16 replies to this topic

[martin24]

Hi all,

I have a rover mini Italian Job 1992/3 model. Recently ive been having some problems with opening my boot, i think the locking device may have jammed due to all this damp weather? This has only been happening over the past week or so, im slightly worried as i have things in my boot plus my spare wheel is in there too, and if i get a puncher im done for...can anyone help?

If anyone has advice on how to get my boot open it would be a massive help.

many Regards

Martin24.

[Min E]

Is it that the key won't turn or has the handle stuck?

Also what area do you live in? There may be somebody local prepared to help.

Edited by Min E, 29 November 2009 - 03:51 PM.

[minipete]

Spray some WD40 on the lock mechanism and some on the hinges,this should help.

[martin24]

The key wont turn which is annoying, see im thinking its the locking device itself may have broken!

I live in Worthing, West Sussex.

regards

Martin24

[tomdale86]

hey martyn! i have a similar problem with my italian job - the boot wont lock !

[Min E]

If the key won't turn it will be the tumblers (pins/flags there's various names for them) stuck.

This picture shows how a pin tumbler lock works, the ones on the boot and dors of the mini use flat 'flags' but it's a simmilar pricipal :



WD40 might help but does have a tendacy to collect and retain dirt which after a while clogs the mechanism up even worse. Locks should be dry or lubricated with powdered graphite (pencil lead)

The secret will be to give it a light spray with WD40 then slide the key in and out repeatedly for a minute or two to get the tumblers working. DO NOT try to turn the key at all during this procces as you could snap it off in the lock.

Once the lubricant has worked the key should turn easily.

Once the boot is opened idealy you should dissasemble the lock and clean it all out, you could even buy a new barrel for it.

Edited by Min E, 29 November 2009 - 05:54 PM.

[martin24]

Right great, ill give that a go and shell contact yourself back and let you know, fingers crossed.

Thank you

Regards

Martin24

[martin24]

Ive just had a go at the lock as you said, but no such luck. Its strange as when i put the key in the lock in the boot im able to move the key letf to right and it seems that when i do this the key slot moves, but when i go to put the key in the doors it doesn't move which should happen, and not moves from let to right if you see what i mean! This has me thinking perhaps my boot lock is gone, broken?

Regards

Martin

[Min E]

If the key won't turn it is most likely because the 'flags' are not lining up, either because one or more of them are suck or it's the wrong key.

Let the WD40 soak for a while then before you put the key in give the barrel (the centre of the lock) and also the top and bottom of the handle a few sharp hits with the handle of a srewdriver this can often 'shock' stuck flags into action.

Edited by Min E, 29 November 2009 - 06:23 PM.

[The_Mistro]

mine has been doing this recently, and my door locks too, so im going to replace them all in one go over xmas, so that i have the same key for them all at last! if i was you, once you have it open, think about maybe replacing the barrell in the handle or replace the whole unit, so that it doesnt happen again!

[martin24]

Right, ok ill give the WD40 time to soak in over night then give it another go tomo morning first thing, then ill let you know how i get on. Thank you for your help so far.

Many regards

Martin

[martin24]

Yeah, sounds just like mine! Yeah i think thats what im gonna do as soon as i get the damn thing open, ill replace the whole thing just to be on the safe side as i dont really want it happening again.

Thanks though

Martin24

[taffy1967]

The Mini a family member once owned did the same.

But the problem was with the key as it had simply worn and wasn't capable of unlocking the boot.

Luckily there was a spare and a copy was then made.

So have you got a spare key to try?

[lawnmowercrap]

The Mini a family member once owned did the same.

But the problem was with the key as it had simply worn and wasn't capable of unlocking the boot.

Luckily there was a spare and a copy was then made.

So have you got a spare key to try?

I had this problem after I trapped some trade plates in my boot, the key turns but feels as though its doing nothing. Thats because its not.

What I did in the end was just take the hinges off at the bottom of the door (4 screws, lubricate them before trying to get them out) and then unscrewed the handle and replaced it.

Easiest way round it : )

[martin24]

Hi,

Oh right that sounds like a good idea, was it just a case of undoing the hinges of the boot at the bottom as you say, But when removing the boot lid did you simply lift it down then off, wouldn't the boot lock get in the way as its already locked?

Just wondering as it does sound like an easy way round it.

Regards

Martin24