Ignition lock problem

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K

Keith Wilkinson

Guest
Suddenly the key will not turn in the ignition lock of my 1997 Disco
TDI. The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?

--
Keith (London, UK)
Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
Triumph Sprint Executive


 
"Keith Wilkinson" <[email protected]> wrote in news:VA.00000277.06131309
@spam.nospam:

> Suddenly the key will not turn in the ignition lock of my 1997 Disco
> TDI. The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
> key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?
>
> --
> Keith (London, UK)
> Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
> Triumph Sprint Executive
>
>
>

Inside the barrel of the lock are several small "cylinders". When you push
the key in, these are pushed upwards by an amount proportional to the
corrugation in the key. If the lock gets contaminated, the cylinders, which
are spring loaded, may stick and not slide into the correct position. The
key can only be turned when all these cylinders are in the correct
position. That's the best explanation I can give.

The solution is to soak the lock in WD40 or Plus Gas -- and pray. You could
also apply a little gentle heat (or, better, heat the key) and work the key
backwards and forwards until things become unstuck.

If you attempt to turn the key by force, you will only make matters worse
and could break the key.

Derry
 
In message <[email protected]>
"Keith Wilkinson" <[email protected]> wrote:

> Suddenly the key will not turn in the ignition lock of my 1997 Disco
> TDI. The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
> key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?
>
> --
> Keith (London, UK)
> Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
> Triumph Sprint Executive
>
>

It sounds like the barrel has fallen to bits, or possibly the electrical
switch had broken up and janned it. It could also be the steering lock
has jammed - wiggling the steering column may free it up if it's the
latter.

Richard
--
www.beamends-lrspares.co.uk [email protected]
Running a business in a Microsoft free environment - it can be done
Powered by Risc-OS - you won't get a virus from us!!
Boycott the Yorkshire Dales - No Play, No Pay
 
On Thu, 24 Nov 2005 15:40:47 GMT, "Keith Wilkinson"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Suddenly the key will not turn in the ignition lock of my 1997 Disco
>TDI. The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
>key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?

Walk around to the back of the car and carefully check the
registration on the numberpate against the V5 certificate for your
car.

If different, then the car you are trying to start is not yours, and
may have been left on your drive by a passing thief who has made of
with your vehicle, but could come back later to retieve his own car.

HTH

<Gets coat>

David

or just spray it with lots of fine oil, (though not WD40 which
eventually dries out and goes sticky) seems to be the usual advice.
Graphite powder has also been recommended in the past.

 
On Thu, 24 Nov 2005 15:40:47 GMT, Keith Wilkinson wrote:

> The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
> key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?

You have tried wiggling the steering wheel at the same times as trying
to turn the key haven't you? If the tyres are holding the steering
against the steering lock you can't turn the key until you release the
pressure...

Oh, have this egg. B-)

--
Cheers [email protected]
Dave. pam is missing e-mail



 
Dave Liquorice wrote:
> You have tried wiggling the steering wheel at the same times as trying
> to turn the key haven't you? If the tyres are holding the steering
> against the steering lock you can't turn the key until you release the
> pressure...
>
> Oh, have this egg. B-)
>

No it's not the steering lock. I know what that feels like. And I don't
think the steering lock is actually clicked into engagement because I
left the wheels pointing off centre when I parked. It's almost as if
it's the wrong key, but it isn't.

--
Keith (London, UK)
Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
Triumph Sprint Executive
Piaggio X9

 
Rads wrote:
> Graphite powder has also been recommended in the past.
>

Thanks for that suggestion. I don't like the idea of using oil. Do you
know where I can get graphite powder?

--
Keith (London, UK)
Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
Triumph Sprint Executive


 
On Thu, 24 Nov 2005 15:40:47 GMT, "Keith Wilkinson"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Suddenly the key will not turn in the ignition lock of my 1997 Disco
>TDI. The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
>key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?

Not uncommon, sadly.

You either need a new lock (Richard will tell you the prices) or take
yours to a locksmith (a proper one) who may be able to clean and
rebuild it for about £20.

Meantime, it's easy to remove the lock and use the key to turn the
electrical switch (which just plugs on the end of the lock barrel).

