Contact cleaner, WD40 or something else?

Gunnerhavesome · Jan 12, 2022

Just after any thoughts here (subject related hopefully)

On our trusty P38's in the ignition barrel I am guessing there is some sort of gate or sensor that tells the brain when the key is in?? Over the last couple of days when i get out of the car the dreaded BLEEP BLEEP sounds and the dash warning says "KEY IN IGNITION" when it's clearly not as its in my paw.
I have tried putting the key back in and out like a fiddlers elbow and just in the normal fashion but no difference.
So lock the car up and there doesn't seem to be any issues or battery flattening if left overnight and if left overnight when I re open the car there is no warning. The warning is still there if I have only been away for a short time.
So just wondering if its safe to squirt something in the barrel or on the key or just leave well alone while it's not causing any problems??

brianp38dse · Jan 12, 2022

Electrical contact cleaner wiggle keg in and out and about then let it dry followed by a little bit of graphite lock powder and all should be good.

Datatek · Jan 12, 2022

Contact cleaner to flush out the dirt followed by a dusting of graphite powder. Definitely NOT WD40, it leaves a sticky film that holds dirt.
Beat me to it Brian.

tomcat59alan · Jan 12, 2022

And me, contact cleaner blast of compressed air then graphite power.

Gunnerhavesome · Jan 12, 2022

Cheers chaps, Contact cleaner it is.

P38 Monkey · Jan 12, 2022

Contact cleaner: Servisol Super 10 is what rock guitarists use. No residue.

Datatek · Jan 12, 2022

P38 Monkey said:
Contact cleaner: Servisol Super 10 is what rock guitarists use. No residue.

Aeroclene 50 is what I use, another product from Servisol I think

tomcat59alan · Jan 12, 2022

Datatek said:
Aeroclene 50 is what I use, another product from Servisol I think

Do you play the guitar Keith?

RangeRoller dt · Jan 12, 2022

I do/did. I just scribble on the key with a pencil now and again. Cleared the ‘key in ignition’ every time I got out. If you use WD everyone will be able to smell when you’ve been driving for months and itl gunk up

miktdish · Jan 12, 2022

Another "No" to WD40 .... horrid horrid stuff
Brake cleaner will work (IPA) followed by a bit of graphite or molybdenum disulphide (other dry lubricants are available).

Datatek · Jan 12, 2022

miktdish said:
Another "No" to WD40 .... horrid horrid stuff
Brake cleaner will work (IPA) followed by a bit of graphite or molybdenum disulphide (other dry lubricants are available).

Careful with brake cleaner, the flap that operates the Key in Ignition flap is plastic and some plastic can be damaged with solvents.

P38 Monkey · Jan 12, 2022

miktdish said:
Another "No" to WD40 .... horrid horrid stuff
Brake cleaner will work (IPA) followed by a bit of graphite or molybdenum disulphide (other dry lubricants are available).

I find WD40 very good for cleaning my motorcycles, never ridden in the rain but they do get a bit oily/dirty. Don't want to use water and certainly not power-washers, so WD40 and a soft brush is good for their undersides.

Datatek · Jan 12, 2022

P38 Monkey said:
I find WD40 very good for cleaning my motorcycles, never ridden in the rain but they do get a bit oily/dirty. Don't want to use water and certainly not power-washers, so WD40 and a soft brush is good for their undersides.

Used to ride mine all weathers around UK/Europe and wash off with a power washer

backinblack · Jan 12, 2022

Datatek said:
Used to ride mine all weathers around UK/Europe and wash off with a power washer

I power wash then dry with a leaf blower

Datatek · Jan 12, 2022

backinblack said:
I power wash then dry with a leaf blower

Drip dry for mine

tomcat59alan · Jan 12, 2022

tomcat59alan said:
Do you play the guitar Keith?

I take it that's a no then.

RangeRoller dt · Jan 12, 2022

How do you spell yuke-a-laylee? Think it starts with an E

Banjo. Il just say banjo instead

tomcat59alan · Jan 12, 2022

RangeRoller dt said:
How do you spell yuke-a-laylee? Think it starts with an E

Banjo. Il just say banjo instead

I was always on the fiddle.

or was it a ukulele

RangeRoller dt · Jan 12, 2022

What’s that, some sort of banjo?

RangeRoller dt · Jan 12, 2022

tomcat59alan said:
I was always on the horn

Contact cleaner, WD40 or something else?

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