I've read many of the articles on the forum about the sticky key problem. The one about removing the ignition switch and some of it's internal parts seemed like a good answer to the problem. Before doing this, I was wondering if anyone has tried to squirt some graphite "Lock-Eze" into the key opening to see if it would free up any of the internals. That stuff is pretty slick after the liquid carrier evaporates off and leaves just the graphite coating the inside of the lock, or switch. I tried this on a .22 rimfire target rifle trigger and it made the trigger feel like a smooth piece of glass. Just wondered if anyone has tried it on the XF ignition switch and key. I'd like to hear everyone's opinion or experience with this.

Jim

 

Try it, you’ll regret it but what the heck at least you tried.
Do you think that after all these years the solution recommended is a waste of time and an easier solution like you state works?
I say go for it, if only to prove that the original solution works.

 

Jim, I assume graphite would be the first thing that was tried. Lock-Eze has been around since I was a kid.
I will be sending you a PM. I have questions about your 22 trigger.

 

FYI I am a new crossfire owner this past spring. The forum is the repair bible. I have been building streetrods and playing with cars most of my life. All of the recommended "fixes" work as described. Don't bother trying to reinvent the wheel. I just did the sticky ignition fix myself, pain in the butt, but worth it. Now my wife and I have one less thing to think about and just have fun. You don't have to give me a good idea more than once at my age. The people on this forum will save you a heck of a lot of money, a heck of a lot of time, a pile of grief, but you may skin a knuckle or two. Just sayin. They are full of great practical ideas and "have already done the jobs themselves". No theory here. Next I am changing the passenger seat to an 8 way power as described on the formum. I searched for the needed parts, as described, I bought what was recommended and I have printed out the instructions to follow meticulously. The forum if treated with respect, will not let you down.

 

Well said, there was a lot of knowledge available here when I signed in, some of the info was incorrect and some of the answers are laughable now. Over the years the correct answers have been found and recorded here but you still have to be wary of the odd fly in the ointment.

 

Please read the tutorial - the issue is NOT the tumblers, the issue is with the redundant lock "wedge" and spring. The wedge wears and jams in place, the solution is to simply remove it.
I DO add 3 or 4 drops of machine oil to the plunger mechanism, but again, you cant do that thru the 'key hole'.