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Went to visit some friends in Pennsylvania this weekend, and when I went to start the car up Sunday morning the key just broke in the ignition...few hours and $85 later a locksmith was able to remove the broken key and make a new one. It broke halfway along the key, and apparently its "not uncommon" for these types of locks. I notice now that the key is a bit "stiff" to turn, so I make sure to be gentle and will be checkin the key regularly for stresses. Anyone know of something I can do to fix this so it doesnt happen again in the future?

Romeo

onlytrueromeo wrote:Went to visit some friends in Pennsylvania this weekend, and when I went to start the car up Sunday morning the key just broke in the ignition...few hours and $85 later a locksmith was able to remove the broken key and make a new one. It broke halfway along the key, and apparently its "not uncommon" for these types of locks. I notice now that the key is a bit "stiff" to turn, so I make sure to be gentle and will be checkin the key regularly for stresses. Anyone know of something I can do to fix this so it doesnt happen again in the future?

Romeo

the locksmith should of just picked a stiffer key
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK-MA ... enameZWDVW

i like that one, plus metal over time it takes a beating, even if its only turning a key

I've ehard of using powdered graphite to lube the lockset making it easier to turn...


Also - a newly cut key will be "stiff" for a while until the sharp corners from the cuts get worn in...

I will have to try the graphite, as that sounds like a good idea. I have thought about possibly trying to "round" the corners on one of my keys a bit using some sandpaper/hobby metal file to get it to turn a bit easier. I just bought the key that Mnemonic suggested so hopefully when it gets here I can get it cut and I will have better luck!

~Romeo

i spray wd40 into the door locks every now and than and it works like butter.

Nate

keep an extra copy sitting around and use a coping saw blade to get the broken bit out!! always works for me

I had a problem with door locks. It turned out to be a issue with the steering lock, if the wheels were turned out to far from center the door locks were making it hard to turn the key. I tore the ignition apart and took it to a lock smith. There was nothing wrong with the mechanism but I have to pay attention to how I leave the wheels. Straight is the best. This is just my experience, limited as it is. I still know more about jeeps but I'm learning.

sorry I meant ignition, not door locks.