everytime i go to start the engine on my Fabia 1.2 htp, the key sticks when turned like its on steering lock, but the steering lock is not engagaed.

am i ok to apply a little WD40 into the key hole/on the key itself to see if this helps? not too sure with modern ignitions as to whats inside them....(this is my first modernish car) so excuse the ignorance/naivity - just dont want to be squirting things where they may not be needed.... :P

 

to give you an isea of how stuck it gets, if i didnt fettle with it, i feel like to could twist the key and snap it off.

there is a 'nack' to it, but more often than not, i forget to do it and just try starting as normal, then scare myself as i almost snap the key in the ignition....:S

 

 

 

 

Hi enterwainer, yep...I had the same thing. Firstly, is it the same with both keys? If so the barrel or discs in the barrel need lubing as you rightly mention. It's ok to apply some WD40 BUT try putting in on the key first as you mention. Put plenty on so it's soaked and then work it in and out. Give is some time to find it's way around then see if it's ok. It didn't work on my switch so I had to give the barrel a quick shot. and then I inserted the key to work it up around the discs. It's cleared it up fine now and it's back to the same as it was when it was new. Just don't over do the WD as it could potentially cause issues if you go too mad with it.

 

If in doubt let you dealer do it. Mine doesn't charge to sort that sort of thing as it takes just a couple of minutes.

ok, thanks for the advice - i only have one key, so i need to make sure i do this properly! can't afford to be forking out for a second key :P

When you say the Steering lock is not engaged, is that because you have already turned the key and disengaged or because you do not use it when parking,?

ie straighten the wheel and the Steering lock is on.

 

Is it maybe worth getting a new key before 'the worst happens' & the one you have is there as a spare.

How much is a replacement key.

*i am never happy when the Original key is kicking about someplace/lost/ or with some previous owner.

Did the Dealer say why they were not supplying 2 keys.?*

 

How many miles has the car done, ?

it can be the key well worn or the barrel.

 

worth trying a little clear thin grease on the key, or just some Petroleum Jelly. (Vaseline.)

 

george

I wouldn't put any form of grease or vasaline into a modern car lock even in very small quanitites on a key. It will come directly into contact with the discs and melt into the slots the discs move in. These locks are precision instruments. Locks should operate dry, and are self lubing so they do not attract unneccessary dirt, dust and grit. That's how they are designed. By the time a lock is becoming sticky it means the discs are sticking due to debris or old oil or grease in the lock that someone may have put in at some point. Keys can become worn and cause this as george says, but if both keys are the same in the lock then it's the barrel itself. In this case we don't know for sure because there is only one key, but it's likely to be the barrel needing a cleanout. It's possible (but unlikely I think) the lock discs have become damaged too as the constant pressure needed to turn the key bends them. The lock needs washing out to remove the debris or oil/grease. As grease or vasalene dries out it causes the discs in the barrel to become sticky. It can happen fairly quicky too with the very high heat encountered in a car. Eventually the sticky discs can bend and you need a new lock. Either use, WD or GT85 or some pure silicone (Auto locksmiths use all of those things especially the silicone). All those things dry out and don't leave enough of a residue to become sticky. Do not put graphite into modern cylinder locks either. They are not designed for that and it will result in a sticky lock situation.

Thanks for correcting my misinformation.

 

& i also personally used to use years ago Graphite Powder from an old Puff Bottle left over from the days of lubricating Typewriters.

If i had ever found where i put it safe i would have been using it again.

 

george

No worries george. You are not alone thinking some grease or vasalene could be ok. Most folk do, and why not! It seems a logical thing to do. It was when I did my auto locksmith course years ago that I learned the good and the bad too! It is ok for an immediate temporary fix if it's an emergency but the lock just needs to washed out with some WD or some such like as soon as possible afterwards. Hey ho!