Vinscully50

This started yesterday. When I put the key in the car I can turn it from off to run without any problem. When I take the key and try to start the car their is resistance that won't physically let me. I have to wiggle the key around, push it in to the left further and play with it for a second to finally get it to turn to start.

After the car starts it's fine and it drives fine. It just feels like their is this little thing blocking the key.

Vinscully50

Update. I was playing with it again just now and I had to wiggle the key around but I got the car to start. However the get was stuck on and I can't pull it back to shut the car off!

It took 15 mins of fighting to finally pull the key back and shut the car off.

Edit: Could the actually lock cylinder itself be bad?

RBob

iTrader: (1)

It could be the lock cylinder and/or the tumbler. But I would try lubing it first with graphite lock oil. It usually does the trick.

RBob.

Vinscully50

I meant to type Lock cylinder before not ignition switch.

How do I lube the lock cylinder? Do I still have to take off the steering wheel and everything?

Vinscully50

Also if I get the car started and the key gets stuck again. Would starting and turning it off by pulling out the fuse damage anything? Or is it safe to do it that way until I get it fixed?

Ron U.S.M.C.

It could be the ignition switch itself that's gummed up or dragging .
I fought a battle with my key/cylinder and that's exactly what happened.

Drop the column by removing the three bolts holding it to the floorboard and carefully lower the column buy removing the two main nuts on the studs closer to the wheel.
That's how you get to the switch.

Do a little research either using a "Chilton's" manual or on line before you take it off or play with it because it shares adjustment screws with the "hi/low beam/light switch.

Vinscully50

I will look into it. I think I will try the lock cylinder first since that seems easier to access for now.

RBob

iTrader: (1)

No need to take anything apart. Lock oil is powdered graphite in a carrier. Comes in small tubes and larger cans. Shake it first then apply to key, run key into tumbler and move it around. Can also squirt some directly into the tumbler. The carrier evaporates leaving the graphite behind.

I've had to do it on my '92 as the key/tumbler started to get a little sticky.

RBob.