MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Chilli Girl on July 20, 2021, 21:11

Title: Ignition key.
Post by: Chilli Girl on July 20, 2021, 21:11
The last couple of days I've had difficulties getting the key out of the ignition when I park up.  I'll give the key a good clean first and see if that helps and perhaps a small squirt of WD afterwards.  Hoping this will solve the problem. :o Hope it's nothing more serious.  I will also try the spare key too.
Title: Re: Ignition key.
Post by: jonbill on July 20, 2021, 21:24
Too much cleaning.
Title: Re: Ignition key.
Post by: Chilli Girl on July 20, 2021, 21:31
She's just not used to it, is she @jonbill? ;)
Title: Re: Ignition key.
Post by: jonbill on July 20, 2021, 21:35
treat 'em mean to keep 'em keen 😜
Title: Re: Ignition key.
Post by: Joesson on July 20, 2021, 21:46
Quote from: Chilli Girl on July 20, 2021, 21:11The last couple of days I've had difficulties getting the key out of the ignition when I park up.  I'll give the key a good clean first and see if that helps and perhaps a small squirt of WD afterwards.  Hoping this will solve the problem. :o Hope it's nothing more serious.  I will also try the spare key too.


In the distant past I recall a similar problem with one of my Company cars. A jiggle of the steering wheel released the key.
Title: Re: Ignition key.
Post by: Topdownman on July 21, 2021, 07:13
I would think a light metal polish would help the key slip in and out. I dont like to put anything oily in locks in case that attracts dirt leading to wear. I have used pencil lead (graphite) in the past, just rub the tip of a pencil on the key before putting it in.

Title: Re: Ignition key.
Post by: Carolyn on July 21, 2021, 08:49
Quote from: Topdownman on July 21, 2021, 07:13I would think a light metal polish would help the key slip in and out. I dont like to put anything oily in locks in case that attracts dirt leading to wear. I have used pencil lead (graphite) in the past, just rub the tip of a pencil on the key before putting it in.



Yep - graphite is the stuff for locks. I have a small bottle of powdered graphite I(readily available), as used by locksmiths.

Oil and locks do not go well together over time.
Title: Re: Ignition key.
Post by: Chilli Girl on July 21, 2021, 10:30
Used the spare key this morning, no problem so will sort the other key tonight. Thanks for your advice on this. ;D