VATS and ignition cylinder question - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

8cam · 05-19-2014

I have not had one problem with my PASSkey (knock on wood) but this weekend my daughter was driving the car and had a problem with it several times. The tumblers in my ignition lock are extremely stiff, and the key requires a good amount of force to push in and remove. I just think she wasn't getting the key in all the way, resulting in a 4 minute wait before I could start the car. I told her she needs to work out more.

Is this normal for these ignition cylinders? In my old cars I would use a bit of graphite, but I'm not sure how/if this might affect the PASSkey system. I'm tempted to bypass it, but I really prefer to have original systems working like they are supposed to. Except for CAGS, which is just stupid.

Tyler Townsley · 05-19-2014

Use some lock lubricant. Mine was so stiff that I thought I was going to have to replace the ignition. Sprayed it liberally with the lube and it freed up.

Tyler

WVZR-1 · 05-19-2014

I've used contact cleaner for stiff cylinders but after completing the clean use only lock cylinder graphite lube. No substitutes. Don't even think of using anything else.

With age and use if you get to where it becomes very difficult to rotate back to off or to turn to crank a replacement is generally the only fix.

I'd try the dry lubricant first unless it's a real high miler.

LGAFF · 05-19-2014

Is she pushing the release button for the key when she pulls it out?

Schrade · 05-19-2014

Pocket jam on the key chip can cause problems. I don't know what girly makeup jam on the key can do - I usually try to go lite on the makeup when I drive...

We Gone · 05-19-2014

My wife's 95 LT1 started having issues at about 200k miles I finally just gave up and spliced in a resistor of the right ohms to match the pellet under the column... no more vats

8cam · 05-19-2014

Rotating the cylinder isn't the problem, it's very easy to turn either direction once the key is in. It's actually inserting and removing the key that's difficult, and yes she was pushing the release button.

There's no residue on the key and nothing I can see in the lock, but it's like the tumblers are lubed with molasses. I'll try a little graphite this evening and see if it helps. I just didn't want to foul the system if it might cause a problem.

05-19-2014	#1
8cam Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Atlanta Posts: 451	VATS and ignition cylinder question I have not had one problem with my PASSkey (knock on wood) but this weekend my daughter was driving the car and had a problem with it several times. The tumblers in my ignition lock are extremely stiff, and the key requires a good amount of force to push in and remove. I just think she wasn't getting the key in all the way, resulting in a 4 minute wait before I could start the car. I told her she needs to work out more. Is this normal for these ignition cylinders? In my old cars I would use a bit of graphite, but I'm not sure how/if this might affect the PASSkey system. I'm tempted to bypass it, but I really prefer to have original systems working like they are supposed to. Except for CAGS, which is just stupid. __________________ Mark '90 ZR-1 #1322 Daily Driver, 64k and counting Black/Gray [IMG]http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb49/mlitherland/IMG_0326_zps3d50d8cb.jpg[/IMG]

05-19-2014	#2
Tyler Townsley Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nichols, FL Posts: 615	Re: VATS and ignition cylinder question Use some lock lubricant. Mine was so stiff that I thought I was going to have to replace the ignition. Sprayed it liberally with the lube and it freed up. Tyler __________________ 55 Polo White (Project) 61 Jewel Blue (Sold to buy above) 66 Nassau Blue 68 Torch Red 88 ZR1 Blue 90 ZR1 White

05-19-2014	#3
WVZR-1 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,889	Re: VATS and ignition cylinder question I've used contact cleaner for stiff cylinders but after completing the clean use only lock cylinder graphite lube. No substitutes. Don't even think of using anything else. With age and use if you get to where it becomes very difficult to rotate back to off or to turn to crank a replacement is generally the only fix. I'd try the dry lubricant first unless it's a real high miler.

05-19-2014	#4
LGAFF Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 7,194	Re: VATS and ignition cylinder question Is she pushing the release button for the key when she pulls it out? __________________ LGAFF 90 #966-150K miles-sold 92 #234-sold 1987 Callaway TT #17 1991 ZR-1 #1359

05-19-2014	#5
Schrade Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: NC Posts: 1,786	Re: VATS and ignition cylinder question Pocket jam on the key chip can cause problems. I don't know what girly makeup jam on the key can do - I usually try to go lite on the makeup when I drive... __________________ I'm getting my snappics / threads removed blindly as fast as I can, to get in compliance with copyright / license TOS on the boards here (lots of FSM pages and other copyright / license violations on my part; sorry guys). And thanks to all the guys who didn't whine when I posted those FSM copyrighted / licensed stuff in my threads... ( :thumbsup: [b]and to think I complied with a mod's request to delete a pic of him in a Challenge Car in NCM Museum, so he wouldn't get in hot water)[/b] Thanks to several guys here for sending parts FREE; BearlyFlying, WeGone, Geezer, GoldCylon, and more there, TonyD, mike100, fletchusmc... 1990 #2794; 4L60e Stage V by RPM Transmission, TCI Dedicated TCM, OBX Stainless, Power Effects 3" [IMG]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GHpfzty7DVU/UQn-0Ru2xAI/AAAAAAAAA14/08mz1p4QLD4/s445/Screenshot-5.png[/IMG]

05-19-2014	#6
We Gone Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: ATL. GA. Posts: 2,168	Re: VATS and ignition cylinder question My wife's 95 LT1 started having issues at about 200k miles I finally just gave up and spliced in a resistor of the right ohms to match the pellet under the column... no more vats __________________ Steve 1990 Steel Blue/Black #2355 1990 Red/Red #1473 1991 Quasar /Black #118 Sold 1991 Turquoise/Black #766 Parted Out 1993 Yellow/White #179 Sold 1990 Black/Gray #1361 Headers/4:10s Sold