ok guys, got a brain stumper for ya. after using the search feature, i have yet to come across someone with this same problem, at least not posted about it. since it has gotten colder here in alaska, (-35) i am having trouble turning my key in the ignition. i believe that there must be some moisture in there and it is freezing. my truck stays outside with the engine block heater plugged up. this morning i had to take my wife's hair dryer to my truck and blow hot air on the ingition to get it to turn. this afternoon after work, same thing. this time i didn't have the luxery of a hair dryer, used some wd-40 and some wiggling and finally got her to start. my question is...is there a permenant fix for this problem or do i need to carry around a can of wd-40(by the way, does anyone know the freezing temp of wd-40?)

i know it's a little long to get to my question but had to lay the scenario out for you, thanks for the replies.

 

Read this:

http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic173169.htm

Or this:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...en-due-to-cold

 

thanks for the links jk. i will start carrying a lighter with me to heat up the key before sticking into the ignition. the wd-40 seemed to have helped though, no problems this morning when i went to warm up my truck.

 

-35 , yeehaw batman thats hella cold!

 

tell me about it, expecially coming from charleston, sc where it's what, 70 now?

 

Yesterdays high was in the mid 70s , today dropped of to the mid 50s

 

Be careful heating the key with a lighter, I would be worried about damaging the chip in the key (if you have the PATS system).

Could have a regular key cut to use as a "heater" and then use the chip key after it's broken loose.

 

Graphite would be my choice of lubricant.

It is very easy to remove the ignition cylinder, you can do it in about 30 seconds. Pop it out lube everything up, put it back in.

If that doesn't work you might have to replace the cylinder or dig deeper into the column.
We just had a 01 Mustang with a similar problem, it was a royal PITA, I had a steering column guy come in and do the repair.

 

I'm down to minus 30 in Alberta at the moment and I'm using graphite in locks and ign, no problems so far all opening fine.

Regards,
Pete

 

At those low temps, WD-40 is going to get pretty gummy. I'd pull the cylinder, flush it out with some isopropyl alcohol, blow it dry, and use powdered graphite.

 

Have fun getting that graphite all over you and you clothes every time you pull the key out of the ignition and put it in your pocket. Graphite works fine for things like door hinges and such, but it's not a good option for locksets.