OK. Here goes my spiel on WD-40. IT IS NOT A SATISFACTORY LUBRICANT (even though the can describes it as such)!!! It is a WATER DISPERSANT (WD). It will work temporarily as a lubricant; so will plain tap water. WD-40 is great for what it was designed, drying ignition systems. It is useless for anything else. Get the proper lubricant for the task you are performing. There are lots of good ones.
Usually, a graphite lubricant is recommended for locks. If your locksmith recommended WD-40, find another locksmith. If your ignition switch is acting up, replace it NOW. It will save you a lot of grief. Once the key will not turn, you CANNOT remove the cylinder. You will have to hack the steering column up to get it out. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Allan Streib Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2006 3:49 PM To: Mercedes mailing list Subject: [MBZ] OT: Dodge Caravan ignition lock cylinder Have not found a lot of online info about this, so thought I'd ask here in case anyone has run into this. We have a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. Recently the ignition key has started refusing to turn, on an intermittent basis. Consulted a local locksmith and he suggested that it was dirty and to "blast it out with WD40". I don't like the idea of using oil in a lock but he insisted it would be fine. Sure enough it seemed to resolve the problem -- for a couple of weeks. A few days ago my wife tried to start the car and the key refused to turn. I played with it, no luck. More WD40, no luck. Finally after removing and reinserting the key repeatedly it turned. I said "enough of this" and removed the plastic shroud around the steering column, found the tab to release the cylinder, and removed it. I sprayed it out with brake cleaner to remove the WD40, and now it seems to be working. But I'm hesitant to reinstall it. Seems odd that it would be worn out already, only 3 years old. Anyone had any similar experience? Just wondering if this is a common problem for Dodge vehicles. Allan -- 1966 230 1983 300D _______________________________________ http://www.striplin.net For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net