I did mine twice, before surrendering to a new lock.
--
Tim Hobbs
 
Hello sounds as if one of the pins in the ignition barrel has got stuck so
it would act as if the wrong key was being used, hopr you get it sorted
"Keith Wilkinson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Dave Liquorice wrote:
>> You have tried wiggling the steering wheel at the same times as trying
>> to turn the key haven't you? If the tyres are holding the steering
>> against the steering lock you can't turn the key until you release the
>> pressure...
>>
>> Oh, have this egg. B-)
>>
>
> No it's not the steering lock. I know what that feels like. And I don't
> think the steering lock is actually clicked into engagement because I
> left the wheels pointing off centre when I parked. It's almost as if
> it's the wrong key, but it isn't.
>
> --
> Keith (London, UK)
> Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
> Triumph Sprint Executive
> Piaggio X9
>


 
"Keith Wilkinson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Rads wrote:
>> Graphite powder has also been recommended in the past.
>>
>
> Thanks for that suggestion. I don't like the idea of using oil. Do you
> know where I can get graphite powder?

Confucius recommends a pencil linescrubbed up and down the key as
appropriate.

Lee D


 
On Thu, 24 Nov 2005 22:26:43 GMT, Keith Wilkinson wrote:

> No it's not the steering lock. I know what that feels like.

Fairy Nuff. B-)

> And I don't think the steering lock is actually clicked into
> engagement because I left the wheels pointing off centre when I
> parked.

If the steering wheel is within 15 degrees or so of the click position
it's easy to move it when climbing in/out/moving around such that it
does click. The wheels don't have to be straight, I've not played with
mine to see if the wheel has to be the right way up or if the lock
will click in at 90 or 180 degrees etc... But no matter a waggle will
free it so it does appear to be a lock failure, tried a few gentle
taps? Might free the stuck pin(s).

--
Cheers [email protected]
Dave. pam is missing e-mail



 
Keith Wilkinson wrote:
> Rads wrote:
>> Graphite powder has also been recommended in the past.
>>
>
> Thanks for that suggestion. I don't like the idea of using oil. Do you
> know where I can get graphite powder?

Any half decent hardware store will have it, comes in little bottles with a
nozzle.

Karen


--
"I'd far rather be happy than right any day."
- Slartibartfast


 
Tim Hobbs wrote:
> Not uncommon, sadly.
>
> You either need a new lock (Richard will tell you the prices) or take
> yours to a locksmith (a proper one) who may be able to clean and
> rebuild it for about £20.
>
> Meantime, it's easy to remove the lock and use the key to turn the
> electrical switch (which just plugs on the end of the lock barrel).
>
> I did mine twice, before surrendering to a new lock.
>

How do I remove the lock? Does it not have to be drilled out?

--
Keith (London, UK)
Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
Triumph Sprint Executive

 
On or around Fri, 25 Nov 2005 11:21:48 +1000, "Karen Gallagher"
<[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:

>Keith Wilkinson wrote:
>> Rads wrote:
>>> Graphite powder has also been recommended in the past.
>>>
>>
>> Thanks for that suggestion. I don't like the idea of using oil. Do you
>> know where I can get graphite powder?
>
>Any half decent hardware store will have it, comes in little bottles with a
>nozzle.

yeah, I got one. 's handy.
 
Dave Liquorice wrote:
> If the steering wheel is within 15 degrees or so of the click position
> it's easy to move it when climbing in/out/moving around such that it
> does click. The wheels don't have to be straight, I've not played with
> mine to see if the wheel has to be the right way up or if the lock
> will click in at 90 or 180 degrees etc... But no matter a waggle will
> free it so it does appear to be a lock failure, tried a few gentle
> taps? Might free the stuck pin(s).
>

Well the steering lock was not clicked but it is now after waggling it!
Steering wheel upside down and wheels about 20 degrees from straight
ahead but the key will still not turn. I'll see if I can get hold of some
graphite. Rubbing a pencil on the key does not seem to have any effect.

--
Keith (London, UK)
Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
Triumph Sprint Executive

 
On Fri, 25 Nov 2005 11:00:33 GMT, "Keith Wilkinson"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Tim Hobbs wrote:
>> Not uncommon, sadly.
>>
>> You either need a new lock (Richard will tell you the prices) or take
>> yours to a locksmith (a proper one) who may be able to clean and
>> rebuild it for about £20.
>>
>> Meantime, it's easy to remove the lock and use the key to turn the
>> electrical switch (which just plugs on the end of the lock barrel).
>>
>> I did mine twice, before surrendering to a new lock.
>>
>
>How do I remove the lock? Does it not have to be drilled out?

No, it's depressingly easy.

