19 replies to this topic

[minigal]

hi there ive tried to start my car now for over two hours now and it wont even go past the first turn, if tou know what i mean. as soon as you put the key in it just wont move at all, help!!!! >

[kitroxin]

Flat battery? (sorry for stating the obvious )

[shorty]

from the title im going to ask

do you mean the steering lock is still on?

[minigal]

Flat battery? (sorry for stating the obvious )

lol no i mean the key wont turn in the barrel its like its fighting the wheel lock?

[kitroxin]

ohh sorry!

umm try turning the wheel side to side as much as it will move with the lock on, whilst turning the key. works with mine =)

[minigal]

ohh sorry!

umm try turning the wheel side to side as much as it will move with the lock on, whilst turning the key. works with mine =)

yer i tried that i was literally swinging off the wheel, its driving me mad. how hard is it to change a barrel! thanks

[Min E]

If the key will not turn at all there are a few reasons.

I presume that you have tried 'rocking' the steering wheel both ways to take the pressure off the steering lock.

If the above fails then the problem is that the tumblers in the lock are not lining up correctly.

The inside of the lock looks something like this which shows how the pins line up when the correct key is inserted allowing the cylinder to turn:



One common fault is that the key has worn with use, try a less used spare key.

Sticking tumblers are a very common problem with door and boot locks because of the ingress of rain water but it is less common with ignition locks. you can try lubricating but really locks should be dry, the ideal lubricant is finely powdered graphite (pencil lead). you can use a very small amount of WD40 but the problem is that the oil residue will collect dust which will eventually clog the lock up. Spray a small amount on the key not directly into the lock then push the key in and out continually for while without trying to turn it.

Then with the key right in give the lock a couple of sharp blows with the handle of a screwdriver, that will shock any stuck tumblers into their possition on the key. it should now turn.

Keep us informed.

Edited by Min E, 02 December 2009 - 06:37 PM.

[cooperdan]

i had this in the morning..only a few minutes tho..lol

[minigal]

If the key will not turn at all there are a few reasons.

I presume that you have tried 'rocking' the steering wheel both ways to take the pressure off the steering lock.

If the above fails then the problem is that the tumblers in the lock are not lining up correctly.

The inside of the lock looks something like this which shows how the pins line up when the correct key is inserted allowing the cylinder to turn:



One common fault is that the key has worn with use, try a less used spare key.

Sticking tumblers are a very common problem with door and boot locks because of the ingress of rain water but it is less common with ignition locks. you can try lubricating but really locks should be dry, the ideal lubricant is finely powdered graphite (pencil lead). you can use a very small amount of WD40 but the problem is that the oil residue will collect dust which will eventually clog the lock up. Spray a small amount on the key not directly into the lock then push the key in and out continually for while without trying to turn it.

Then with the key right in give the lock a couple of sharp blows with the handle of a screwdriver, that will shock any stuck tumblers into their possition on the key. it should now turn.

Keep us informed.

right just done what you advised and still nothing, its been sticky a while now and the problem is i havnt got a spare key, ill just have to either beat the crap out of it or get a new barrel, how do you get the shear nuts off the old barrel. thanks again. andy

[minigal]

If the key will not turn at all there are a few reasons.

I presume that you have tried 'rocking' the steering wheel both ways to take the pressure off the steering lock.

If the above fails then the problem is that the tumblers in the lock are not lining up correctly.

The inside of the lock looks something like this which shows how the pins line up when the correct key is inserted allowing the cylinder to turn:



One common fault is that the key has worn with use, try a less used spare key.

Sticking tumblers are a very common problem with door and boot locks because of the ingress of rain water but it is less common with ignition locks. you can try lubricating but really locks should be dry, the ideal lubricant is finely powdered graphite (pencil lead). you can use a very small amount of WD40 but the problem is that the oil residue will collect dust which will eventually clog the lock up. Spray a small amount on the key not directly into the lock then push the key in and out continually for while without trying to turn it.

Then with the key right in give the lock a couple of sharp blows with the handle of a screwdriver, that will shock any stuck tumblers into their possition on the key. it should now turn.

Keep us informed.

right just done what you advised and still nothing, its been sticky a while now and the problem is i havnt got a spare key, ill just have to either beat the crap out of it or get a new barrel, how do you get the shear nuts off the old barrel. thanks again. andy

ok guys feel a bit of a numpty, just found a tiny fragment of the bloody key in my pocket, hense no start , so with that in mind, thanks for all the info, ooh can tell me do you need to get mini keys specially made and what do you need! andy

[R1minimagic]

You have to drill them out and use a stud extractor, then buy new ones. They are designed to snap off when you tighten them.

[Min E]

I have managed to undo them in the past by either:

Using a fine punch at an angle against the edge of the sheared head, once it tuns about a quater turn it will come out easily.

Or

Using a Dremil type drill with a mini cutting disk, I've cut a screwdriver slot in the head.

[minigal]

I have managed to undo them in the past by either:

Using a fine punch at an angle against the edge of the sheared head, once it tuns about a quater turn it will come out easily.

Or

Using a Dremil type drill with a mini cutting disk, I've cut a screwdriver slot in the head.

oh rite cool, well do you know what you need for a new key, do tou need any documents!!

[minigal]

I have managed to undo them in the past by either:

Using a fine punch at an angle against the edge of the sheared head, once it tuns about a quater turn it will come out easily.

Or

Using a Dremil type drill with a mini cutting disk, I've cut a screwdriver slot in the head.

oh rite cool, well do you know what you need for a new key, do tou need any documents!!

bump

[lawrence]

well logically if you have the shard that has broken off you can take it and the eky to a key cutter. this is just me being logical, it may not work
L