For about the past year I have had to jiggle my key in the ignition quite a bit to get it to turn. Yesterday, in an attempt to finally solve the problem, I applied WD-40 to my key and the ignition. After waiting about 20 minutes I went to turn the key and now I can not get it to turn far enough to start the car at all no matter how much I try to jiggle it. Can someone give me an idea of what might be the problem here before I hand over my credit card to a mechanic. ie. is there something maybe I could insert into the ignition to counteract the WD-40 maybe?
2007-04-10 03:16:50 · 6 answers · asked by buckbucknumber2000 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This happened to me once,I avoided replacing the key because I just couldn't afford to replace it with a dealer,they quoted me over £100! The key finally snapped in the ignition. With a bit of effort and a lot of luck I managed to retrieve the broken bit. In despair I went to my local Timpsons who have a key cutting service.The guy just clamped the two halves together and cut me a new key-in 5 minutes-for £5! It worked perfectly,RESULT!
2007-04-10 03:31:23 · answer #1 · answered by New Boots. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your key is worn to the point that it doesn't operate the lock as it should. Does the key unlock the doors properly? If it does, you probably need the ignition lock replaced. If you're having trouble with the door locks too, take your key to a locksmith and tell him your problem. Ask him to cut a new key to original specs which will compensate for the wear to the key. If the new key doesn't work, then off to the mechanic you go, and have your ignition lock replaced.
2007-04-10 03:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by Ron B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your car is ten years old. Depending on the mileage and how much weight is on your key ring will determine how much the tumblers inside the ignition switch are worn. I suggest that you get another switch ( with a new key) and use it without a lot of unnecessary junk on your key ring. You can probably replace the switch yourself.
2007-04-10 03:24:42 · answer #3 · answered by afewideas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WD40 had nothing to do with it. However you might want to look at a new key(get it freshly cut) and try that. Go to the dealer and they will cut a brand new one for that car(but they have to see the car to read the VIN.
2007-04-10 03:23:40 · answer #4 · answered by ButwhatdoIno? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elecric contact cleaner from radio shack.
It will clean the tumblers, and won't hurt anything. Unlike carburator, or brake cleaner which will ruin plastics and stuff.
2007-04-10 03:26:23 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it wasnt the wd40 that caused it.i would say its about time for a new switch.
2007-04-10 05:36:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