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Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:56 am

No problems with my 40 yr. old ignition switch thus far, but I'd like to avoid a problem.... Question: is it advisable to lubricate the ignition switch to prevent a problem? If so, what should be used?

Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:43 am

jlex wrote: No problems with my 40 yr. old ignition switch thus far, but I'd like to avoid a problem.... Question: is it advisable to lubricate the ignition switch to prevent a problem? If so, what should be used?

You can use a small amount of graphite powder, if you can still get it or just a drop or two of very light machine oil put on your key and put it in the ignition. As your ignition is inside the car, there shouldn't be any problems with corrosion in the key hole, unless you have a convertible.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:48 am

It is done to reduce wear more than to reduce corrosion. Like he said, graphite or light oil.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:02 am

Graphite Im not much on Oil in Tumbler's etc.
Oil tend's to trapp dirt .
Sean

Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:05 am

Amusing-- just put dry graphite in my home locks. Really smoothed everything out. Picked it up at Hobby Town. Was right next to the pinewood derby kits.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:56 am

Graphite for where you insert the key... as everyone else has pointed out.

But if you remove the entire key lock assembly (tumbler, housing and electrical portion) you may want to grease some of the bits such as the lock bar that prevents the steering column from rotating. Many of the rotating parts can also be greased.

If you have the courage to take your electrical ignition switch apart, there is some grease inside. I'm not sure what type. Maybe something that allows the conduction of electricity for all the brass contacts.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 9:13 am

As a locksmith of 15 years, I suggest everyone put graphite in all of their locks :)

That way when it absorbs some of the moisture in the air from humidity and it turns into a hard, clay like substance you will have to call me to come fix your locks! :twisted:

Seriously, I would never tell anyone to use graphite in a lock. Those of you that have already done so, wash it out with WD40 or some other kind of lubricant.

Try this, take some graphite and mix a drop or two of water with it and then tell me if you want that mixture gumming up your locks.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:45 am

Please tell us oh wise locksmith, should jlex do anything for the lock or just leave it alone? :wink:

I am glad you told us that. I have been putting graphite in locks for years.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 1:35 pm

I use GM Super Lube, it goes in like penetrating oil then turns to light grease.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 1:43 pm

I toy around with old mechanical clocks from time to time. Was thinking about using a drop or two of very light synthetic (not the whale oil) clock oil in the tumbler. My worry was it might mess something up with the electronics part of the switch. I'd sure hate to ruin a perfectly good switch because I was being stupid.

Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:24 am

jlex wrote: I toy around with old mechanical clocks from time to time. Was thinking about using a drop or two of very light synthetic (not the whale oil) clock oil in the tumbler. My worry was it might mess something up with the electronics part of the switch. I'd sure hate to ruin a perfectly good switch because I was being stupid.
The tumbler portion of the ignition switch is separated from the electrical portion by the lock system and housing. Here's a good pic showing the entire assembly (from http://www.vw-resource.com/ignition_switch_replacement.html#ignition).

Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:39 am

Thanks for the pic. I've never had one out before.

Tue Jun 08, 2010 6:09 am

If anything electrical should ever go bad, The part labeled "A" will most likely be the culprit. Unless the key just won't turn.

Tue Jun 08, 2010 3:10 pm

JasonBaker wrote: Please tell us oh wise locksmith, should jlex do anything for the lock or just leave it alone? :wink:

Yeah, electrical contact cleaner to flush out the grease and grit from the past 40 years followed by a light lubricant.

WD 40 works, Tri-Flo works, 3-in-1 works, spit works (just not for long).

I would NOT recommend the following:

Graphite
White Lithium
Talc
Bearing Grease
Crisco

Wed Jun 09, 2010 6:00 am

Thanks for the info spotco2. All these years I have always heard to use graphite. Putting dirt in a lock always sounded funny to me. But it does smooth it out until the moisture sets in.