and it won't turn past accessory. I try to turn it but I'm afraid my key is going to break. I can tell this is going to happen because there is no beeping telling me my key is in there.
Recently the term "cold" has been harder to determine - used to be anything under freezing, a few days ago it was upper 40's and it wouldn't budge. Came back later in the day and it started up fine.
Recently the term "cold" has been harder to determine - used to be anything under freezing, a few days ago it was upper 40's and it wouldn't budge. Came back later in the day and it started up fine.
Try Tri-Flow-
and quite a bit of it. The local locksmith swears by the stuff. She says you can use it to
flush out old, sticky grease and it will actually do a good job of lubing things afterwards,
unlike WD-40.
I've had good luck with it on doors that were stiff when cold.
t
and quite a bit of it. The local locksmith swears by the stuff. She says you can use it to
flush out old, sticky grease and it will actually do a good job of lubing things afterwards,
unlike WD-40.
I've had good luck with it on doors that were stiff when cold.
t
rrv333
SILVER Star
Hate to hijack but T, where does one buy some Tri-flow?
