Key gets stuck sometimes..

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Dec 16, 2008 | 01:21 AM

Euclid

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Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 25

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From: Austin, TX

Key gets stuck sometimes..

Sometimes my key gets stuck in the ignition.
It just won't turn back all the way, like it gets stuck 1/4 turn too soon.
If I pull out the assembly and put it back in, works like a charm. Like twice.

Any ideas? Is this thing repairable or just replaceable?

Thanks

Dec 16, 2008 | 02:02 AM

ReAX

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Joined: May 2006

Posts: 10,007

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From: Central Florida

Since you are removing the cylinder, you may try hosing it down with wd40 or a silicone lube. Something that will get inside and grease it up. It's possible to get metal shavings and debris in the cylinder making them tough to move.

They are replacable, to do it right you need to go the dealer with your vin number. They can key a lock cylinder to your vin, so if you ever need another key it will match up to the vin.

Dec 16, 2008 | 02:19 AM

Euclid

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Austin, TX

What's a part like that run?
Worse comes to worse I'll just start taking the thing apart/lubing everything up.
Something is obviously catching, though. Maybe a tube of graphite will help things along.

Thanks

Dec 16, 2008 | 02:24 AM

ReAX

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Joined: May 2006

Posts: 10,007

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From: Central Florida

You want to be careful about what you use in the lock cylinder. Grease will hold trash against the moving parts and file down the teeth or the lifters in the cylinder. I've had friends use black graphite and copper shaving to destroy other peoples lock cylinders, it's a very mean trick.

The last one I bought was for a 89 F150 and it was $17 10 years ago. Depending on the year of your truck it could be a cheap part (say $20-40) or an expensive one (if you have PATS).

Dec 16, 2008 | 02:51 PM

biervergnugen

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Louisville, KY

Had that happen yesterday after getting home from work and once well over a year ago. At first I thought it was one of those, turn the wheel a bit and the lock will release but that was not the solution. In both cases, I restarted the truck, turned the wheel a bit, shut down and it came out fine.

It's not a problem, just character. Maybe it wanted to keep driving?.

Dec 16, 2008 | 06:07 PM

WeWonIt

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Joined: May 2003

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From: Mobile, AL

Quote:

Originally Posted by biervergnugen

It's not a problem, just character. Maybe it wanted to keep driving?.

Now that's a dedicated truck.

Dec 16, 2008 | 07:15 PM

Euclid

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Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 25

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From: Austin, TX

I pulled the ignition cylinder. It was COVERED in dirt/filth. Cleaned it up good with q-tips and alcohol then doused it in WD40.

I also cleaned all the shifter/insides while I had the console off.

Everything works like a champ now.