I have a 1990 pickup, that has started having trouble with the ignition switch key cylinder not wanting to turn when it has been sitting in the cold. By cold I mean below freezing, usually single digits or teens with wind chill below zero at times. I put the key in, and it doesn't want to turn kinda similar to the feel of the steering lock, but it does it when the steering wheel is not locked. After wiggling the key for a while, taking it in and out a few times, it will turn like normal. Has anybody else had this issue? Is it just worn and in need of being replaced?

 

You might try disconnecting the battery, squirting Tri-Flow in the switch, inserting the key and working it back and forth several times. I usually do that with sticky house or car door locks and it frees them up nicely.

I did it to the sticky ignition switch on my 91, so far no problems to report.

 

What the All Father said!!

Have you ever lubricated the switch or door locks??

 

Thanks for the advice, I just sprayed Tri-flow in both the door cylinders and the ignition cylinder, the test will be when I leave work today to see if it helped, the high is 25, and it will be dropping throughout the day, supposed to be 11 degrees plus windchill when I leave work today.

I have never lubricated the lock or ignition cylinders, the truck has been in Southern California its entire life until 2 years ago, they never had trouble there because it didn't get cold enough I guess.

 

Sometimes it takes a few applications. The drivers door on my truck was the worst I've ever encountered. After several applications of Tri-Flow it works quite well.

 

Well did the Tri-Flow work for you?

 

I use Kroil

Lock cylinders are moving parts they need to be lubricated from time to time.

Not being lubricated is what causes them to wear.

 

That could work too.
I can't easily get Kroil and it's fairly expensive for what it is.
Some locksmiths sell Tri-Flow and I can easily purchase it at other places so I use it.

However when dealing with rusted up stuff I have thought about purchasing some of it because PB Blaster isn't the greatest.

 

Anything is better then nothing at all even WD40