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Steering lock "thunk" when shutting off engine

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YOUR RESEARCHSteering lock "thunk" when shutting off engine

Leading reported evidence

Use some spray lube

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Unsuccessful attempts: 1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I've used some spray lube that's approved for key locks and electrical components and it has made it much easier to insert the key, but it hasn't really done much to the speed of the "thunk" of the lock mechanism.
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Steering lock "thunk" when shutting off engine

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Leading evidence: 'Use some spray lube' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Use some spray lube' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.

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Use some spray lube

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes: 0
Unsuccessful attempts: 1
Discussions

Read evidence and context

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome: 1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I've used some spray lube that's approved for key locks and electrical components and it has made it much easier to insert the key, but it hasn't really done much to the speed of the "thunk" of the lock mechanism.
Original post Read captured discussion
Steering lock "thunk" when shutting off engine

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5 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.

Rennlist: 1 discussions

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Generation: 20261026T130754Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

So as the cold weather has frozen Georgia, the "thunk" noise made by the steering lock mechanism when turning the ignition key to Off hasn't been its normal self. The mechanism has been much slower to engage in these sub-freezing temps and I'm worried one of these days it might not engage at all, thus leaving the car in a battery draining condition while the engine is off. I've used some spray lube that's approved for key locks and electrical components and it has made it much easier to insert the key, but it hasn't really done much to the speed of the "thunk" of the lock mechanism. Is there a way to try to remedy this without having to take apart the dash and install a whole new key lock mechanism? Thanks.

POST 2Original post

Quotes source post: 14714549

Try removing the key/cylinder by turning the key to ON, then use a paper clip straitened and push it very hard into the little hole below the key while pulling on the key. Then spray some on your lock lube down at the lower mechanism. If that doesn't fix it, you will need a new steering lock assembly.

POST 3 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Quotes source post: 14718523

Thanks. It has definitely improved over the past few days as the weather warmed back up and after I put the initial amount of lube in it. I'll do your recommendation as well.

POST 4 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

I see two pin pin holes in the plastic surround and a larger hole in the metal portion next to the key slot. Which one are you referencing?

POST 5Original post

The one in the metal portion is the one that you will insert the paper clip after the key is turned to ON. You will need to remove the plastic surround , it just pops off.

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