1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
DEFINITELY don't try to keep using a cracked key. What's open and closest is your first place to visit, but a locksmith shop is a better choice than a hardware store for a replacement. A locksmith might even be able to punch a new key to the original specs by eyeballing the old one and if so that might cure your trouble right there. A better choice yet for a new key cut to specs is your nearest Saab dealership - Portsmouth, NH? Who originally bought it, where? Do they or the original dealer have the key code?
A decent squirt of solvent might help, then run key in and out a lot, and jiggle it gently till it's past the starting point of turning before applying any pressure. (That's all with a NEW key.) Or, if it could be old spilled sodas, thick shakes or sugary coffee, try warming the interior thoroughly by running the car a couple of hours with heater at full blast, and pour a small amount of warm water into the key hole and treat as above, jiggling etc. And/or, rubbing alcohol, or alcohol-water mix, or blue window wash.
The electric switch actually sits forward of and above the key cylinder, shaft face down, and they are linked indirectly, so no water or contaminants are going to get in the switch itself. Surprisingly, even if water did, unless it's salted it won't conduct electricity. It can't hurt, only help in this case.
Down in the console as it is, the key slot is vulnerable to sand, dirt, and other odd solid matter falling down into it. But a little liquid might help free up and move even those out of the way.
Your trouble could actually be a badly worn cylinder.
Your best bet for the long haul is having a locksmith install a new cylinder, keyed to match your old key so you don't need another for the door locks, and get at least three new keys cut exactly to specs at the same time
posted by 64.222.25...
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