Key tumbler doesn't allow key to advance. Sometimes.

[Joe in NY]

Hi again,

So right now I have two quirks in my 02 Explorer. One is the seat belt (the other post by me). And also my key tumbler.

To clarify, sometimes when I normally insert my key it goes in fine, but refuses to advance. The steering lock is not engaged and the vehicle is in park. Doesn't matter which way I turn the key it will simply refuse to advance. Like my seat belt problem, if I keep toying with it I will get it to work fine.

This happens less often than the seat belt problem but coaxing it into working takes longer.

Does the tumbler need a little lubrication added, maybe a little WD40 first then some white lith grease?

Any help on both matters is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Joe

 

[Mosin302]

Might be a good idea to try a dry lube like graphite first, and its what hardware store sell as door lock lubricant. If I cant find my tube of graphite, ill crush up some pencil lead from a mechanical pencil and try to work it in there. Wd40 and grease can get gunky, but its what I would try if all else fails.

 

[Joe in NY]

I have plenty of pencil graphite to use. What is a good way of getting it into the key tumbler?

 

[Mosin302]

Ive used a paper with a crease or folded up like a taco and try to "sweep" it in and use the key to try to work it into the tumblers in the cylinder

 

[Sock Puppet]

Ive used a paper with a crease or folded up like a taco and try to "sweep" it in and use the key to try to work it into the tumblers in the cylinder

Once you have it in the key slot you can use a small bulb syringe to gently blow it into the mechanism.

 

[Reprise]

I had this happen to me for the first time this last week. Kinda panicked the first time - but I eventually got it to turn. IIRC, I took the key out a bit - then inserted it 'fully' (maybe a little more pressure to make sure it was all the way back?) Then it turned, no problem.

Thought it was an issue with my dup'd key (I wind up using it most of the time), but I see here... yet another 'issue' to deal with. I'll try the graphite solution and see if that helps. Thanks to those who found it first.

 

[swshawaii]

Amazing how locksmiths have so many different opinions on this. Some adamantly say to avoid anything containing graphite on modern lock cylinders. Do a search, you'll see. I've read many recommend Tri- Flow with teflon. Found this 2 ounce drip bottle with a small application tube for around $6 and use it on locks, latches, hinges, etc. Little goes a long way, and it smells great too.

http://www.triflowlubricants.com/Tri-Flow_Superior_Drip_Lubricant.html