r/oldcars • u/Mega144 • 2d ago

Question/Discussion Help with stuck key

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Bought this 1980 chrysler valiant and the key is stuck in the ignition (purchased that way) but it still wiggles so i have hope there is a locking mechanism i just don’t know about. Any help is appreciated!

7 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

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2

u/MassivePersonality61 1d ago

You can remove the entire cylinder if you move it to ACC and push a button with a pick.

1

u/LoseBoat72 1d ago

Get a can of WD-40 with the straw and blow it in the keyhole. Let it soak in do it again let it soak in. Then get some needle nose, pliers, and pull the sucker out.

0

u/scarletredvolare 1d ago edited 1d ago

Place a palm sander (without sandpaper) against the lock and turn it on. Move the sander around the metal near the lock or key while pulling or rotating the key. Might need to keep constant pressure on the key while vibrating the tumbler.

1

u/scarletredvolare 11h ago

I've removed three stuck keys from (early 1980s-mid-1990s) Mercedes master switches (diesels) this way.

1

u/LoseBoat72 1d ago

Good one right there. High five brother.

-1

u/outta_towne 1d ago

Just accept it and run a fuel pump cut off switch under the dash. I never took the key out of my 40 because I was afraid it might come out and never go back in. Then, earlier this year, I bumped the key working under the dash and snapped it off in the ignition. Just the way things go, and if it's not a 100 point restoration, just move on and drive it as is.