Hmmm, brass dust? I wounder if that's my problem.

My key does not want to turn. It's like the cylinder is jammed. If I jiggle it a bit, or a lot it will then suddenly turn.

My car has 450,000 miles and the key that came with it appears to be brass and very worn (lots of miles).

I got new keys from the dealer, nice sharp steel.

But is sounds like brass keys wear and the shavings or minute bits of brass over the years jam the lock cylinder.

Can you just remove the cylinder and tap or blow out some of the filling to free up the lock instead of installing a new one?

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1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5