Sticking Ignition Cylinder and/or Key

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Fantine, Apr 12, 2008.

  1. Fantine

    Fantine Guest

    I am having a problem with my 07 Elantra. The key will sometimes stick when
    I am turning the car off. No problems when I start the car, but when I turn
    the key to OFF and pull it out, it feels as if something is dragging along
    the key, and the key kind of "snaps" out rather than slides out smoothly.
    Considering that the car is less than 2 years old, this is very aggravating.
    I do not keep anything on the fob except the single key itself, so the
    weight can't be an issue. Any suggestions?
     
    Fantine, Apr 12, 2008
    #1
  2. Fantine

    John Guest

    Should still be under warranty. Thats should be your first and hopefully
    last step
     
    John, Apr 12, 2008
    #2
  3. Fantine

    Wayne Moses Guest

    when this happens, have you tried moving the steering wheel a few
    degrees either side as you pull the key out? Could be a problem with
    the steering column lock.

    Regards,
    Wayne Moses,
    2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
     
    Wayne Moses, Apr 12, 2008
    #3
  4. Fantine

    Fantine Guest

    Well, the key isn't completely stuck inside the cylinder, it just grates
    against something when I pull it out. And it doesn't happen all the time.
    I actually checked the owners manual (!) and maybe I'm not pushing the key
    in between ACC and LOCK, which I'm supposed to.
     
    Fantine, Apr 12, 2008
    #4
  5. Fantine

    Wayne Moses Guest

    Sounds like a good time to bring it into the dealer, and good luck
    with the problem happening while it is there.

    Regards,
    Wayne Moses,
    2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
     
    Wayne Moses, Apr 13, 2008
    #5
  6. Fantine

    hyundaitech Guest

    If I read this correctly, the key turns normally back to the off position
    so not pushing it in won't be the issue. More likely, it sounds like th
    tumblers are hanging up on the key. Also have a good look at the key t
    be sure it's not twisted or bent.

    If you have some WD-40 handy, put the straw on the nozzle and spray
    little into the lock cylinder. Then work the key in and out and on an
    off a few times. If this fixes it, problem solved! If not, take it i
    for service.
     
    hyundaitech, Apr 14, 2008
    #6
  7. Fantine

    Partner Guest

    I certainly don't want to contradict any advise from HyundaiTech, but I have
    always been told to use graphite for lock lubricant. The story is that a
    other lubricants will attract dust and dirt. I know that WD-40 is
    considered to be more of a solvent than a lubricant, so would the same issue
    maybe not apply in this case? But then, most people will have WD-40 handy
    when they don't graphite.
     
    Partner, Apr 14, 2008
    #7
  8. Fantine

    hyundaitech Guest

    While it's true that the graphite won't attract dust/dirt and the other
    will, assembled locks have grease in them, so it's a moot point.
     
    hyundaitech, Apr 14, 2008
    #8
  9. Fantine

    Wayne Moses Guest

    Personally I prefer graphite. Works better in cold climate also.

    Regards,
    Wayne Moses,
    2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
     
    Wayne Moses, Apr 15, 2008
    #9
  10. Fantine

    Fantine Guest

    Thanks, h-tech. I'll give your suggestion a try and then take it in to the
    dealer, as necessary.
     
    Fantine, Apr 16, 2008
    #10
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