ignition barrel problem

[edddo]

Recently I was unable to turn the key in the ignition barrel. Steering was locked. After 10 minutes of fiddling, inserting a removing the key I was able to start the car normally. I went straight home and lubed the key and barrel with some silicon spray..which leaves a dry film. Since then it has been fine.

But if this happens in a remote area is there a work around?

Is it worth talking to a locksmith...or is the only option a replacement barrel?

Bit of a worry

thanks

[disco gazza]

My ignition barrell actually moves a bit,which sometimes makes it very hard to pull key out or get it to turn when I jump in it.
Pulled the cover off one day and found out that I really couldnt do much at all with it..
So I just put up with it and hope I dont get stranded somewhere. lol

cheers

[OlliesLRover]

Bit off topic but does "The Webpage Cannot be Found" come up on other computers, it's very frustrating as it seems to always be accross a reply to a question on my screen in every thread I go to.

Regards
Rich

[SouthOz]

Hey Linds, mine does the same thing so I will be interested to see if its a common thing and if there is a fix.
I just put the key in and out a few times and it seems to work. There is no pressure from the steering to hinder the lock. As soon as the key goes in I know if its going to work or not, it just feels different.


Dave

[seano87]

Most likely the barrell is failing. It's rather common in the D1.

Mine did it. Symptoms - hard to turn key. Infrequent to begin with, the. Increasing in frequency. I often had to actually not put the key all the way in and it would turn as usual.

Bought new barrel from Paddocks for about $30 or something ridiculous. Turned up 3 days later. Took to locksmith to key it alike with the original locks, cost $20.

Took about 10-15 mins to replace by myself. Gentle tapping with screwdriver and small hammer to undo the undoable nuts, didn't pose a problem.

[PeterM]

Years ago I had an issue like what you describe and actually had to get roadside assist out to help. The guy grabbed the spare key and a small hammer and with the fully inserted, just gave it a couple of taps and all was good.

He said that without lube the barrel can bind as the bits that are meant to contour to your key stick. Some graphite powder and I haven't had an issue since.

[SouthOz]

Ive got some graphite powder in the shed, ill give it a try. Hugs and kisses drives the car more than me so im sure ill hear if it gets stuck.

Dave

[Corgie Carrier]

My locksmith told me it can also be the key wearing down and unable to fully locate the pins to enable the barrel to turn.

A good way to check if it is the key, is to get out your spare and try it. Most spare keys rarely if ever get used, so if you are getting a new key cut you should always use the spare not your everyday key.

Neale

[SLOWBOAT]

Generally when the key gets stuck and won't turn it is the last little flat pawl tag in the barrel too worn it will let you down at sometime. Take it to a good locksmith and they will remove the barrel and just eliminate the last pawl $45 approx. and problem solved. It is common in D1 and D2's.

[edddo]

Thanks for the helpful info.
My key does not get stuck, just wont turn. For the moment I have lubed the barrel and have started using my spare key as it is as new and noticably different to the one that has been used the last 14 years. See how it goes.
Lindsay