[C1] Ignition Key Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 241
Likes: 9
From: Lynchburg VA
Ignition Key Problem
1961
Problem: With the key inserted, if the ignition is turned to LOCK, it will not unlock, even with the key in. I managed to insert a paperclip into the hole and wiggle it out of LOCK and to the OFF position. From there, I can either leave the key in, or remove it and proceed to start the car. I was able to, with the key and paper clip, turn the assembly all the way counter clockwise and remove the lock assembly. Without any disassembly if the mechanism, I cleaned it, lightly oiled it with white lithium grease, reinserted the assembly and, nothing. It still will not move out of LOCK even with the key inserted.
Any thoughts?
Problem: With the key inserted, if the ignition is turned to LOCK, it will not unlock, even with the key in. I managed to insert a paperclip into the hole and wiggle it out of LOCK and to the OFF position. From there, I can either leave the key in, or remove it and proceed to start the car. I was able to, with the key and paper clip, turn the assembly all the way counter clockwise and remove the lock assembly. Without any disassembly if the mechanism, I cleaned it, lightly oiled it with white lithium grease, reinserted the assembly and, nothing. It still will not move out of LOCK even with the key inserted.
Any thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
How worn is the key. ? After years of turning and hanging in the ignition they can wear to the point of intermittent failure...
I have to chide my wife sometimes when she puts so much crap on her keychain that she has 4 lbs of do-dads dangling from the ignition in my Tundra - its not a good idea.
I have to chide my wife sometimes when she puts so much crap on her keychain that she has 4 lbs of do-dads dangling from the ignition in my Tundra - its not a good idea.
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From: Western Massachusetts
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1961
Problem: With the key inserted, if the ignition is turned to LOCK, it will not unlock, even with the key in. I managed to insert a paperclip into the hole and wiggle it out of LOCK and to the OFF position. From there, I can either leave the key in, or remove it and proceed to start the car. I was able to, with the key and paper clip, turn the assembly all the way counter clockwise and remove the lock assembly. Without any disassembly if the mechanism, I cleaned it, lightly oiled it with white lithium grease, reinserted the assembly and, nothing. It still will not move out of LOCK even with the key inserted.
Any thoughts?
Problem: With the key inserted, if the ignition is turned to LOCK, it will not unlock, even with the key in. I managed to insert a paperclip into the hole and wiggle it out of LOCK and to the OFF position. From there, I can either leave the key in, or remove it and proceed to start the car. I was able to, with the key and paper clip, turn the assembly all the way counter clockwise and remove the lock assembly. Without any disassembly if the mechanism, I cleaned it, lightly oiled it with white lithium grease, reinserted the assembly and, nothing. It still will not move out of LOCK even with the key inserted.
Any thoughts?
2. More than likely a tumbler has hung up. A shot of WD40 often fixes it. Try that, it will hopefully dissolve the bird **** you have in there now.
3. Sometimes keys wear out, do you have another to try?
4. If the above does not work pull the cylinder and take it to a locksmith who will put it right.
Dan
Last edited by dplotkin; Apr 22, 2020 at 12:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 241
Likes: 9
From: Lynchburg VA
Upon closer inspection, and after a thorough cleaning and light application of WD40, I observed that the rectangular lock block which is supposed to retract when the key is fully inserted, does indeed retract, just not far enough. I took it to a locksmith and we cut a new key to factory specs and this still did not retract the locking block far enough. So, I went ahead and ordered another assembly with keys. When it gets here I will have my locksmith rekey it to the original so all locks work on the same key.
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
