ignition lock

[geno]

the Ignition lock in my 2001 Dodge is giving me problems. The other day the key refused to turn. I eventually got it to turn and removed the cylinder so I could clean it on the bench. I had some light oil so I put a few drops in (I figured I got some snow on the key before I put it in and it caused some oxidation in the lock)

It freed it up, but after a day it started to become hard to turn again.

This time I cleaned the oil and whatever else was in the lock out with some non-residue electrical contact cleaner, then I sprayed some graphite spray into the lock.

I'm going to let it sit overnight and see what happens.

I'm assuming that the lock has bigger problems than just oxidation.

The problem is that I cant just buy a new cylinder with new keys. I have a transponder key so i need to keep my current keys.

ive looked over the cylinder and I cannot for the life of me figure out how I can dismantle it so I could rekey a new lock if need be.

Are the parts all press fit together? If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate some help.

Thanks

[skold]

It almost sounds as though a wafer is bent or your not inserting your key far enough.

[geno]

It almost sounds as though a wafer is bent or your not inserting your key far enough.

the lock worked fine for awhile after I put a few drops of oil in it. The next day it began to tighten up again.

I just cleaned it up and let the graphite sit over night. So far so good, but i'm not celebrating yet.

[Dark Angel]

I am not sure how dodge supply there ignition locks but most manufactures will sell you a new ignition lock that can be made up to fit your originol key.
If they do not sell the ignition lock to fit your key, and you cannot afford to have a new key programmed.
Then just simply replace the lock with a new key,or replace it with a second hand one.
Then place your old key on the same key ring.
As long as you have your origanol key next to the ignition then you should have no problem starting the car.
"This might invalidate your insurance policy though"

[Shrub]

Is your key ok? its more than likely the keys got bent or worn or if its a new key its not been cut too well.

You can remove the chip and glue it on a none chipped key if you want to cut corners.

[Pickermeapie]

I found aluminum wafers in a Dodge once, and Strattec from what I hear is switching over to completely aluminum. It may be that your wafers are so worn down, the graphite is only helping it slip by. You could have a locksmith code cut a key so as to restore your key to factory condition. if that doesn't work, replacing the wafers would probably solve the problem. Taking the ignition out would Eliminate many charges a locksmith would impose, so your probably looking at 10-15 dollars.
-Pickermeapie

[geno]

I found aluminum wafers in a Dodge once, and Strattec from what I hear is switching over to completely aluminum. It may be that your wafers are so worn down, the graphite is only helping it slip by. You could have a locksmith code cut a key so as to restore your key to factory condition. if that doesn't work, replacing the wafers would probably solve the problem. Taking the ignition out would Eliminate many charges a locksmith would impose, so your probably looking at 10-15 dollars.
-Pickermeapie

I have 3 keys for the lock. 2 are originals and I had one cut to keep in my wallet. The keys don't make any difference.

I'll report back in a few days.

[geno]

well its been awhile and the lock is still working as good as it supposed to.

I still have my column shroud off and the graphite spray at the ready in case I have a problem.

[jjmerg]

if you got the lock out ok, you can buy a new one from any reputable locksmith. part number 702719, i believe from strattec. when we sell them, we code them to your key so you dont need to "reprogram" the car. coded they are $45 dollars. well worth your money!!

[HeadHunterCEO]

the problem with the 8 cut dodge ignitions is the wafers.
over time they tweak a little bit and become stuck in the ignition.
A very common problem .

If you want to get the ignition apart get it out of the colom which i am assuming you already know how to do

and look at the back of it.

tell me when you get that far and i will show you how to dismantle

[jjmerg]

the problem is a combination of the wafers and the sidebar. its just a bad combo. thats why ford doesnt make focus ignition locks with a sidebar anymore.