Key will not go into ignition

**neil** · 24-02-2018, 06:13 AM

Jetta almost failed me for the first time while out today.
No way I could get the key in the slot , thought it must be a gearbox issue with it not being properly in park
and this would not let me insert the key..

Did a quick google and up come the answer from another VW site about the small white plastic cover in the ignition being
jammed up with muck/junk from whats ever been on your keys over the years.
Simple fix with a screw driver prizing back the white plastic piece , got home and a quick squirt of WD40.

Seems its a common issue but Ive never read anyone on here with the problem.

**tigger73** · 24-02-2018, 08:10 AM

I'd be careful with relying too much on WD-40. It's a solvent and it will help to unstick whatever is stuck, however it's really not a great lubricant. Too much WD-40 will tend to attract dust and gum up again.

Use some silicon spray or similar. If it's stuck hard then a bit of WD-40 can get it loosened up but use a proper lubricant to make sure it keeps operating smoothly long-term.

**jets** · 24-02-2018, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by tigger73

I'd be careful with relying too much on WD-40. It's a solvent and it will help to unstick whatever is stuck, however it's really not a great lubricant. Too much WD-40 will tend to attract dust and gum up again.

Use some silicon spray or similar. If it's stuck hard then a bit of WD-40 can get it loosened up but use a proper lubricant to make sure it keeps operating smoothly long-term.

I 100% agree. Any WD-40 in your garage should be thrown away.

**tigger73** · 25-02-2018, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by jets

I 100% agree. Any WD-40 in your garage should be thrown away.

Used for the right application it’s probably OK. It’s good at penetrating and getting rusted on bolts off. WD is short for Water Displacing so if you need to get water out of electrical connections it can be used for that too.

But don’t use it as a lubricant as it’s not a very good one. Much better off with a can of silicone spray for those squeaky hinges and sticky locks.

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**neil** · 25-02-2018, 08:11 AM

I did only sparingly use the WD40 , worked the white plastic piece in and out a few times with flat screwdriver before thoroughly wiping and drying off. was aware that anything I sprayed in could attract more dust and dirt so was reluctant to apply anything else.