Physically hard to turn key when cold?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 408
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From: Curwensville,PA
Physically hard to turn key when cold?
hi guys i have a 91 f150 with the 300. 248,000 miles. i have noticed for a while now that the colder it is the harder it is for me to physically turn my key over, i mean i really have to put some pressure on this thing in temps below 20, during the summer and spring months the key will crank over like normal
is this just what an old ignition acts like?
thanks
is this just what an old ignition acts like?
thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
You probably have excessive dirt/crud build up in the ignition mechanism.
I'd recommend not only removing and cleaning the key cylinder, but also stripping down the column to clean the actuator. One or both could be causing the problem, and if it's the actuator, you're gonna need to remove the key cylinder to clean it anyway.
I'd recommend not only removing and cleaning the key cylinder, but also stripping down the column to clean the actuator. One or both could be causing the problem, and if it's the actuator, you're gonna need to remove the key cylinder to clean it anyway.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
From: Carthage, MO
You'll have to forgive me, it's been a few years and the details are fuzzy. But I broke something in my column one cold morning. I think it was the "lower actuator" or…honestly I don't remember. It was a plastic piece. My point is, you should think about replacing everything you can while you're in there. Breaking that piece did leave me stranded that morning.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Booneville, Missouri
Ignition Key hard to turn
hi guys i have a 91 f150 with the 300. 248,000 miles. i have noticed for a while now that the colder it is the harder it is for me to physically turn my key over, i mean i really have to put some pressure on this thing in temps below 20, during the summer and spring months the key will crank over like normal
is this just what an old ignition acts like?
thanks
is this just what an old ignition acts like?
thanks
Try some graphite powder.
On the outside (door key) when there is ice on the truck I use a lighter on the key and it will penetrate easily. I have been told that WD-40 or something liquid is a no no.
Take care and good luck!
Boon
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