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Ignition key problems

Tiny
SHAWN CURTIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
  • 0.5L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
My key would not go into my ignition. But after pushing and wiggling in and out for some time it went in and started. I drive it around. After trying to put it back in and out the ignition again I had to put a little force to it, but it went in and out. So I decided to get some graphite lube dry powder to try to make it easier getting the key in and out. But now my ignition will not move or turn at all. I am not sure if the chip in the key is unable to be read due to all the dry powder and wd40 in the switch. Please help me.
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Friday, June 22nd, 2018 AT 12:40 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
It sounds like the ignition tumbler has gone out which you will need to replace. If you give the VIN number to the dealership they can program the key before they give it to you. The lube will not hurt anything as far as the RF chip goes.

Here are diagrams to help you change out the ignition tumbler.

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
As Ken said either a dealer or an automotive locksmith. The ones around me are a lot cheaper than the dealer and 99% of the time you can get same day service.
More than likely one or more of the tumbler pins is stuck at the shear line in the lock. If you used both WD40 and graphite it may be that just removing the cylinder and cleaning it so they can move freely will do the trick. For that a smith is usually the better choice.
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Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 AT 2:31 PM

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