From memory (and it's been a while) you undo the thumbwheels on the
plastic cowling and remove it.

You then need a small chisel (or sacrificial small screwdriver) and
small hammer. Use this to loosen off the bolts (2 or 4, I forget).
You can put the bolts back in the same way if you are careful, or buy
new ones for a couple of quid (the hex heads snap off when you tighten
them).

Then the lock will fall into your hand. You can now remove the
electrical switch from the left hand end and your screwdriver will
start the car.

There is no obvious way to open the lock barrel itself, but my
locksmith clearly knew how.

I drove mine like this for weeks!!!

--
Tim Hobbs
 
"Keith Wilkinson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Tim Hobbs wrote:
> > Not uncommon, sadly.
> >
> > You either need a new lock (Richard will tell you the prices) or take
> > yours to a locksmith (a proper one) who may be able to clean and
> > rebuild it for about £20.
> >
> > Meantime, it's easy to remove the lock and use the key to turn the
> > electrical switch (which just plugs on the end of the lock barrel).
> >
> > I did mine twice, before surrendering to a new lock.
> >
>
> How do I remove the lock? Does it not have to be drilled out?
>
> --
> Keith (London, UK)
> Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
> Triumph Sprint Executive
>
It's not too difficult. I was at a customers diesel pump in a freight yard
at 5pm on a Friday evening getting fueled up for a trip to South Africa
(can't get fule at filling stations here in Zimbabwe!). Only person around
was the security guard. Went to restart the car, lock jammed!

Phoned wife, asked her to bring tools and my Haynes manual. While getting
everything together, she managed to lock her keys in the flat!!! Luckily a
neighbour with a fishing rod hooked them out through a window! Anyway, once
she got there with tools, it took about 30 minutes to get the lock off.
Easier with steering wheel off to get access, but essentially, unbolt all
the covers round the steering column. I seem to remember having to unbolt
the stalk controls as well. Then there are two bolts with no heads (the
bolt heads are designed to break off when the lock is fitted). Get a cold
chisel, and you will be tap the old bolts undone. Then lock separates, and
you will be able to remove it easily. On one end is the switch mechanism -
remove it, insert screwdriver and start car!

If you need more info, I can get the book out and send you more details.

Cheers!
Graham Carter
--
Carter Computer Services (Pvt) Ltd
P.O. Box A1619
Avondale
Harare
Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 300082
Cell: +263 91 329310
Fax: +263 918 329310
email:gcarter(at)mweb(dot)co(dot)zw



 

> Suddenly the key will not turn in the ignition lock of my 1997 Disco
> TDI. The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
> key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?
>
Before you go ripping the lock to bits, try this...........

Get a decent length punch, and a hammer, and while someone tries to turn the
key (not a steady pressure, but wiggling it about in both directions) Put
the end of the punch against the lock barrel, and rap it smartly on the end
with the hammer, using very rapid moderately heavy blows. Not hard enough to
break anything, but hard enough the shake the contents of the barrel about
until it all drops in place.

I have had 100% success rate by that method.


 

"Keith Wilkinson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Suddenly the key will not turn in the ignition lock of my 1997 Disco
> TDI. The key goes in freely but refuses to turn, same result with the
> key I normally use and the less used spare. Anyone have any ideas?
>
> --
> Keith (London, UK)
> Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
> Triumph Sprint Executive
>
>
I had a key break in the barrel of my 200TDI when I was working in Tanzania.
No spare key!
so..
remove the plastic cowling,
find the bolts that hold the lock mech.. cut a slot in the bolts using a
junior hacksaw blade, then use a flat screwdriver to remove the bolts.
Sent a Local in search of a new mech.. $50 and an hour later he comes
back with a brand new part.. Dont know where he got it from.. it came with
new bolts, the heads shear off when tightened.

:) Robin


 
SimonJ wrote:
> Before you go ripping the lock to bits, try this...........
>
> Get a decent length punch, and a hammer, and while someone tries to turn the
> key (not a steady pressure, but wiggling it about in both directions) Put
> the end of the punch against the lock barrel, and rap it smartly on the end
> with the hammer, using very rapid moderately heavy blows. Not hard enough to
> break anything, but hard enough the shake the contents of the barrel about
> until it all drops in place.
>
> I have had 100% success rate by that method.
>

Thanks for that. I'll try this before doing anything more drastic.

--
Keith (London, UK)
Land Rover Discovery 300TDI
Triumph Sprint Executive

 
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