How to Clean Ignition Lock Cylinder?

Starter key locking cylinders are used to ignite your automobile all over the world. If the key continues getting trapped when inserting or deleting it, this is almost certainly from your starter. You probably require to clear it. However, how can you wash the ignition lock chamber in your automobile on your own? 

Fortunately, with a handful of easy equipment, you can simply complete this task on your own. To complete the process, all you require is a supply of pressurized air, some lubrication, a wire brush, as well as dishwashing liquid.

This is merely a partial list of the tools available. Continue reading this post to learn more about the ignition chamber cleaning technique and some extra information.

How to Clean the Ignition Lock Cylinder?

You probably have a snap of the entire cleaning process. But, some aspects always need detailed explanations. Yes, if you are having trouble cleaning the ignition lock cylinder, go through the following steps. Hopefully, you will feel comfortable in your next cleaning-

Step 1: Clean the Key

This may appear to be a straightforward task. The first step should be to wash your keys. Put your car keys in lukewarm water with soap.

After soaking the keys for just a few moments, clean them with a wire brush or cloth. You can reach the small crevices of the keys using a brush and maybe a sponge. It will help you to thoroughly clean the keys from dust and debris.

After washing the keys, wipe them with a lint-free fabric. Then, set the keys outside to rest for a few minutes. You may not want to start your car with a damp key.

Step 2: Clean the Ignition Cylinder

After that, you should clean out the ignition. You can’t actually wash your ignition by wiping it with a towel. You’ll need availability to a compact canister of pressurized gas. Hold the canister a few inches away from the ignition and gently spray the pressurized gas to dislodge any debris or dust particles. This method ensures that you reach areas that are otherwise difficult to clean manually. Similarly, when cleaning Ford Escape engine components, it’s essential to use the right tools and techniques to avoid causing damage to sensitive parts.

Put the nozzle from the pressurized air canister directly close to the starter. Then, rotate the broom around and blast airflow into the igniter circuit. You only have around 10 seconds to accomplish this.

By applying pressurized air, you can clean any dust or debris from the interior of the igniting mechanism, which may make the key become stuck.

Step 3: Oil the Ignition Cylinder

You’ll use one of those keys to grease the starter. As a result, ensure that the keys you inserted have entirely dried out after their earlier washing. Then, apply a little amount of lubrication on both edges of the key.

Next, insert and remove the key from the starter 2 to 3 times. Move the key both left as well as right. Swinging your key around will allow you to properly spread the lubricant all across the ignition system.

Additional Ways to Check

After you’ve performed all 3 phases, your key must fit comfortably into your circuit. If otherwise, you get two options for additional testing to fix the issue.

The problem might be with the key you’re using. Keys deteriorate with time. Whether you own a spare key, test that in your starter to check if it goes flawlessly.

If the secondary key works well, the problem is with the key. Have a duplicate of the secondary key manufactured to substitute the broken one, or send the broken keys to a mechanic and let them shave it down.

Whereas if the backup key also does not function, the problem seems to be with the ignition mechanism. In such a case, you should send this to a competent mechanic who will evaluate the ignition switch for you.

Is It Ok to Spray WD40 in Ignition?

Yes, it is completely acceptable to use. Regardless matter what, most of the doomsayers are screaming on here. Certainly, there still are better alternatives; however, if WD40 is all you have, use it.

When spraying the WD, the vehicle engine must be turned down. WD40 is really a water dispersion that will aid in the starting of an automobile with a wet ignition switch.

Do not use WD40 on just working but misfiring motor. WD40 employs propane as the propellant, and the ignites from the combustion mechanism light the propane, resulting in a hand-held flare gun.

How Do You Lubricate An Ignition Lock Cylinder?

After you clean your keys and dry them properly, you should make a lite coat of WD-40 as a general and short-term lubricant. Insert the key several times to properly lubricate the inside of the lock mechanism.

Also, graphite sand is the ideal grease for keys. You must be eligible to obtain this at any general shop in a spray bottle that is half-filled with air, letting you blast it directly into the lock. You’ll have to allow time a little before pouring it on since the remaining WD-40 will clog it up.

How Do You Fix A Sticky Ignition?

Modern cars are using remote control car keys instead of classic hardware keys. But sometimes, old cars have a problem with sticky keys in the ignition. In those cases, how will you fix the sticky ignition?

Check the Car Wheel Locking System

Every car has a driving wheel locking safety feature that prevents the driving wheel from turning when the ignition is still in the “OFF” mode.

Check the Locking Pin

Cars with power driving use a pump to keep the pressure up while the motor is operating. When the main wheels are rotated when the vehicle is switched off, the mechanism loses power, and the wheel is forced against the locking pin.

Twist and Try to Unlock the Locking Mechanism

Under this situation, hold the driving wheel and add force in a similar direction as the tires are twisted; the locking mechanism will be released, enabling the ignition keys to be spun.

Clean and Lubricate the Cylinder

Dust and grime within the key mechanism might trigger the tumbler mechanism to lock and clog, preventing one may be multiple key followers from operating. To repair a key locking tumbler, spray compressed air and an aerosol cleaning into the lock component; once clean, use a little lubricant such as powdered graphite as well as WD40 to aid in the movement of the locking tumbler within the lock chamber.

Use a Mallet to Lose the Stuck Key

However, it is uncommon to advise that having a mallet and repeatedly pounding the starter key can assist release the lock and permit the keys to turn.

If these tricks will not work, check with the mechanics near you and examine the ignition system without any confusion.

What is the Best Lubricant for Car Ignition?

The most common lubrication are silicone sprays and granular graphite. In addition, Master Lock 2300D or 2305 lock lubrication should make the cylinder run more smoothly.

Everybody has favorite lock lubrication. The essential thing should not be to combine fluids for a number of reasons since this might clog things up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the same method be used to clean both the ignition lock cylinder and a rusty adjustable wrench?

Yes, the same method can be used to clean a rusty adjustable wrench and the ignition lock cylinder. Using a rust remover solution, soaking the parts in vinegar, or using steel wool can effectively remove rust and dirt buildup from both items, restoring them to their original condition.

Final Thoughts

It’s the worst-case scenario, but it usually tends to occur at the worst possible moment. You walk out towards your car, insert your keys, and the starter does not turn on. So, what will you do now?

Using the methods described above, you may wash your starter key chamber in order to ignite the motor. Always consult your automobile handbook to determine whether lubricant is compatible with your vehicle’s components.

Whereas if the cylinder has to be fixed or replaced, always proceed to send the automobile to a facility that specializes in that particular brand. To wash the cylinder, should not be hesitant or use any unlawful methods.