key difficult to turn
#1
key difficult to turn
I have a 1999 Honda Civic LX M/T and it is often difficult to turn the key in the ignition. Like you stick it in, and it won't turn. I take the key out and flip it over and that sometimes works, or I jiggle the steering wheel back and forth and jiggle the key around in the ignition until it turns. I don't have an original copy of the car's key, just copies, so that could be the problem, but I don't think thats it. I'm thinking it's just something that sticks or something in there. Any ideas of what it could be or how to fix it? Thanks.
#4
RE: key difficult to turn
Don't spray WD-40 directly into the switch...you will short something out. I have the exact same car as you and I was having the same problem as you are having earlier in the summer. Spray the WD-40 on the key, and wipe the key down. Like others said put graphite lube in the switch (you can probably get it at the hardware store, I just found mine laying around). It worked for me...good luck!
#5
RE: key difficult to turn
I tried spraying WD40 on my key and wiping it dry and putting the key in, but I am fairly confident it is not a lubrication problem. I think it has to do with the mechanism that makes it so you have to push the key in to be able to take it out of the ignition.
#6
RE: key difficult to turn
Well, mine sticks every once in a while too, but it's usually when my wheels are turned. It also sometimes does it when the wheels are straight. All you need to do it wiggle the wheel a little, and it will turn. In the manual, it even discusses this, it's due to the steering anti-theft lock and it's perfectly normal. You still might want to try the graphite lube though...
#7
RE: key difficult to turn
Yeah I try rocking the steering wheel back and forth cuz of the steering wheel lock too, but that doesn't do it. I'll probably give that graphite lube a try. What seems to be working best though is with the key inserted, I just push it back and forth along the flat side (down towards the pedals and back up towards my head), pushing it in at an angle I guess? It's hard to describe, but that seems to get it to work at least 1/3 of the time. Maybe the mechanism in there where you have to push the key in to turn it back all the way and take out is worn out.
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