After dealing with a very slight sticking in my ignition key while starting, I decided to try a cheap fix first beofre it got worse and had to go tearing into the dash. I went to my local hardware store and picked up a small tube of powdered graphite lubricant. This very fine powder is used in home and auto door locks to lubricate them. A few small squirts into the key cylinder and a few turns later, it was noticeably smoother. Ran a few errands last night and today and so far, so good. Even fixed my sticky patio door lock. Be careful as this dark gray powder is very messy.

 

i think this will work for a little bit till it goes bad totally, i think some members tried this as a temp solution till they got the part they need to swap it out.

 

Don't know where to really post this question ... I finally had to get a new ignition because of the sticking problem. My mechanic got the part from Mercedes for alot cheaper than from the Chrysler dealership. Fine. He changed it all out and it works great. However, it only came with one BLADE (which he put into my FOB/Transponder). I want/need to get a spare key though. I know I can "program" the transponder/FOB myself (because I read this thread), but the dealership won't sale me a "empty" transponder and "uncut" blade. Obviously, if I supply my VIN to them, and they cut the new key ... IT WON'T WORK in the newly replaced ignition/cylinder. I called two locksmiths and they say they can't get that kind of blade (much less a Transponder/FOB). What the hell do I do to get a spare key then ???????

 

I am getting my ignition switch replaced next friday, by the local chrysler dealership. 525 plus tax. The original keys should work. MB wouldn't touch it because the vin would be a chrysler number. But I'm sick of worring if the key will turn or not. After thinking about it, MB said it was a 3 to 4 hour job. If the chrysler part is 380, 145 doesn't seem that bad for labor. chris