So my wife's car has a sticky ignition switch cylinder. When attempting to crank the car, the key won't always turn over the cylinder. You have to jiggle it a lot. Sometimes pulling the key out and turning it over, then sticking it back in tends to help. Either way, the key isn't lining up with the pins efficiently. What are my options to fix this? Its seems that the problem is getting worse and occurring more often. Is there a spray, maybe silicone, that I can spray into the lock mechanism to buy me some time? Should I try having a new key cut first or should I just bite the bullet and purchase a new key and ignition switch? Do I have to replace the entire ignition switch or can I just replace the cylinder? Any help would be appreciated.

8/17/2010 1:06:53 PM

The cheapest thing to try first would be graphite powder. Squirt a little in the cylinder, then insert the key in both directions a few times to get everything lubed up well. My guess is that won't do much. You might just have to replace both key and lock cylinder, though you might be able to get by with just the key (cut as a code key at a locksmith such as Marshall's on Poole Road) if your original key is significantly worn. Keep in mind that if the tumblers in the cylinder are worn, just the key might not do any good.

I'm assuming that the stock key is a transponder key; find aftermarket blanks online if you want to save money. If it's a laser cut key, I don't know if Marshall's can do those.

8/17/2010 2:49:01 PM

ok but in your experience i should be able to replace the cylinder instead of the whole ignition switch? i guess this means she would need both keys on her key ring, one for the doors and one for the ignition (in case the remote unlock doesn't work for the door).

8/17/2010 3:43:12 PM

I'd check with a good locksmith about getting a cylinder keyed to match the doors.

8/18/2010 11:16:41 AM

Yes you can replace the cylinder. Its actually called a "tumbler" and in most cases its kind of a pain in the ass. If you just jam the key in there and turn it with all your might you(sp) will end up fucking up the little sleaves inside of it.

8/18/2010 11:28:14 AM

dont force it and try the powder like zxappeal stated. ive had to replace them in a civic before. sucked.

i went here :
http://www.busseslocks.com/

[Edited on August 18, 2010 at 11:42 AM. Reason : .]

8/18/2010 11:42:08 AM

easy to change, easy for a real locksmith to key.

8/18/2010 1:40:00 PM

My wife's '06 Vue had this same issue, and the stealership just replaced the whole ignition switch...3 different times (all under warranty)

8/18/2010 4:39:57 PM