Ignition Switch Lubricant
 

I had read with interest the thread on WD-40 not being a lubricant. I need to lubricate the ignition switch on the steering column where the key inserts. In this thread some suggested white lithium grease. I also have some of the dry graphite powder. What do you use to lube? White lithium would be fine but do not want to gum it up or use something I should'nt. Also what should be used on the door locks?

Scott

Dry graphite only on locks.

> What do you use to lube?

If the lock is trouble free - nothing. Especially for door locks.

If it is sticking, silicon spray. If that does not help, PB Blaster while working the key in and out and turning the lock. If it is an igintion lock I replace it ASAP. A sticking ign lock cyl. is a worn one and besides getting stuck somewhere, it can cause a fire.

Can you please explain that?

I see no reason how it could start a fire, unless your wiring is severly fubar'd...


I used dilectric grease, but only a tiny bit on the end of the keys (dont want to attract dirt)

~Nate

Any oil or grease like dielectric grease, no matter how little, will attract dirt and dust that jam up the works. Do not use anything but graphite on locks. There are "liquid graphite" solutions that are just dry graphite in a solvent carrier that flashes off quickly that can be used.

Many newer Ford ignition locks come apart internally and the only cure for those "sticking locks" is replacement. -Planned obsolescence junk...

By hanging up just off the contact enough that it arcs across, heats up and melts down the switch. This was an actual Ford recall on the 80's trucks. I have seen firsthand what happens when the ignition switch fails, my boss, truck trailer and load of hay were turned into scrap metal burned clean. Working at the dealership, I got to replace melted down switches...

Clean out the switch with some compressed air followed by carb cleaner. Then a very very small amount of spray white lithium grease. Dad has been doing it that way since the 60's, when some dipstick tried raking his ignition switch with a similar key and snapped it off inside we looked while replacing it, still shiny and brand new looking. Never had it get sticky, hang up, or anything.

Yep, more then a few Fords have been turned to smoldering scrap metal by a bad ign. switch. I still think one of the biggest problems are people hanging 5 pounds of keys off a key ring.