Thread: Ignition Barrel

I am assuming it is parked. Like most vehicles, switching off or removing the key (varies, which one) locks the steering.

If, when it is switched off, the power steering is holding the wheels in position against the "spring" of the tyres, it is possible for the locking plunger to become apparently jammed in place as the power steering loses pressure, so that the key is impossible to turn until the pressure on the locking pin is removed.

To deal with this, keep pressure on trying to turn the key while wiggling the steering wheel back and firth, applying a good deal of pressure at each lock as you move the wheel. If this is the issue, this procedure will free the lock to turn.

Let us know if it works.

another common fault is the electrical switch assembly behind the lock barrel but it can also be the key barrel.

If the key won't turn with the turning wheel trick, there may be a way to bypass the ignition barrel. Will be a superdooper bush fix. you will need to feed the ECU with a 12V switched source. the big 48 pin plug on the ECU is the body harness. find the ignition input and run to battery on a switch. ECU controls the main harness relay that powers the ancillaries and instrument cluster. Give starter motor relay a +ve to kick starter over (ground comes from ECU). I've attached the wiring schematic. just find the ignition barrel and then follow what comes off that and work out what is critical to start and drive.

Cameron's corner is not a good place to be caught out with a sticking ignition barrel. Not much support local. Broken Hill is your best resource.

Assuming it's not just jammed with the steering lock- and I'd assume the first thing you did when it wouldn't turn was to try jiggling the steering wheel- the next thing I'd try is some WD40 / RP7 into the barrel via the key slot (this is not the right lube to use for a lock but you probably don't have powdered graphite with you and the WD will work through the lock more quickly anyway) and run the key in & out several times to work it through the lock. If that doesn't work, next step would be to remove the trims from around the steering column to access the lock and remove it- they're usually installed with theft-resistant bolts that have to be removed by turning with a centre punch or drilling the heads off. The switch mechanism can then be removed from the lock and turned with a screwdriver. If the switch itself is seized (seems unlikely) you can bridge the wires at the switch, using the diagram above.

Just noticed your query is a couple of days old, presumably you got it sorted or towed by now. Hopefully not the latter. Please let us know when you have internet.

Assuming it's the actual barrel / white switch pack that is dead...

Had this happen to my 2010 130 while on the island (ie freight of parts takes 2-3 months)

I hacked it for about 7 weeks waiting on parts

There are 4 wires to back of barrel and switch

Brown is 12V pos

Put a on-off switch (or twitch wire when needing to drive)
To the White ignition wire and White/Orange accessory wire

That gives you ignition and accessory on

Then just a momentary switch or touch and hold the white/red wire to the brown
To fire off the starter


I only had two on off switches lying around so would flick on the
IGN and ACC then flick the starter on then off once running


Hope above makes sense

All easy to do if you remove the plastic - pop off the steering wheel and if you undo the two bolts that hold the barrel to the steering column you'll have tonnes of room to make something work

The wires to the white switch have female spades on them so it's easy to make up a temporary loom


S

Thanks for all the help. It was the ignition barrel. Bit of an effort to drill out the snap nuts to remove the barrel. I removed the ignition switch at the rear and now start it with a screwdriver.

Sorry, just read this maybe my advice might help.

Short summary, bridge the starter motor using a screwdriver.

TLDR
Riding a motorbike southwards in Morrocco, saw a stranded Landy.
Bloke (ex RAF Tornado fighter pilot and wife), couldnt start it.
Screwdriver accross the starter motor contacts did it, and on they went.
Key barrell was ****ed.