Key Very Difficult to Turn

Thanks

 

No problem - least I can do after mentioning Tim Hortons in a different thread LOL

EDIT - it doesn't take much ... and if you find that stuff, it's not cheap.

 

Is there a chance the key is worn down enough to be causing this problem.

 

I'd agree with the spraying of WD 40 first. You're probably pretty gunky after a few years. Dirt, moisture, sweat, dust, dry skin- all that crap gunks up a lock pretty well. Hell, dust from your pockets, etc... sticking to your keys gets stuck in the cylinder. Give it a good cleaning, then graphite after it's dried a day or so so you don't create a mud in there. Be sure to put down a towel on your floor mat and watch your pant leg when you're driving! I'd spray after a day's use and let it sit overnight. It made a big difference on my 06 last year when the locksmith had to unlock my truck and make a key for me. Again, I'd also check the key for burrs, bends, or heavily worn areas.

I hope our advice has been working for you!

 

Yeah , so after finding where my wife had stashed the spare key I haven't used in 6 years , I think there may be a pretty good case that my key is the issue , the entire end of it is worn down to nothing compared to the spare

Everyday key on the left , unused spare on the right

 

yes, I am. The mechanics of the actual lock cylinder although connected to the electrical switch. Does not "leak" into the electric components. I did not say flood the keyway, I said use a couple of short bursts. Won't hurt it a bit. WD-40 is excellent in the door keyway as well. Displaces moisture and keeps it from freezing. And I'm not the only one saying it: https://www.google.com/webhp?source...2&ie=UTF-8#q=pb blaster in an ignition switch

 

wow thats really unbelievable OZ. That's got to have an effect.

 

Think of how much of that worn down key is deposited into your lock! That's a lot of shaved metal.

 

Just did the oz. my truck has 35k on it. It only came with 1 key and fob. I bought a 2nd key a few weeks ago from dealer and there was a very noticeable difference starting truck with the new key. I use dry graphite on locks. Wd40 is a penetrate not a real lube.

 

Mine looks the same maybe a little worse. When I use the spare key to move my truck when I'm too lazy to find my normal key it feels notchy in the ignition and the door lock.

It's crazy how much it gets worn down little by little

 

It looks like the grey valet key which is cut differently. I know my grey valet key worked poorly after some wear I would try the factory black ones, that solved my problem.

 

Not the valet key , it's just faded

 

OK , so just an update . I've been using what was the spare key for almost 3 weeks now and not a single issue with the ignition whereas before with the worn key it was at least once every couple days

So key it is

 

Glad it was a simple thing! I'm wondering though if maybe you should consider spraying the ignition out with some Wd40. If the key was worn down that much then there's probably a lot of shaved metal in there from the key itself.

 

Yes. If you live in a freezing climate it won't gum up and cause problems. It's an incredibly fine powder. Any auto parts store sells little toothpaste like tubes. Put it in the lock hole and give a squeeze, don't have to be a huge squeeze. Then put the key in and work it back and forth, turning the key also.

 

Talked to my mechanic he said not to worry about it

 

I've had a similar issue with worn keys and these newer ignition locks being quite sensitive . Seems the key wears pretty easily vs the locks wearing - which is a good thing . Last time it got sticky I broke that key , but it had been bent from keeping it in my pocket at work - see posts in the "all-in-one" key thread . Since the key had been straightened several times the stress caused it to break off in the ignition - cost me a really expensive pair of fine electronics pliers made in Germany to get it out too . I had used those damned hard to find pliers to remove air bleeder jets in Webers and nothing else , yanking on that remaining piece of key destroyed them but I got it out . So , lesson learned - keep an eye on worn keys and the graphite is a great idea , especially LPS as it doesn't wash out , go away or gum up anything over time . Might just help prevent key wear in the long run .
Sarge