TheSamba.com :: View topic - Ignition key- hard to turn in the cold- Solutions?

Fri Jan 03, 2014 8:08 am

Hey there, so we're getting pummeled with snow and freezing air here in New England. This morning it took two hands to get my ignition key to engage the starter. it was very hard to turn but it turned to the accessory position, but I needed an extra hand to get it to the start position. On other cold days it was tough too but not like this, I could always get it into position with just my right hand. Engine turned right over and everything, no problem there, I just don't wanna break something in the ignition switch.
What can you guys recommend I do? I've got some WD-40 here at work I could spray on the key and in the ignition if that's acceptable, but I'm thinking there is a better alternative. If I have to, can I use the WD-40 without damaging anything until I can get to an autozone or something after work?
Thanks in advance....

Fri Jan 03, 2014 9:43 am

my guess wwould be that there is some grease in there, and extreme cold is causing it to harden. WD40 might buy you some time, but I would take it apart and have a look.

Fri Jan 03, 2014 9:56 am

Use powderlock graphite , dont use grease to lubricate lock...

Fri Jan 03, 2014 10:22 am

Ok powderlock graphite...got it. In some type of cruel joke on humanity, the temps are falling during the day today so far. If I have trouble when I'm out of work is it safe to use the WD-40 sos I can get going and get to Autozone? Would they have powderlock graphite or is that some specialty stuff?

Thanks for the replies so far guys....

Fri Jan 03, 2014 11:55 am

Add two switches in parallel with the ignition and starter portion. Nice thing with a setup like that is you can crank the cold engine without ignition.

Fri Jan 03, 2014 12:11 pm

[in Mr. Burns Voice] "Are there any REAL suggestions?"

Just to clarify: It is between negative holy f*%k and zero degrees outside. I have no garage, car is parked outside at work and at home. There is a foot of snow on top of a couple of inches of ice everywhere. Car cover is the only reason I could even get my door open this morning. "take this apart" and "fabricate that" are fine and dandy responses, but those things ain't gonna happen just now. I am inside at work and my toes are numb...
Call me a wuss or whatever...just sayin'
I'm looking for an opinion one way or the other on using WD-40 (as it's at my disposal) to free up my ignition switch. Will this hurt/help?
I've got some good feedback on what to use/not use: powderlock graphite=good. grease=bad.
Just wondering if I'm about to mess things up/make my problem worse by using WD-40 in the ignition lock.

Thank you thank you thank you.

Fri Jan 03, 2014 1:42 pm

No real damage I would use it in a emergency like youres , but you either need to replace it cause its going bad ,or take it out when u have a chance and clean it real good and use the graphite to lube it...

Fri Jan 03, 2014 1:52 pm

Thanks SCOUT I really appreciate your (and everyone else's) response. This ignition is fairly new (couple years), and I've never had any issue whatsoever with it, but in its lifetime in THIS Beetle it has never experienced cold like this. I mean, it gets cold up here but prolonged zero or negative temperatures just aren't that common, especially in the city on the coast. When its 15-20* out, no problem, but this zero stuff is for the birds!
Any Canadian dubbers got some words of wisdom for me besides "GET A GARAGE!"?
hahaha

Thanks again.....

Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:11 pm

Use the WD-40, you'll be fine. Don't put graphite in with the WD-40. Some day when the weather warms up again you will want to take the cylinder out, clean out any old grease and crud that may be in there, dry it off, then lube it up with the graphite.

I'm back in Boston for a while and yes, it was 1 degree F last night. Supposed to get even colder tonight.[/img]

Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:16 pm

Damn Brian, how have we not had a beer yet? I keep missing you, tonight is no exception. Once I get home it's gonna take all hell to drag my ass outta the house!
Also thanks for the tip, I was about to take a pencil to my key...heh heh...McGyver style!

Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:37 pm

Get home and get warm. I've been shovelling snow most of the day.

Fri Jan 03, 2014 7:19 pm

I agree that the WD40 in your key slot will probably not be a problem. It is more common to use a graphite based lube in key tumblers to prevent freezing. But WD40 is meant to displace water (WD=Water Displacement) so it should be okay.

I think you need to determine which part of the ignition switch is causing the resistance. There are three parts to your ignition switch:

A = ignition switch (electrical). This contains the return spring that forces the key from START to ON.

B = key tumbler/lock

D = steering wheel lock
Squirting WD40 into the key slot only lubes part B.

Fri Jan 03, 2014 7:41 pm

The steering wheel lock portion does release the steering wheel correct? You can at least turn the wheel?
If steering wheel does release and moves freely, the ignition key should turn.

Mon Jan 06, 2014 9:14 am

Hey, thanks for the replies gt and Ashman, and everyone else. just updating, the WD-40 did the trick. I think it was just moisture in the tumbler area (possibly from holding the key in my mouth while getting in the car from time to time :oops: ) freezing up.
The ignition has been working like new since I sprayed it, just a squirt in the lock and sprayed the key. It actually turns easier now than when it was new, go figure. Anyhow problem solved and thanks for the help. I'll probably take a closer look this spring/summer when I try to match up my ignition key to the door handles....always something to do....