shelby151

Wondering if anyone can help I have a 85 928 one day out of the blue I put the key in the ignition and it won't turn. The only way now to start the car is keep giggling the key til it catches and turns. I only have one key so I'm not sure if it's the key or the cylinder my help would be appreciated.

Wisconsin Joe

Does the key turn in the doors and hatch ok? That would make the key less likely as the problem.

Ignition locks are available from the usual suspects, I think. Getting one that matches your current lock may be a bit of work. Alternatively, have the new cylinder re-keyed.

New keys are available, the suggested vendor is "Keys for Classics" in Australia. A search will give you what you need to know.

shelby151

Just got a new key....and as I suspected the key is still hard to turn. I will assume its a bad ignition cylinder.

ROG100

Ignition Switch - electrical part at the rear of the lock.

dr bob

So immediately or sooner, while the key still works the tumblers, extract the old lock from the column and have it serviced or replaced. Removing the old lock without a working key is, um, much more destructive.

The "solution" may be as easy as some lock lubrication to free up a sticking pin or two. Locks typically want a dry lubricant, so common stuff like WD-40 is not an option. It dries in there and gums things up even worse.

While local locksmiths may not be able to make duplicate 928 keys, better ones will give you guidance, and some assistance if you need it. If your fingers and eyes aren't as good as they used to be (as mine tend to be), you can usually save money by investing early in expert help.

If by chance the ignition switch itself is hanging up and it's not the lock cylinder, you can find out by removing the switch from the back of the lock.

Also -- The lock will be stiff to unlock if there's preload on the steering. At least mine can be. Try moving the wheel slightly left and right as you first turn the key. It it suddenly "frees up" the problem may be in the column locking pin rather than the lock cylinder itself.

shelby151

What's a good lube for the lock I've been using wd40 and its better .

Alan

Not WD40 unfortunately... eventually that will cause it to gum up as it dries out and collects dust. Some kind of dry graphite lubricant is best. But now you have used WD40 using the graphite lubricant wont work so well... The WD40 initially does a decent job of cleaning - which may have helped ungum whatever was already in there. Before it gums up again perhaps some kind of switch cleaner might better clean out the WD40 residue (at least partially) - and the switch cleaner itself will dry out quickly with no residue, then you can use the graphite lubricant.

Best to ask first before trying stuff.

Alan

dr bob

WD-40 is a light oil and some solvent. It tends to gum up the pins in pin-tumbler locks, so it's a poor choice.

GregBBRD

All the tumbers and springs are greased from the factory with high pressure grease.

Dry graphite sticks into that grease, making things worse, not better, in my opinion.

Wurth HHS in the locks of your 928 will soak in where it needs to go. Works miracles.