what do car makers say for ignition switch lube?

[edwardh1]

Say Toyota? does anyone know?
I read
silicone spray
wd 40
PTFE whatever that is
Teflon?
dry graphite
wet graphite?
my house lock shop says NO to wd 40

 

[HerrStig]

I use Kroil. Graphite is good for Pinewood Derby cars but makes a mess in your pocket. I've also used a product which is dry powdered Teflon, made by LaBell, and found at hobby shops.

 

[bigt61]

GM makes a lock lubricant, but they used to say you could substitute Mobil 1 5w30 instead - so that's what I use.

 

[Lyman]

I just had to lube my ignition switch yesterday as it was getting real bad. I used Liquid Wrench lubricating oil. It worked far better than I thought it would. I was having thoughts of having to replace the switch and it now works as good as it did when it rolled off the assembly line.

 

[mjoekingz28]

I think, powdered graphite is best. Apply it to keys or inject a small amount into the lock switch. But, if I am not mistaken, if you have ever oiled it at some time before, then adding graphite to it will not be too good.

Now whether adding graphite to an oiled lock is somewhat better and simply just not as optimal as adding it to a dry lock, versus, it being abusive if added to an oiled lock if confusing to me....

 

[tcp71]

Electronic control cleaner/lube. While most of the electrical switching action is isolated from the mechanical tumblers that require lube, graphite conducts electricity. Any contamination could cause shorts and possible problems.

MG Chemicals control cleaner/lube

 

[Kestas]

Some people stay away from graphite lubes. The conductive properties of graphite can be a problem where there are electric switches and contacts. The same goes for modern door locks.

Also, the repeated applications of graphite lube can leave a caked-on mess once the carrier fluid dries out.

 

[4wheeldog]

My FIL was a locksmith. Graphite only, in locks. The issue with ignition locks is that graphite is bad ju ju for the contacts in the switch. So......If the lock and the switch are built as a close fitting unit, minimal graphite is the answer. Enough that it filters through the lock into the switch.......Problems!

Putting the graphite on the key itself, and working the key in the lock, seems to be the best compromise.

 

[Pontual]

Penetrants are good and dont mese with electrical contacts, but once first used, you have to redo from time to time, since it does not endures as much as the factory lube.

 

[BigD1]

I don't like graphite, and the best I have used to date is Dupont Teflon Silicone Lubricant. It lasts longer than run of the mill silicone spray because of the added teflon. Used some in a Jeep Cherokee ignition switch that was locking up, and after I applied it liberally, the switch never did lock up again.

 

[edwardh1]

what does Toyota or lexus specify?? (I sound like a BMW person but am not)

 

[mjoekingz28]

Originally Posted By: 4wheeldog
My FIL was a locksmith. Graphite only, in locks. The issue with ignition locks is that graphite is bad ju ju for the contacts in the switch. So......If the lock and the switch are built as a close fitting unit, minimal graphite is the answer. Enough that it filters through the lock into the switch.......Problems!

Putting the graphite on the key itself, and working the key in the lock, seems to be the best compromise.



Thanks for the inside scoop!

 

[Kestas]

I've heard good things about using Tri-flow to lube lock tumblers. I believe it's a synthetic lubricant with Teflon particles.

 

[edwardh1]

I have seen tri flow recommendations also but which one??? , I looked on their web site, is there only one tri flow????

, or does it come in different size/method applicators? spray drip squirt?

 

[mjoekingz28]

Tri-flow wet
Tri-flow dry

For bicycle chains

From the Sherwin-Williams company

 

[GiveMeAVowel]

!!!!!NEVER EVER WET OR DRY GRAPHITE IT CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY AND WILL CAUSE A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM!!!!!!

 

[ryanschillinger]

I shoot a quick squirt of white lithium spray in them. I don't know if that's the right stuff to use, but never had any problems. That can is almost empty, reminds me I need to pick up another. Use it on the hinges and latches and stuff also.

 

[GiveMeAVowel]

Originally Posted By: ryanschillinger
I shoot a quick squirt of white lithium spray in them. I don't know if that's the right stuff to use, but never had any problems. That can is almost empty, reminds me I need to pick up another. Use it on the hinges and latches and stuff also.


That's what Mercedes used throughout the years. When we used to get 190E from the factory they would come with a slight amount of
white lithium grease on the key and ignition switch.

 

[ryanschillinger]

Yeah it takes a few uses and wiping the key to make sure no more residue.

 

[artificialist]

Don't use graphite, I tried to extend the life of the switch in my Saturn ION. It instead made the switch wear out more quickly than before.

Good thing the repair still had a warranty on it. I didn't have to pay for the failure.