Key won't turn in ignition at times

[mikec]

Hey All,

First off, I'm loving this 92 turbo! My standard driving skills are slowly improving and I'm beginning to really appreciate the differences between it and my old 91 wagon.

Anyways, onto the problem: Completely ramdonly, I'm not able to turn the key from Off to any other position when I go to start the car. I can insert it fine, and it sounds like its in okay, but it just won't turn. When it does it (because it doesn't happen 100% of the time), it will take 1 or 2 tries before I can turn it. Other times (like today), I spent a good 5 minutes trying to get it to turn. All I've got on me right now is WD40, and I'm apprehensive about spraying it before I ask.

Could it be the key is getting really worn out? I asked at the dealership about getting a new one, and they said they couldn't get the key code, but could maybe get it from Japan. Any chance another dealership would have better luck? Or is there someone else I can go to? This key is definitely not an original, and I don't want a copy of a worn out key.

Thanks for any suggestions. I haven't pulled the steering molding off yet, but I'm willing to if I need to get in there.

[vrg3]

It could be the key getting worn out, but...

Dumb question -- you are jiggling the steering wheel if it's locked, right?

You could also try some of that "Lock-Ease" stuff. It's basically graphite particles suspended in some petroleum distillates to carry them into the lock and then evaporate. Some more lube might be all you need.

[mikec]

It could be the key getting worn out, but...

Dumb question -- you are jiggling the steering wheel if it's locked, right?

You could also try some of that "Lock-Ease" stuff. It's basically graphite particles suspended in some petroleum distillates to carry them into the lock and then evaporate. Some more lube might be all you need.

Nope, haven't tried the jiggling....

I was looking at that Lock-Ease stuff today, but didn't know if it'd be worth the purchase. I guess I'll grab some tomorrow and give it a try.

[Brat4by4]

There is no need to buy anything. Just learn how the steering wheel likes to be jiggled. Mine does the same thing at times, and every Honda I've been in has been notorious for this. Put some elbow grease into the steering wheel with one hand and try to push the key in and turn it at the same time with the other.

And having a copy of a worn key should not be a problem. Something with how keys are made and how the copy machine deal works. I had a Nissan key copied and the guys at the place said it was the most worn key they had seen that year... and the replica had sharp edges and worked like a beauty. Nissan and Subaru use the same type of ignition and keys by the way...

[vrg3]

If the steering wheel is locked, you're supposed to have to jiggle it in order to turn the ignition switch. Just try that first before you buy anything. :)

[entirelyturbo]

Ahhh, an area in which I have much experience...

If jiggling the steering wheel doesn't do it, your key is probably cut incorrectly. Go to a good, qualified locksmith like I did. Don't go to Kmart expecting them to cut it right. If he really knows what he is doing, he can read the key and get the factory code for it, unless you have the code somewhere or it's still on the key. Have a new key cut from that code. Don't do a trace cut, or you will end up with the same problem as before.

And remember, Subaru actually makes the ignition systems for Nissan (did you all know that?), so a Nissan key will work just as good as a Subaru key.

I ordered a fancy specialty key from eBay with a Subaru logo in the head ( ) and had it cut in this fashion. It works without effort every single time.

[mTk]

A dealer will be able to make a key for you from the vin number if your car.

suby22: I didn't know that they actually made the mechanism for nissan. An old key i had said nissan on it, and my key also unlocks the doors on my friends 8* maxima ,

MK

[vrg3]

Yeah, all my keys say "Datsun" on them...

So a locksmith can figure out the code from the actual pattern on the key? I don't have an original key for my car and the dealer who originally sold my car doesn't have the code anymore. So I could just find a good locksmith and get him to cut this STi key blank I've had for a year into a new key? Awesome.

[entirelyturbo]

The key I got with the car was the valet, which opened the glove and trunk for some reason . It was bent and so I had a key trace-cut from it, and no it never worked exactly right.

But yes, you can read the key. What my locksmith did was take my key and really play a guessing game with it. Our keys have 8 cuts, which are cut to 4 levels, 4 being the deepest. He took a new key and guessed how deep each cut was.

He cut a new key to try in my passenger door lock (the most picky since it's rarely used, he told me), it wasn't quite it. I think he ended up having to cut the 3rd cut from a 2 to a 1, and it worked. So he cut my special key with the same code, but he placed it in the machine wrong and cut it off-kilter. So, vrg3, before you let them touch your STi key, make a verbal agreement with them that they will reimburse you for the key if they screw it up. Mine took some cajoling, but he was a smart businessman and paid for it when he screwed it up, insuring that I would come back after I got another key. Mine was some $20 after shipping, I'll bet the STi one is worth more...

[magicmike]

Everything listed above is good but one thing you can try as a test before you go to the keyshop is to see if the key works flipped around. it may be worn in better on one side or something. next time it locks up just remove it and rotate it 180°'s and give it a try. I know this isn't a fix for your problem but it might get you to the keyshop.

Mike

[vrg3]

subyluvr2212 - Ah, so the "code" he reads off the key isn't the original FHI/Datsun code. As I recall, the key codes on other Subarus I've owned were all 4-digit numbers which I guess somehow translate into those 8 level numbers. But I guess correctly reading off those levels is just as good.

Yeah, I wouldn't let someone cut this key unless he took responsibility for the value of the key.

You might want to edit your post, though... cuz right now I could cut a key for your car. :)

[entirelyturbo]

Whew, thanks for pointing that out vrg3... I keep forgetting all you people are dirty car thieves that would come all the way from Virginia to steal my $2000 car...

But yeah, seriously, might not be a good idea to throw that code around...

Just let him decipher it for you, and ask if you can watch while he cuts it. You'll learn volumes...

[vrg3]

Well, McLean is just across the river from Washington, D.C.

You remember back when the Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards) were being renamed? The old joke was, the team was tired of having a name associated with crime. So, they were changing their name to "The Bullets."

[mikec]

It happened again this morning, and all it took was a slight jiggle, and I was off to stall it a couple of times!

I'm gonna have to harass my local dealership when I get back to look up the key code for me, as I'd like a brand spanking new key for this thing.

As for it being too worn, haven't had any trouble yet in any of the locks.

Thanks again everyone!

[Jr.SubaruLvr]

i had the exact problem when i got my subaru.I'm fairly certain that it is related to the key being worn over time.Go to Downtown Subaru in Toronto on Eastern Ave,and they will glady cut one for $9.95.They provide a genuine subaru part key as well.Just give them your VIN and they can figure it out.

[lgyee4]

I had the same problem. got a new key made at the dealer and everything is great. be sure to use the key# rather than copying a worn key
good luck