Sorry, tried to do a quick search but not enough time. my mom need a ride to emergency room asap and can't get my key to turn. Is very cold out so I have an electric heater on to warm the interior thinking the tumblers are gumed up. Any other ideas. We ar under a blizzard warning and dad left inb the car but need this thing to run....

 

Got the POS to start. Is there a quick way to clean the ignition without screwing things up...Sorry to push but mom has a heart problem and live 20 miles from hospital

 

you can try and heat the key with a lighter then insert into the ignition if you think the tumbler is frozen. but ive never in my life heard of an ignition tumbler frozen unless you leave the windows down and its snowing inside.

and are you sure the steering wheel lock isnt on and putting pressure on the ingition, not allowing the key to turn? try turning the key while releiving the pressure on the steering wheel.

good luck.

 

graphite (in a spray can) will work great.

 

Thanks, I will get it in the garage and warm it up and take a look, The tumblers must have been gummy.

 

Where can i find graphite? Would spray be better than say a tube of powder?

 

I'd use the graphite powder over any liquid. You can get it pretty much anywhere they cut keys - I think even Home Depot has it right at the key cutting counter.

 

+1 on heating up the key and trying it, but go easy if you have the chip in your key

 

Would it be a good idea to spray electronic parts cleaner in the ignition first?

 

I wouldn't... there's no electronics you are cleaning in there. I don't think the stuff would get to the contacts themselves and when you put the graphite in, it could cause it to gum up. I think your problem was most likely some moisture you accidentally got in there (maybe your key was wet from snow or rain?) and it froze, or the steering lock.