Monaro Ignition Barrel

[Glyn84]

My ignition barrel packed up today and the key wouldn't turn. It did eventually and the AA got the barrel out and showed me how to start the car without it, but now I need a new one.

Are these generic Vauxhall parts or does anyone know where I can get them from?

All I've found so far is this on eBay but somewhere UK based would be much better http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Holden-Commodore-VT-VX-V... Other listings like this looks very similar but I'm not sure if they would work or not http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Ignition-Barrel...

Cheers in advance

Edited by Glyn84 on Wednesday 24th June 20:43

[ArnieVXR]

I'd go for the Aussie one.

Have you asked Vauxhall (you never know...)?

[Glyn84]

Thought I'd post an update on this in case it is useful to anyone.

It turned out the problem was in the housing part of the barrel. There is a spring loaded pin which is part of the steering lock which had worn away at the metal, creating a little lip. When the pin wasn't able to slide over the lip anymore that was it, the barrel wont turn.

Vauxhall will sell you a new barrel for about £50 (plus another £50 if you don't know the lock code so they can look it up based on the VIN - they call it a car pass, or a money making exercise), and this will be made to your key so no need to faff around having keys cut, but you do need a Monaro parts specialist such as Pentagon Derby as the other dealers don't have access to the parts list I found.

So the barrel turned up and the key fitted fine, but it wouldn't fit inside the code reader because the standard barrel has a flat section on to locate the code reader. VX told me there are no housings in the country and I should swap the cores over and use the old housing, but that's what was causing the issue. Not impressed to say the least.

I ended up taking a file to the new barrel to put a flat on to make it fit which worked fine. In short if anyone else has this issue save yourself the hassle of dealing with VX, buy an Omega or Vectra barrel off eBay and get an auto locksmith to reprogram the lock to your key, then file a flat section in the top of the barrel so it fits. It'll be much cheaper, less hassle and probably a lot quicker too!

[ARAF]

Sometimes I think the criticism of Vauxhall on here is unwarranted, but this isn't very good service from them. I get better help from BMW with my old E36, and their rep is usually terrible.