2002 Honda Civic

Am having a problem with the key not turning in the ignition unless I shake
the steering wheel violently. Mechanic says there's nothing he can do! Any
suggestions?

 

yes. find someone that really /is/ a mechanic, not just someone that
charges you money for just /saying/ they're a mechanic.

 

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If you"ve never lubed the ignition lock, (or previously used OIL) get a
tiny aerosol can of LockEase and shoot it in all five of your locks.
Makes your feel like Honda NEW. Wipe your keys for a while because it's
messy stuff. If it's worse when cold, the linkage may need to be
adjusted. Does it work perfectly if you stick the key in the slot on top
of the steering column, per the manual? how many miles on the beast?

'Curly'

 

However in this case the "mechanic" was right. It is normal for a lock
cylinder to stick when there's pressure against it from the steering
wheel lock.

You don't need to have it fixed and you don't need to shake the steering
wheel violently. Just move the wheel a fraction of an inch to get the
pressure off of wthe steering wheel lock and the ignition key will turn.

 

Of course you do. It's exactly the same sort of principle that governs the
correct bolt torque for the clueless wrench: Tighten 'til it breaks, then
back it off a quarter turn.

 

yup. it SHOULD only really be noticeable with the steering wheel at full
lock when the key is taken out. then the wheel wants to recenteritself.