Ignition switch turns hard

[RogerDodger]

My ignition switch is turning very hard. The key goes in and out fine but there is a lot of resistance when turning it and you have to turn it back to run it after it starts. Anyone else experience this before? Feels like its gummed up.

[70 sublime]

What year ?
69 and older or 70 and newer ?

The newer works against the gear shifter also so that could be making it drag some if it is not all the way in park

[RogerDodger]

74. Ignition switch is in the steering column. Shifter is in the floor console. Automatic.

[birdsandbees]

Spray some gun oil into the key slot and run the key in and out a few times. If that doesn't make it better you have some internal issue..

[RogerDodger]

Spray some gun oil into the key slot and run the key in and out a few times. If that doesn't make it better you have some internal issue..

I did try some WD-40. No change. I suspect its internal. Not sure if it can be taken apart and cleaned or if I will need a new ignition switch or lock cylinder. I guess I need to take it apart first. Thanks!

[b5blue]

Check the ignition switch connector under the column looking for overheated wires/melting. (A good sign the switch inside the column and not the key set is the problem.) You can find instructions to remove key set in your FSM.

[birdsandbees]

WD-40 is a useless lubricant, especially when it comes to lock mechanisms. Try the gun oil before throwing in the towel and tearing into it.

[b5blue]

WD-40 is a useless lubricant, especially when it comes to lock mechanisms. Try the gun oil before throwing in the towel and tearing into it.

WD = "water displacement"