18 replies to this topic

[GummoMarx]

Hello, haven't posted in awhile.

I've got a 1992 Rover Mini Mayfair 1.3L 1275cc Automatic

It has been sitting this winter, hasn't ran since October. I recentley put pleasure insurance on it and got it ready for the Spring, topped off fluids, re-charged the battery etc. and thought I had it ready to take out. However, the bloody key will not turn in the ignition. Not a budge. I tried turning it in Park, in Neutral, wiggled the shifter around, nothing.

I thought initially it was just simple problem of turning the wheel a bit while turning the ignition, but no, nothing. Even took off the case around the column and could not find anything there either.

Anyone, please help! Desperate to get it back on the road!

Thanks

[OhDear]

Have you tryed oiling the locking mech with wd40 or summit

[GummoMarx]

I've thought about it but was a bit apprehensive due to WD40 gooking up the mechanism, but I'm at the point where I'll try anything now.

[AndyMiniMad.]

This might sound a bit daft, but try turning the key the wrong way while wiggling it a bit...then turn it the right way..Wd40 it first!!

[Dan]

DO NOT WD40 your ignition lock. Not for the usual problems associated with gumming up locks with dirt, but for the rather more urgent problem of spraying light oil into electrical switch gear that makes big fat sparks. It's a switch as well as a lock remember and WD is no good for it. You would get away with spraying up the key a bit to lube the tumblers, just not so much that it's dripping oil into the switch. The ignition lock is not interlocked with the shifter or anything else in a Mini so playing with the gearstick or brakes isn't going to help as it would in some cars. Whatever the problem is, it's limited to the lock. If it is gummed up then it's probably because someone has sprayed it in the past and it needs cleaning. How you go about that I don't know, as any kind of spray cleaner will be even more bad news for the switch. You could try a proper dry lock lubricant.

[M J W J]

My 86 city e did this all the time. Just try and turn the steering wheel a bit to take some of the load of the ignition barrel.

I took my 86 city e out of the garage today for the first time in 3 years. Key went straight into the ignition and turned no problem. Shame it can't be said for two of the wheels. Had to drag it out of the garage with a tow rope and my astra. Typical mini . Old fault gone new faults develop.

[GummoMarx]

I've tried turning the key it at every possible angle and turn of the steering wheel and still nothing. I didn't think the shifter or brakes would do anything, but I will give lightly spraying the key a shot.

[thebullet]

Try wiggling the wheel at the same time as unlocking.

[stocky]

sounds like steering lock to me. without touching the key does the steering wheel move at all? if it doesnt your lock is on and turning the key to the first position while moving the wheel should free it

[GummoMarx]

That's what I thought initially as this has happened to me before. Naturally it was my first instinct to wiggle and/or turn the wheel while attempting to turn the key. However the key won't even get to the 1 position and is completely locked when inserted. I think it's beyond a steering lock. The tumblers could be shot.

[Alex_B]

Just a random question, you have got the right key haven't you? as other mini keys will fit but wont turn, Seems obvious but if you have more than one then it could happen?

[GummoMarx]

I've got three keys, one for the trunk, one for the door and one for the ignition. The ignition key dwarfs the other two.

[Alex_B]

I meant did you have the correct key for that car, I take it you dont own another mini, but it was just a crazy idea

[GummoMarx]

Ohhhh haha, no no. My dad owns a Triumph with a similar key but I'm 1100% positive this was mine as the plastic rubber piece had broken off in the summer.

[lrostoke]

long shot but if you can see the outer casing, try giving it a few taps while trying turn the key, may shock it free