Ignition Key Wont Turn!!
 

Never had any problems with the ignition key turning until just now!

I tried 6 times gently wiggling the key and also using spare - no luck it was stuck. On the 7th attempt there was a slight click and it turned as normal.

The key mechanism feels a little looser with more play in it than I remember.

Advice sought - I can't risk getting stuck when out - fortunatly this happened at home after I had washed the car. Is there a DIY solution? :bowdown:

Are you sure the steering wasn't locked and putting pressure on it, Ian?

Hi John - yes I think the steering column had become locked before I tried the key. Even so shouldn't the use of the key unlock the column? Or does it need some judicious wiggling to get the key to turn?

It seems OK now with the column unlocked if a little stiff on turning. I think I will give it a dose of WD 40 to help free up the internal rollers.

What's it like to get the old car back?? Thanks...

If the column is locked the key will not turn. You have to turn the wheel a little to take the pressure off the column, then the key will turn easily.

If you are going to lube your locks, do yourself a favor and buy the right stuff for lubricating door locks, WD40 is junk and only a momentery fix at best. If you are looking for an all purpose lubricant, see if you can find a product called INOX, that is by far the best stuff on the market. No affiliation. :cheers:

Panic over - I think. It appears that the steering column lock had become engaged preventing the key turning without appropriate steering wheel jiggling! Seems OK now and I have dosed the internals with WD 40 incase there were sticky moving parts.

Out of interest I priced a new barrel at £324 & was told its about 4 hours to fit as it calls for steering column removal!! Heck thump

Ian....you weren't on your way home from the pub were you?:biggulp:

Just kidding....

better to use a little graphite than WD40, IMO.

My locksmith has warned me not to use WD 40 in car locks.

He he he - there's nothing like the way the feeling that you've fixed a problem evaporates as you realise you've just caused another one. :)

Just kidding, Ian, I'm sure a quick squirt of WD-40 won't destroy everything.

It's great! :)

Trouble is, Total 911 reports can't keep up with everything that's going on.

Forget about WD-40.It's a moisture eliminator at best. Kano products https://secure.cnchost.com/kanolabs....siltrial.shtml has a product called Silli Kroil that is great.

You can order a small aerosol of lock lube from your OPC, it has a special shaped nozzle which fits into the key hole, one press and instant lube! Can't remember the part number but I've had one of these in my toolbox for years.

Hi Colin - thanks for the tailor made lock lube info - I will see if I can get one.