So my ignition switch is all sticky. About 50% of the time I have to wiggle the key around to get it to click in fully and turn. When it does, it works nice and smoothly. I've tried both keys and they both do the same thing, so I don't think it's my key wearing down though my main one is showing some signs of that. I did get some sticky gunk off of it, just a light coating of something.
Any suggestions on cleaning the key switch out? Or do you think I need to go get a new key cut? How much does that run?
Thanks!
Get some graphite lubricant, or in a pinch, rub a pencil all over your key.
+1 on the graphite. You can pick it up at Ace, Lowes, or really anywhere that cuts keys. It comes in a little tube that will last you forever and a day, provided it doesn't break open and completely soil everything in your work tool bag, taking months to clean completely and dirtying all of your tools.......
OK I'll try the graphite. What do you think about using electrical cleaner in the ignition switch? Of course, I can't turn it upside down too easily to let the gunk drain out.
There is a small hole in the lock housing to allow the barrel to drain, I'd flush it out well with contact cleaner then relubricate. The lock sometimes doesn't want to turn if you push the key in when rotating it.
Both keys for my new 696 were sticky going into the switch. A little sharp on all the edges. Took a swiss file and lightly deburred all the edges, both sides. Now smooth as silk.
I've use a little; i mean little; squirt of wd40; seems to work well; cleans and lubes with some graphite;
theres a little reside on the key for a while.
I don't believe theres any harm with wd40; but some may have a different opinion, chime in ducatists ...
Make sure the key isn't bent or twisted. Have had that happen before. If it is you can just bang it flat lightly with a hammer on something solid.
Quote from: DuciD03 on December 26, 2008, 02:01:33 PM
I've use a little; i mean little; squirt of wd40; seems to work well; cleans and lubes with some graphite;
theres a little reside on the key for a while.
I don't believe theres any harm with wd40; but some may have a different opinion, chime in ducatists ...
The idea of not using WD40 is it can catch dirt in the future, causing problems down the line, since it is a wet lubricant and can catch dirt. That said, I have used it many times without issue. I used it in the ignition lock of the '98 Passat when new. The lock worked fine for the remaining six years we owned the car. I have also seen many a locksmith use it.
1+ [thumbsup]