j05h

Every once in a while the key won't turn. It happens after I take the key out and put it back in the ignition. It's happened less than 10 times in 6 months. Usually I move the key in and out or jiggle it and it takes less than 45 seconds to get it to turn. Today I tried for a half hour before I finally got the key to turn.

Someone told me to try the second key, and try putting lubricant on the key. I haven't done that yet because the key is turning fine right now, and I want to reproduce the problem when I try to fix it.

Also the key sometimes gets stuck in the ignition, It takes some jiggling and a few trys to get it out. But when it's stuck like this, it still turns fine.

denisond3

Here is what I do: Put a drop of oil onto the key, and put it into the ignition lock. Wait ten minutes, take it out and repeat. I do this about twice a year with the ign. and door and trunk locks, on all of the family cars. I use 3 in 1 oil, but motor oil would work as well. While I am at it I lube the door hinges and the door latches.
Also, if you were holding onto the steering wheel when you shut the engine off - the power steering would have been helping you keep the wheel turned. With the engine stopped, the steering mechanism will try to relax because the power assist is gone. This can put a side load on the locking pin which pops into the notch in the steering shaft, which will make it really hard to rotate the ignition lock guts. So if the key wont turn sometime, try wiggling the steering wheel, to take the side load off of the locking pin.
If your hands are off the steering wheel when you shut the motor down, this wont happen.

Doug Tatham

I don't remember which of my cars this is for, but in the users manual it said to squirt some silicon spray (WD-40 or generic with straw that attaches to spray nozzle) into the ignition and door keyholes. Insert the key and remove it a few times. Do this once a year and you'll never have problems with sticking keys.

jetta4j

try jigglin the steering wheel while jigglin lock....steering lock jam?