Sticky Ignition

[pasgas]

This morning when I tried to put the key in the ignition it wouldn’t go more than halfway. I had a lubricant that doesn’t allow dust to stick and sprayed it on the key and then it worked fine. I’m assuming that dust can and will accumulate in the tumblers of the ignition due to its vertical placement allowing dust to settle into it. The lubricant I used is a 50/50 mix of diesel fuel and transmission fluid. This can be mixed in a handheld spray bottle or you can purchase a rechargeable aerosol can at most hardware stores.

[SmartSprinterBenzTech]

My Smart is having a problem getting the key out of the ignition switch won't start on park only on neutral, the P light on the gear selector is intermittent and still can get the key out anyone out there is had an issue similar to my if so please reply!


Alex.U

pslease reply!

[SmartSprinterBenzTech]

I scan the Smart with my Mb-Star (Das) and got zero codes now
I'm going to take the shifter console apart right now and take a look at what's making act that way!


I will post a thread once I find out.


Alex .U

[SmartSprinterBenzTech]

I'll try that! Thanks!

[JPaul]

Two threads merged since they are both about the same subject and only one has a suggested solution...

[rexxxlo]

can we confirm that this works please

i had to get a rde to work today went out to the car (its 20 deg f ) and the key wont go in or turn

im searching the forum and found this thread sorry to bring it up from the dead

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

can we confirm that this works please

i had to get a rde to work today went out to the car (its 20 deg f ) and the key wont go in or turn

im searching the forum and found this thread sorry to bring it up from the dead

No idea if it works, you're the first one to come back to this subject since... Would a blow of air pressure clear the key's passage?

[Brabus007]

~Why not use lube made specifically for car locks~
~See the Car Keys~Use the Store locator~ OR ~ Go to your Auto parts store, they all have Car Lock Lube...
http://doitbest.com/Grease+and+lubricants-Panef+Manufacturing-model-LLA-10-doitbest-sku-575611.dib

[SmartSprinterBenzTech]

Ok in April I posted a tread asking for help on how fix the sticky ignition problem well as I discover that day one of the reasons this happens to the smart is the location of the key tumbler which sits in the upright position in the center console and is prone to get all kinds of liquids Like coffee or soda in it that when wet is not much of a problem but when it gets hot and dries in the Key Tumbler that's when the problems begin is really not a difficult task.

Sticky Caffeine Java induced Smart Car key tumbler Repair!

**Disconnect battery in front of passenger side before starting the job**

***Tools require a security Torx/Star male socket set to remove the center console >>Is a must to get the job done***

(1) You must remove both driver seat and the passenger seat

(2) remove the carpet

(3) disconnect all wiring going to and from console

(4) remove and disassembled center console

(5) once the console is remove you will be able to see the tumbler through the bottom of the console take the console completely apart

(6) remove sticky key tumbler from the console and any electronics

(7) clean sticky key tumbler with a electronic spray cleaner and lubricate with the spray lubricant of your choice make sure is not leaking any excess lubricant before installing I personally use PB Blaster lubricant

(8) now assembled all the pieces back and tested it should work if you paid close attention to you disassembling process good luck!

Alex.U

[jwight]

Or.....don't drink in the car.