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Is PTFE safe to use with an electronic switch with constant use, such as the ignition switch?

Tiny
ALPHAA10
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 252,000 MILES
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a dry lubricant whose carrier evaporates quickly, leaving no residue, according to claims of its manufacturer, WD40.

Yet, WD40 corporation does not specifically recommend its Specialist Dry Lube with PTFE for automotive ignitions. On phoning the company, its representative said its attorneys were "skittish" about endorsing user-suggested applications.

In short, are there any GM owners who have experimented with PTFE dry lubricants for ignition switches? What were the results?

In researching this question, Houdini Lock Lube was offered as one of the best lock lubricants available, but Houdini will not comment on core ingredients of its Lock Lube product.

My question, is PTFE safe to use with an electronic switch with constant use, such as the ignition switch?

Previous concerns about ignition switch lubrication come from the fact graphite is a known electrical conductor. However, PTFE has electrical insulative properties, instead.
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Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 AT 6:07 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
The issue with lock lubes is usually the carrier that they use to get the lubricant into the lock, some of them react with the plastic pieces and cause binding or worse. That is why they won't tell you to use it, they don't want the liability of potential failures. Houdini lube is what I use on all locks around here. Very good stuff. It's listed as a proprietary blend but in use it smells like alcohol mixed with a very light mineral oil. I've never had it cause any issues in ignition or other lock locations. I prefer graphite lube for the exterior locks though, because they are very seldom used these days the graphite seems to last longer.
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Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 AT 8:18 AM
Tiny
ALPHAA10
  • MEMBER
  • 170 POSTS
Steve, I had considered using my spray can of Houdini for the Buick LeSabre ignition, but prior experience with Houdini did not provide the lubrication my key needed, despite my working the key in the lock.
To have the best of both worlds, use PTFE, but not spray it into the ignition switch lock, I'll liberally coat the key with PTFE, and observe how long the benefits last.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 5:17 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
If the Houdini didn't help the lock itself is worn enough to require replacement.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 7:54 AM
Tiny
ALPHAA10
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  • 170 POSTS
Steve, a key-delivered dose of WD PTFE dry lube seems to have helped. Now, the test of how long the apparent benefit lasts.
Will keep everybody posted.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
Be careful, If the lock fails and captures the key it can be a bear to deal with. But keep an eye on it and keep us in the loop.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
ALPHAA10
  • MEMBER
  • 170 POSTS
Today, the lock performed well, at least better than it had before.
However, after only one day, which proves nothing, and I am careful to note any adverse changes in the lock action.
In all cases, I do not force the lock mechanism, everything is based on gradual persuasion.
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Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
Good to hear. Good luck with it.
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Saturday, November 18th, 2023 AT 4:37 PM

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