1.5 Key Seems to Stick in "Ignition" Cylinder

I think that's normal. I remember the same thing when I first got my Roadster, but I don't notice it anymore.

I have that issue in my 2.5 sometimes. It seems like the cylinder is very picky about the key being ALL THE WAY off before coming out. Sometimes requires a slight jiggle to get it to slide out.

There was an issue with some of the 1.5's ignition cylinders. Mine (one of the first manufactured) got stuck to the point I eventually couldn't even start the car. A ranger came out and replaced it a few years ago which fixed the problem. He was the one who mentioned that it was a problem they saw often.
//dan.

bpangburn said:

Did some searching but didn't see much. Just got my 1.5 and all of the keys seem to "stick" in the ignition cylinder when I go to remove them. I have to give a pretty good tug and it seem like it's dragging a lot in the cylinder. Is it OK to shoot a little silicon lubricant on the key?

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My 1.5 ignition and key have behaved like that since I got it last October. I have not tried to lubricate it. Let us know if you do.

Have this in my 2.5 as well ...

Habious said:

I have that issue in my 2.5 sometimes. It seems like the cylinder is very picky about the key being ALL THE WAY off before coming out. Sometimes requires a slight jiggle to get it to slide out.

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I've driven 4 different Roadsters (2 1.5s and 2 2.5s) and every one of them had "sticky" key ignitions. I sprayed WD-40 on the key and it worked much better for a while.

There is a dry graphite lube designed for key locks. WD-40 will attract dirt and cause more problems down the road. Check your local auto parts or hardware store.

bpangburn said:

Thanks. Now I feel much better about trying a bit of WD-40 on the keys. Will report back.

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WD-40 is not a lubricant. It is a "water dispersant" (rust inhibitor).

I would not spray it into an ignition switch.

Agreed that Graphite is the right lubricant. On mine (2.0), the problem wasn't so much getting the key in and out, but rather turning it. Felt very stiff and dry. Graphite helped. Still not silky smooth, but definitely better.

The sticky key is a common issue. Mine eventually got stuck and the ignition had to be replaced under warranty. Since the replacement the key behaves better but it's still not perfect. I have been reluctant to try any lubricant, even graphite as graphite tends to disperse as micron-sized beads and I was not sure where it would end up.

bpangburn said:

Just dusted the key with a bit of graphite and then wiped most it off with a rag and put it through the motions a few times. Seems a bit better. Hesitant to send a puff of graphite into the ignition ...

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The little tubes of puffable graphite are designed for lock use. I've used them on all my cars for years, with no effects other than what is intended. All car locks are fundamentally a mechanical lock connected to electric switches, and the Roadster is no different than other cars. You're probably doing more damage to the lock by rubbing metal against metal without a lubricant.

WD40 is not a good idea, as noted by others, as it is a very poor lubricant. Not much different than, say, kerosene is.