Ignition barrel not turning

[Brandeego]

Over the last couple of months I have had an intermittent problem with my ignition barrel. Most times I put the key in and it turns with no problem. Occasionally, it won't turn at all. I have to keep putting the key in and try to turn it until it succeeds. I have tried putting the alarm back on and off in case it is immobilizer related with no joy. It can take up to 5 mins of fiddling about to get it started. It's sods law that it always happens when I have filled up with petrol and am left blocking the forecourt.

Anyone had similar problems? If so what was the cause? Is it something I can sort myself? Do they all do that sir?

[andyoleary]

Is it similar to a "steering lock" type of thing? Does it help if you wiggle the wheel when trying to turn the key?

Andy

[Mustang Baz]

Had similar, although no so acute, issues; mentioned to dealer and a few squirts of lubricant/WD40 seemed to work very well. Stating the obvious I know, but appears to have done the trick for me.

[Brandeego]

It is like the steering lock, but wiggling the wheel has no effect.

I'll try the old WD40 and hopefully that will do the trick.

[Yellow Griff]

Had something very similar happy to me last year. Ignition tended to be sticky and everytime it happened I thought "I must try the spare key and see it that's any better".

After 3 weeks of this happening I pulled into a petrol station and it wouldn't turn off! So aborted filling up and came home. After 5 mins of fiddling finally got the key out of the ignition.

Looked at the key and it had a few odd scratches on it so thought now is the time to try the spare key. Got this to start the car ok but no amount of fiddling would get it to turn off again. Called out the RAC who also couldn't remove it and had to pull a relay out to stop the car.

Only option was to have it low-loaded back to the dealer to get it all sorted. Seems the barrel was faulty and it and the first key had been fouling each other. They'd encountered other cases of dodgy barrels but in these cases the car just wouldn't start at all.

Hence I'd get it looked at soonish. Not starting is a pain, but nothing compared to getting it stuck on!

[Brandeego]

Yellow Griff,

Thanks for that. Sounds as if I am better playing it safe and getting it looked at.