Thread: Ignition switch jammed

Originally Posted by mrs

Son's D1 is stuck about 4 hours away with an ignition switch that won't turn, any way to disable it

Where is 4 hours away. Might be a member nearby?

Somewhere up around Port Macquarie

usually caused by steering lock, turn wheel in both directions while turning key.

The first thing I said to him, I learnt t that in my driving test back about 46 years ago

Originally Posted by mrs

Son's D1 is stuck about 4 hours away with an ignition switch that won't turn, any way to disable it

It might not be the actual locking nubb, the bit that requires you to turn the steering wheel back and forth to free up. There is another cause of lock up.

A small steel disk acts against tip of key blocking key from going in too far - when disk is worn the key travels in too far and lock won't turn - matter of pulling key out slowly 'feeling' the key is in correct position to turn - in the worst case scenario tip of key breaks off in too far because people try forcing the key to turn. First sign of pending failure of key is small cracks toward tip of key. From memory repair where key has broken entails removing plastic cowling, screw driver and hammer to turn anti theft screws (not too difficult), when lock is off column separate key end from electric switching end (not hard), locate broken key tip and with a probe push it out enough to unlock the barrel then insert remainder of key and try turning - if that doesn't work you will need a complete replacement key. Care not to pull the lock barrel that contains the code sequence that dictates the cut of the key or you will have bits everywhere.

I found some instructions on another forum, which I sent to him, and he has managed to undo the lock and drive the car, but I won't know exactly what he did until he's back tomorrow. He is stopping at Maitland overnight

Originally Posted by mrs

I found some instructions on another forum, which I sent to him, and he has managed to undo the lock and drive the car, but I won't know exactly what he did until he's back tomorrow. He is stopping at Maitland overnight

Is this something you can share incase it happens to anybody else?