13 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH996 can't insert key..help
Leading reported evidence
Clean key
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Tried jiggling wheel ( can't get it to lock, which does the trick with our x5), cleaned key, disconnected/ reconnect battery, locked/ unlocked doors.
Leading evidence: 'Clean key' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean key' (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.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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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
Tried jiggling wheel ( can't get it to lock, which does the trick with our x5), cleaned key, disconnected/ reconnect battery, locked/ unlocked doors.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
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Suggestion
Start by trying to give it a good clean with a contact cleaner spry.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
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0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
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Suggestion
On the same theme, because it may help, has anyone removed the only front part of the key lock (using the paper clip method), and cleaned and lubricated the exposed mechanism?
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.
Suggestion
On the same theme, because it may help, has anyone removed the only front part of the key lock (using the paper clip method), and cleaned and lubricated the exposed mechanism?
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
13 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
After replacing battery suddnley can't insert key into ignition. Tried jiggling wheel ( can't get it to lock, which does the trick with our x5), cleaned key, disconnected/ reconnect battery, locked/ unlocked doors. Key inserts about .25 " then comes to stop.
it�s not. Start by trying to give it a good clean with a contact cleaner spry. You probably nave some dirt in there.
you can use also WD 40, but the contact cleaner will not leave to much of oily residue.
something like that worked for me in the past.
This is just a coincidence - it doesn't have anything to do with the battery change. Try spraying the WD into the ignition lock itself - not on the key. These things fail at a disappointing rate, so much so that I keep an extra one in my glove box. This is really common - usually the key gets stuck inside of the ignition but not being able to put the key in is a luckier way of figuring this out I suppose lol.
Faulty ignition switch can manifest in ways that seem like it must be a mechanical problem vs. electrical, but it�s almost always the switch. You can get one overnight from Amazon for $25. Try that first, and if it likely solves the problem buy another to have on hand for next time.
I replaced "just the switch" several times, and the repair would only last a few months before coming back. Also had the issue of not being able to insert the key.
Eventually replaced the entire mechanical ignition and steering lock mechanism and everything works much smoother now, and I've been problem-free for a few years
FWIW my battery ran out because my bad ignition lock wouldn�t fully �disengage.� Came out for a drive and no battery left. After a jump the key would not come out. I did the lock and the switch. The current ignition lock is an update from the original so (I think) it reduces the occurrence of this problem. After being replaced it�s really smooth and feels new� duh.
After taking apart a faulty ignition switch and finding a small internal plastic tab broken off and jamming up the works, I say it is a mechanical problem of an electrical part...lol.
My anecdotal failure analysis says... as the 20 year old mechanical key/locking mechanism gets sticky worn gummed up it cause more pressure on this small plastic tab in the electrical switch that eventually breaks off and jams things up... If your key mechanism does not work smoothly and easily, remove it, clean it with brake clean and compressed air, repeat, lightly lubricate,, then your electrical switch will have a long life...
jmo
^^^^ This !! What Allcool said is correct.... There is some intricate interplay between the electrical part and the mechanical parts..
The distinctive "clunk" you hear when removing the key serves two purposes, mechanically it locks the steering column, electrically it tells the alarm system the key is removed to go into stand-by mode...
On the same theme, because it may help, has anyone removed the only front part of the key lock (using the paper clip method), and cleaned and lubricated the exposed mechanism?
Wondering if doing so is a reasonable substitute to replacing the entire key lock mechanism?
I replaced the ignition switch, and it helped, but the don�t believe the key turns as freely as it should.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
