Thread: Ignition barrel

Hi,
The barrel is held in by a small brass pin that is pressed into the ignition housing, as the housing and barrel are aluminium they can wear around the pin causing the problem you have, replacing the pin with a slightly thicker one could work but would be a job for a locksmith as the ignition is easy to jam, any repair would only be a temporary fix though so a new ignition could be the go, the pin is about half way along the barrel and you may be able to see it moving (unless its fallen out!, look for a 3mm hole and let me know and ill advise on repair) as you try and pull the key out, cheapest way is to get a complete ignition from the UK and get your local locksmith to match it to your existing key.
It could also be a combination of a badly cut or worn key and a loose ignition housing on the steering column but this is unlikely and would be quite obvious if you have removed the shroud.

Good luck

Tristan

A little graphite powder can help with the sticking key.

Id avoid graphite powder if I was you, its for lever style locks, (the old fashion type of keys),Inox, silicon spray, you can even get a lock lube now from Bunnings etc but id just stick to Inox as It has so many other uses around the car and home. Half a second spray in the lock, put the key in and out a few times, best to do these things as preventative maintenance though, wont help you this late in the game, sorry . . . Next time I recon an ignition at work I'll grab some pictures and do a bit of a how too

Thanks

Tristan

I have been told by locksmiths to avoid liquid lubricants in locks and to use graphite powder, started using it when i got a sticky key about 5 years ago and i'm still using the same key without any problems what so ever.

Hi Disco Gazza,

I have a brand new D1 ignition assembly that I incorrectly ordered. If you want it I can organize to send it to you. It cost me $150, but to cover postage etc its yours for $50.

Shane

Locksmiths will tell you to use graphite as its not that good, i've been a locksmith for 12 years, 6 in the uk and 6 here in oz, if everybody gave there locks a spray with inox once every 6 months there would be a lot less locksmiths about! Also if a lock has graphite in it and a wet lube is sprayed in expect problems as graphite is a dry lube and once wet becomes an abrasive!
Thanks
Tristan

How can graphite become an abrasive when wet?

To be honest I don't know but give it a go with an old lock and you'll see what I mean, bit of graphite followed by some spray and then put the key in and out a few times and you'll feel it, it feels a bit like there's toothpaste in there!!!, stick to the Inox!!!