D1 ignition key problem

[vrdw]

I noticed that occasionally the ignition key would not turn in the lock. Now it will not turn at all, so no going anywhere right now. I don't have a remote locking key fob 'cause that died a long time ago, just the one key for the door and ignition. I need suggestions to fix the problem, how do I get the barrel out without breaking off the shear bolts on the steering yolk that holds the ignition assembly on the steering column? Do I need to do that in any case?
All suggestions most welcome but not including buying another car!
Viv
Doha, Qatar

[waynep]

Happens to me sometimes too so I'm watching the answers on this - it's tied up with the steering lock - for me rocking the steering wheel to one limit and then turning the key fixes it. But I know one day its gonna totally freeze up probably when I'm up bush somewhere. I heard a spray of silicone or graphite in the lock can also help.

Have you tried using your spare ( less worn ) key ?

[cockie55]

To get to cylinder to try and fix it you can remove it without shearing bolts by carefully using small cold chisel on edge of bolt head to rotate them.

[chazza]

I managed to stave off these symptoms for two years, using powdered graphite and spray lubricant.

In the end it caught me and I had to replace the ignition barrel; luckily it was at home and not in the middle of nowhere. :)

Might be agood idea to change it now while it is in a hospitable place;)

[loanrangie]

I had the same problem last year, lots of graphite powder and wiggling of the wheel and it came free, mine was the steering lock mechanism not releasing.

[Pierre]

Wear in the locking block (the bit that goes into the column) makes it get a little sideways and jam. What breaks is the KEY - so replace the mechanism and you'll fix the problem. A reputable locksmith will return the cylinder to your key pattern and if the cylinder is badly worn, it can be refurbished at the same time.

Qatar is set for locksmiths???

HTH

Pete

[vrdw]

Happens to me sometimes too so I'm watching the answers on this - it's tied up with the steering lock - for me rocking the steering wheel to one limit and then turning the key fixes it. But I know one day its gonna totally freeze up probably when I'm up bush somewhere. I heard a spray of silicone or graphite in the lock can also help.

Have you tried using your spare ( less worn ) key ?
Yes the spare key is no good and trying to get a new key cut in Qatar is virtually impossible!

[vrdw]

I managed to stave off these symptoms for two years, using powdered graphite and spray lubricant.

In the end it caught me and I had to replace the ignition barrel; luckily it was at home and not in the middle of nowhere. :)

Might be agood idea to change it now while it is in a hospitable place;)
I was lucky too in that the truck was at home!

[vrdw]

Wear in the locking block (the bit that goes into the column) makes it get a little sideways and jam. What breaks is the KEY - so replace the mechanism and you'll fix the problem. A reputable locksmith will return the cylinder to your key pattern and if the cylinder is badly worn, it can be refurbished at the same time.

Qatar is set for locksmiths???

HTH

Pete
Thanks for the info. I guess the barrel has to come out and I have to find a locksmith, that's the tough part here in Qatar

[vrdw]

Hi All
Thanks for the help on the key problem. I'm going to order a new ignition lock and keys from the UK (unless there's somewhere in Aus I can order from?)
But there seems to be two types of locks sets depending on VIN # But my 1998 D1 is a Gulf only export model with a different VIN SALLJGMM8WA750972
Any ideas?

Thanks
Viv

[loanrangie]

Hi All
Thanks for the help on the key problem. I'm going to order a new ignition lock and keys from the UK (unless there's somewhere in Aus I can order from?)
But there seems to be two types of locks sets depending on VIN # But my 1998 D1 is a Gulf only export model with a different VIN SALLJGMM8WA750972
Any ideas?

Thanks
Viv

I would contact Paddocks or other UK spares company as they are more likely to have the info specific to your vehicle/ region.

[vrdw]

thanks for all the tips. I got the barrel out and took out two jammed brass tumblers and reassembled all the bits and pieces, not an easy job! The steering lock doesn't work anyway and I figured out that if the key jams again I just remove the black plastic switch mechanism at the end of the barrel and manually turn the keyhole in the middle and "presto" the car starts!

I will be ordering a new steering lock and ignition set from paddocks!
Regards

Viv

[Pierre]

Well done, at least you not immobilized.

Cheers

Pete