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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 01:51 PM
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Default Trunk key

The trunk release key on my '06 convertible suddenly won't go into the cylinder. Something is preventing the key from going more than 1/3 of the way in. I've sprayed WD40 into it but it hasn't helped yet! It was working fine in the past! Any suggestions? Where can I purchase a just a replacement cylinder or do I have to purchase cable and all?
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 01:56 PM
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Try some compressed air
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by budgreen3564
Try some compressed air
Thanks, I'll give it a try!
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 02:39 PM
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Because of the car's airflow, lots of dirt and crap collects at the rear. More than likely, dirt is preventing the key from going in all the way. More common than you'd think.
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 03:05 PM
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Use a heavy rag or towel folded up underneath the lock to protect the paint and catch the outflow.

Use WD40 as a "flooding stream", continuous for seconds at a time to soften and force the debris out of the cylinder. May take awhile.
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 08:02 PM
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Have you tried wiggling the key and pushing a bit harder?

I test both keys once per year, the first one is usually rather difficult to insert and equally difficult to turn. One that's done, the other key goes in and turns much easier.
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 08:21 PM
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A little KY Jelly oughta git 'er done!
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by RadarP3C
Because of the car's airflow, lots of dirt and crap collects at the rear. More than likely, dirt is preventing the key from going in all the way. More common than you'd think.
Ditto, with the amount of dust that get inside the rear bumper cover, not only can the lock get packed with debris, but the hatch switch button next to it as well.
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 11:16 PM
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You would think the lock would have that spring loaded cover like most car doors have to keep dirt from getting into the cylinder.
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 11:21 PM
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I put a piece of tape over the keyhole to cut down the amount of dirt that gets in...peel the tape, test the key and put the tape back.
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 11:21 PM
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What I did was take duck tape cut circle of quarter and covered the key cylinder from dirt!
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Old Dec 20, 2015 | 12:04 AM
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Originally Posted by mpuzach
A little KY Jelly oughta git 'er done!
Oh, baby...
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Old Dec 20, 2015 | 12:24 AM
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Originally Posted by 1bdvet
What I did was take duck tape cut circle of quarter and covered the key cylinder from dirt!
That, sir, is what most people would call a smart use of a quarter!

Now, I'm trying to see if , , or is the best.


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Old Dec 20, 2015 | 07:02 AM
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I am a big fan of WD 40 and I use it all the time, but I read somewhere not to use WD 40 inside of locks. The residue left by the product is the cause for dirt and "gunk" build up because of the oily nature. The same article suggested using nothing but graphite in the lock and working with it that way.

Last edited by zras01; Dec 20, 2015 at 09:55 PM.
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Old Dec 20, 2015 | 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by zras01
I am a big fan of WD 40 and I use it all the time, but I read somewhere not to use WD 40 inside of locks. The residue left by the product is the cause for dirt and "gunk" build up because of the oily nature. The same article suggested using nothing but graphic in the lock and working with it that way.
Yes, I was thinking the same thing. A little graphite is best, but probably hard to get in the hole that's "upside down". Have to figure out how to do that (probably put the powder on the key first, then insert), and I also realized that I haven't tried my key in about 3 years. Need to do so. And the suggestion about covering the hole with tape is a good one.
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Old Dec 20, 2015 | 01:15 PM
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+1 The trick of a circular tape overlay. Awesome idea.
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Old Dec 20, 2015 | 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Kenny94945
+1 The trick of a circular tape overlay. Awesome idea.
Doing mine today. Fresh roll of Gorilla Tape on hand.

Great recommendation. THANKS.
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