Stuck at Fed Ex Parking Lot - Key doesn't work

Rock_Rat

Senior Member
Just dropped old gears off to send back to ECGS and went to move my rig. Key will not turn the tumbler. Limited tools with me. Any ideas? Steering wheel will lock and unlock. Can't even get key to acc.
 
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Spray it with WD-40 and insert/remove the key a couple times... sometimes that gets the tumblers moving better.

The problem is probably just a stuck tumbler or something. Fiddle with it enough and you should be able to get it to go.
 
I've got some Kroil at work. I'll spray it down a bit. That's a first. Need to look up some pn's now. Add to my to-do list.
 
I wiggle(up-and-down) the tip of the key when I insert it. The tumblers use split-wafers that get worn out. Works every time till I can get to replacing it


Basic | 24v 04 GLI | #BuildCleanShìt
 
Thanks for the inputs guys. Guess it's time to gently remove the key instead of parking and just pulling the key out without thinking twice about it. I'll do some research on the site and gather my parts and pieces and change it out when I do my dash lights. Will spray some Aerokroil in it before heading home.
 
Spraying little graphite powder in the lock has helped me out with tumblers on the way out until I could get them replaced.
 
The only time I have ever had any difficulty with turning the key has alway been related to the lock or position of the steering wheel.

Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
 
The only time I have ever had any difficulty with turning the key has alway been related to the lock or position of the steering wheel.

Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk

Had this happen...very annoying. I've perfected the wiggle and turn technique.
 
Turn the steering wheel hard left and then hard right wile trying to unlock the ignition.... the pressure of the steering wheel may be holding hard against the key lock mechanism
 
Your key could also be worn, my original key which I don't use is nice and sharp, on the key I use everyday it's very rounded and sometimes doesn't always start. That rounded key doesn't work on my door anymore either.
 
Your key could also be worn, my original key which I don't use is nice and sharp, on the key I use everyday it's very rounded and sometimes doesn't always start. That rounded key doesn't work on my door anymore either.

Good point. I think I'll trade keys with my wife since she RARELY drives it. I mean she's only driven it MOonceON over the past 16 years.
 
Mine did this Winter one year ago. Was the key. Got new Keys at the dealer and not only did it smooth out ignition cycle it allowed me to unlock the passenger door and roll down the rear window, both of which I thought were broken. Amazing what 300k will do to a key!
 

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