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Door Lock / Sticky Ignition Quick Fix

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by HBTundra, Mar 5, 2021.

  1. Mar 5, 2021 at 9:05 PM
    #1
    HBTundra

    HBTundra [OP] New Member

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    Just wanted to share some experiences I've had over the last year, sorry if it's been discussed here before.
    On my old 2003 AC Tundra, the ignition was getting really temperamental with my key(s). I had to jiggle it several times and it got worse and worse. Tried OG keys / new keys etc. Nothing. The price for a whole new cylinder / install was crazy, but luckily I found a guy who rebuilt it for me at a fraction of the cost.
    He was a super honest guy and said that he tried to lube the thing, but some of the part were too worn. He mentioned using powdered graphite once they 'start' getting sticky.

    So I found out that drivers side door lock on my Dads truck hasn't been working. He's old and doesn't drive too much, and he's just been unlocking the passengers side, and then using the power door lock to open the drivers side. Funny guy. but he was over it, and ready to take his truck in to have it fixed.

    I happened to have a little bottle of powdered graphite in my tool box and said, "Let me try something". I took his key and used it to barely open the key hole opening and blew in some graphite. Then I tapped out a little of it on the top edge of the key as I pushed it in and out of the key hole, repeating the process over and over. Then started to turn the key lightly back and fourth, and it started working.

    I kind of made a little mess cause you're trying to dump out a little graphite on the top edge of the key which is only around an 1/8" wide . . . but it worked. I dumped some on the sides of the key and re-inserted over and over. After several cycles it started working really well.

    Before long it was working 100% . . . I took a little 'pick' and opened the little keyway door and blew in some more for good measure. Seems to have done the trick. Not sure how long it will last, but for now all seems good to go.

    Just thought I'd share in case someone is having similar issues. It might not be a cure-all, but it seems to be a good temporary fix / band-aid, until it's time to pony up the dough for a re-build or new lock/ cylinder which isn't cheap.
     
  2. Mar 5, 2021 at 9:25 PM
    #2
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    Funny, I just bought this stuff to lube my metal sliding fireplace screen..
    Any lube just evaporates (or burns) in the heat, except my Slide Glide gun lube...:eek2:

    The graphite seems to be working well, as well..
    I'm sure I'll find several uses for it.
    Going to put on my keys in all my locks...

    Amazon.com: Pinewood Pete Graphite Lube Powder - Great on Pinewood Cars, Locks, Guns and More.: Toys & Games
     
  3. Mar 6, 2021 at 5:39 AM
    #3
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Hand Protectors
    Which brand did you use on Pops truck?
     
    Tundra2 likes this.
  4. Mar 6, 2021 at 6:03 AM
    #4
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    None
  5. Mar 6, 2021 at 6:06 AM
    #5
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Hand Protectors
  6. Mar 6, 2021 at 7:06 AM
    #6
    HBTundra

    HBTundra [OP] New Member

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    Not sure of the brand, the bottle is so old I can't see any writing on it. But it looks the same type of plastic tube as @1lowlife posted above. It's a little touchy to get the right amount to 'blow-out' and not clog the tip . . . it's either too much or too little. The one that @FrenchToasty posted looks cool w/ needle dispenser... might work moa bedda.
     
  7. Mar 6, 2021 at 7:11 AM
    #7
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Hand Protectors
    Thanks. I’ll order some @FrenchToasty stuff.

    Another little trick is to grind up some pencil lead and use that. I’ve been using Moly Grease on all my locks thus far with success. They weren’t frozen like your Pops, though. The Moly is a type of slippery mineral.
     
    HBTundra[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Mar 6, 2021 at 7:27 AM
    #8
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Truck repair enthusiast; Rust Aficionado

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    My old 81 Buick Regal I had when I was younger had a nice security feature or just bad engineering (whatever you choose to call it). I could put the key in, turn the car over and remove the key once started. If I left the key in the cylinder, it would sometimes fall out. No stickiness there. Needless to say, it was worn out and had to be replaced.
     
  9. Mar 6, 2021 at 7:39 AM
    #9
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS
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    Over years at work there have been several tractors that had this issue.
    I'd be driving down the highway and the keys would vibrate out onto the floor..

    Something else that's kinda funny..
    Most of the tractors I drive now have the ignition key to the left of the steering wheel in the dash.
    I can't tell you how many times I've either gotten in my tractor and went to stick the key in the right side of the steering column.
    Or how many times I've gotten into my Tundra and reached to stick the key in the left side of the dash..:eek2:
     

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