Ignition/Keyhole Locked or Froze Up

[Zdubz1993]

Parked my 92 EX one day, and basically it seems like the ignition locked up for some reason. None of my keys are able to turn whatsoever. Not to accessory, not to run, not to start... not at all.

I thought it may be due to the steering wheel but after being able to lock and unlock that i still am having no luck turning a key more than like an 1'8th inch, just enough to feel that it's not going anywhere. I put some graphite lube on my key, and used some Dupont non stick non residual lubricant into the keyhole/cavity, and can't get anything to budge.

Anyone know of a related thread or have any tips? The car has been daily driven for almost 3 years, never had that problem, used to turn like butter.

[Raf99]

Parked my 92 EX one day, and basically it seems like the ignition locked up for some reason. None of my keys are able to turn whatsoever. Not to accessory, not to run, not to start... not at all.

I thought it may be due to the steering wheel but after being able to lock and unlock that i still am having no luck turning a key more than like an 1'8th inch, just enough to feel that it's not going anywhere. I put some graphite lube on my key, and used some Dupont non stick non residual lubricant into the keyhole/cavity, and can't get anything to budge.

Anyone know of a related thread or have any tips? The car has been daily driven for almost 3 years, never had that problem, used to turn like butter.

Sorry, no tips. If you have another key I'd try it. But obviously the tumblers are stuck due to old age. I'd spray some WD-40 in there and I'd also try a very small screwdriver to get the tumblers to come loose. But even if you got them un-stuck it will happen again (old age). Time to replace the unit I'd say, or at least take it out, inspect and clean it.

[Crankshaft]

Parked my 92 EX one day, and basically it seems like the ignition locked up for some reason. None of my keys are able to turn whatsoever. Not to accessory, not to run, not to start... not at all.

I thought it may be due to the steering wheel but after being able to lock and unlock that i still am having no luck turning a key more than like an 1'8th inch, just enough to feel that it's not going anywhere. I put some graphite lube on my key, and used some Dupont non stick non residual lubricant into the keyhole/cavity, and can't get anything to budge.

Anyone know of a related thread or have any tips? The car has been daily driven for almost 3 years, never had that problem, used to turn like butter.

Please do not use WD-40, try Silicone Spray. WD-40 will attract dirt and Spray silicone is a dry lubricant, Birchwood casey gun spray i have used in key locks multiple times with outstanding results.

[Raf99]

Please do not use WD-40, try Silicone Spray. WD-40 will attract dirt and Spray silicone is a dry lubricant, Birchwood casey gun spray i have used in key locks multiple times with outstanding results.

Ya, what he said

[Fleetw00d]

Something get in it that is preventing the keys from inserting completely?

[Zdubz1993]

Alright, I have some silicone based lubricant for firearms that I can try. No, there's nothing preventing the key from going all the way in. My wife of all people was able to fire it up once but since then I havent had any luck with it whatsoever.

It has been between -30F to 15F since this problem occurred, but this car's been a champ through a few -40F winters already... So maybe it's a combination of age/cold or maybe it was inevitable. Cars in a 30F garage right now.

If I can't get it to work, does anyone know everything that will need to be replaced? Just the ignition/keyhole or is there more?

[Rilas]

Just the ignition cylinder should have to be replaced.

[Raf99]

Stupid Q, if one replaced the ignition lock can you have it "programmed" to your old key?

[Fleetw00d]

Stupid Q, if one replaced the ignition lock can you have it "programmed" to your old key?

A locksmith should be able to do that (before you install it).

[GhettoGreencb7]

Can anyone could helpout with ignition switch replacement? Same car but hotwired

[Zdubz1993]

Keys still not budging. Definitely gonna dig into her and replace a few things. I've never installed an auto-start on any vehicle, but I get the feeling that if I'm replacing the ignition cylinder it may just be an opportune time to do so because I may already have some obstacles removed. Anyone have a link to an ignition cylinder replacement thread or an auto-start thread?

[Ralphie]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=180&page=1

[Duner]

This may not work but it does on some cars some times. Have someone wiggle a front tire left to right wile some one works the key.

[Size9zombie]

Try this, insert key (im assuming uve tried to jiggle it around while tring to turn it) once the key is inserted, with your palm, smack the end of the key to try and force the tumblers to release. Dont hit it hars enough to break it, just stiff enough to make the tumblers let go. Also graphite is a bad idea, it may seem to help at first, but it will clump up, particularly aroung the very small springs and around the tumbler and will make it stick worse after a while, use a silicon spray or white lithium spray