Ignition Key Sticks

I have a 1995 Dodge Intrepid. On cooler days, on short trips, the key
sticks in the ignition. I have to turn the key back and forth, usually
for several minutes, until it finally rotates far enough so that I can
remove it. Any ideas?

 

Buy a spray can of silicone lubricant. Pick a good brand; 3M and CRC are
reliable; others may use propellants that can damage plastic. Use the
plastic straw that comes with the can to squirt some silicone into the
ignition lock. Operate the key through the full range of movement, squirt
in a little more silicone, and repeat. If this frees up the mechanism,
then you're all set. If not, replace the ignition lock NOW before it fails
completely and strands you. (Use the rest of the can of silicone to hit
the rest of the sliding/turning/moving parts in and around the car.
Seatbelt catches, heater controls, gas door, etc. You'll be amazed how
many squeaks and rattles disappear.)

 

The wafers in the lock cylinder are bad, you can spray all you want but
sooner or later it is going to not let you turn the key at all. Have the key
cylinder rebuilt.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

the switch behind it is going bad copmmon failure