Should mine be able to turn back to listen to the radio? its an 89 I think it should and I have messed with it for 2 years and cant seem to get it to turn backwards. Any suggs?
Senior Member
Mine has always been really difficult on my camaro too. I never could get it to go back, tried for years, until someone else managed to turn it back for me, and it's worked pretty well ever since. I guess the secret for my car is you have to press the key in a little bit while turning it, but you dont want to force it. It's like, you have to get the key in the exact right position before it will twist back.
I've owed it since 98 and NOBODY could ever do it lol Think I should shoot something in there? WD-40? Or will that mess up the VATS?
Senior Member
I'm not 100% positive, but I've heard that you shouldn't lube up an ignition lock that has VATS.
Kevin91Z
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Your lock cylinder is either broken, or out of adjustment. Thats the part you put the key into, if you didnt know. I took off the steering wheel and fixed it once, but then it broke again. I havent gotten a new one yet.
Thanks for the advise. I'll let it go for now until I want to take it apart to do it right.
I had similar problems with my car and my wife's car.
I agree with previous advises. Don't force the lock cylinder!
My only improvement was when I bought a new key (using the original code) in the local GM dealer. This key was a little different from the old "too used" key and the turns ON/OFF were smooth and more easy.
I agree with previous advises. Don't force the lock cylinder!
My only improvement was when I bought a new key (using the original code) in the local GM dealer. This key was a little different from the old "too used" key and the turns ON/OFF were smooth and more easy.
Supreme Member
also do not use any WD-40 in there or anything. go to ur local hobby shop and see if they have graphite in the plastic tube then when u used to use on pin wooddurby cars to lubricate the wheels and it makes a mess when u just shoot some into the air, thats the stuff u need, to maintain it. thats what ive been told.
You do realize that the ignition cylinder needs to be pushed inward slightly to be able to turn the lock backward to the ACC position, right? Just checking. If your key and/or cylinder are worn, you may not be able to get enough of the tumblers aligned to get it to turn back.
And, VATS or not, graphite is the best lubricant for a lock. Just spread a newspaper or old towel in your lap to catch the excess graphite powder when you lube up the cylinder.
I use Lubra-Lite white graphite powder from Panef Manufacturing, Milwaukee - if you can find it. The white graphite is non-staining, and is the best (or at least cleanest) thing I've found for locks and cables like speedometers, accelerator, TV, etc.
http://www.panef.com/products.html
Any graphite will work well, but it can be messy.
And, VATS or not, graphite is the best lubricant for a lock. Just spread a newspaper or old towel in your lap to catch the excess graphite powder when you lube up the cylinder.
I use Lubra-Lite white graphite powder from Panef Manufacturing, Milwaukee - if you can find it. The white graphite is non-staining, and is the best (or at least cleanest) thing I've found for locks and cables like speedometers, accelerator, TV, etc.
http://www.panef.com/products.html
Any graphite will work well, but it can be messy.
Supreme Member
so if i use the graphite on my speedo cable it will stop squeeking? if so then that will be a day project for me to do.




