After sitting for six years the key will not turn the ignition?

Tiny
ELDERBEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN TRUCK
  • 143,000 MILES
The truck had not been driven in 6 years. I charged the battery, and the lights turned on, but the key would not turn the ignition. What are the possible issues?
Thursday, March 6th, 2025 AT 12:51 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,157 POSTS
Okay, so you are sure it's the correct key? If yes, it's likely that the lock cylinder has corrosion in it. Go get one of the small cans of spray dry lube. Shoot a couple sprays into the lock cylinder and then work the key in and out while gently trying to rotate it. Spray some more and repeat. It may take a bit for it to work into the lock's parts but if it's the correct key it should free up.
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Thursday, March 6th, 2025 AT 3:58 PM
Tiny
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Thank you, Steve. I had used WD40 on two separate occasions - no change. Should I still try the spray dry lube, or what would be the next option to consider? Thank you!
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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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It may take some work. If you have a small rubber hammer or similar you can try tapping around the cylinder. When you put the key in can you feel resistance or does it just pop in? If the latter there are stuck wafers. It should go in sort of notchy. The next step would be a mobile locksmith. They can use a Lishi tool to read out the cylinder and cut a key to match. It could be that your key is worn enough that it doesn't work very well.
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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
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Steve, with the info you shared about feeling the resistance, I tried once again. I felt the resistance, jiggled and attempted to rotate the key toward me, and then attempted rotating forward - it worked! Each time, though, I have to gently jiggle to get it to rotate, but it does! Thank you! Now, I can't get the hood back open LOLLLL! But I'm absolutely thrilled I can get the ignition to turn.
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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 2:15 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Okay, the jiggling means the key, or the cylinder is worn and binding. It may loosen up with use, but it wouldn't hurt to use the VIN number and get a key cut with the OE dimensions, if the one you have is worn. Other than that, it sounds like you are on the way.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2025 AT 1:45 AM
Tiny
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Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Steve!
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Saturday, March 8th, 2025 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,157 POSTS
You are very welcome.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2025 AT 11:13 AM

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