Thread: Key Problem

Originally Posted by StephenF10

I've been having problems with the ignition lock on the D2 lately. The key unlocks the doors as normal but sometimes won't turn in the ignition/steering lock without several minutes of trying. The spare key is the same, but once one key works so does the other!

Is this a symptom of the steering lock/ignition switch going bad?

Stephen
'01 D2 TD5 Auto

Sure is!

There a numerous threads covering fixes - 'search' is your friend.

Here's one link of many http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-...wont-turn.html

Yes it is anoying isn't it.

we had the same problem in our Rangy. What it was, was the steering lock on the colum was worn so the key when it was in the barrel couldnt bring the lock down.

Try hoping out before removing the key and don't touch steering wheel. remove key and put it back in and restart. If it turns easily then i say it the igntion lock. if you dont touch the steering wheel while getting out, you dont lock the collum.

Give it a go you could also try and clean it , there might some dirt at the end of the barrel.

good luck

carla

Thanks Roger. I should have realised that any LR problem is usually a common problem.

Stephen.

Pump grease into the lock.
Work the key in and out around 50 times.
Repeat the procedure as necessary.

Grease or oil is not a good idea really as it "Holds" dirt, you should use graphite dust / lock lub

Graphite Powder Lock Lubricant Padlock Cylinder Car on eBay (end time 09-Dec-09 09:31:50 GMT)

Even graphite is not recommended by locksmiths for dusty environments these days. They now recommend and I have successfully used the following -

Dri-Film Lubricant Aerosol

cleans while it
lubricates. A protective shield lubricant that
doesn't attract dust. It can be used on wood,

paper, glass, rubber, fabric, leather, and metal.

http://www.super-lube.com/files/pdfs/super_lube_catalog.pdf

It certainly fixed my troublesome ignition barrell and I would recomend the use of this even before you have trouble - preventitive maintenance.
.

the problem is the brass "wafers' in the lock barrel get small abrasions on them that stop them sliding about freely. Key goes in but wont turn! A small amount of WD40 into the lock might get you going but it will only be temporary fix.

The fix is to disassemble the entire lock barrel and with appropriate files smooth both the wafers and the grooves so that the wafers slide freely once again.

If your in sydney "bensons" locksmith in alexandria do the fix in about 40 minutes at thier shop or will come to you if you're stuck somewhere but thats about $330.

( i have no affiliation with that business other than as a recent client with this problem)

cheers