Sticking Ignition Cylinder and/or Key

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?

 

Should still be under warranty. Thats should be your first and hopefully
last step

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Regards,
Wayne Moses,
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

 

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