Steering lock on td5

Been and played a Charity pub Quiz tonight and as I was designated driver had to drive my dads TD5 home . Got in to start her up and the steering lock was on and I couldn't turn the ignition key . After sitting there in the snow for about 15 minutes the thing suddenly released itself and she started . Anyone any ideas as to why this might have happened and what I could do to prevent it happenong again ?

A "turning pressure" on the steering can make the key seem unable to turn in the lock.

Next time it happens apply a bit of light hand pressure to turn the key and at the same time wiggle the steering wheel back and forth to release the pressure on the lock.

If that's the case, it's nothing to worry about.

brian47 said:

a "turning pressure" on the steering can make the key seem unable to turn in the lock.

Next time it happens apply a bit of light hand pressure to turn the key and at the same time wiggle the steering wheel back and forth to release the pressure on the lock.

If that's the case, it's nothing to worry about.

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+1.

gemsdad said:

+1.

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+2, mine does it all the time

Mine does it too. Got stuck in a carpark for 15 mins, just wiggle both till it comes free

is it ware in the ignition barrel then ?

discogal said:

is it ware in the ignition barrel then ?

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I think so, but don't think it's anything to worry about

Grimmer said:

I think so, but don't think it's anything to worry about

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Thanks gimmer . I've told my Dad to be careful not to brush past the steering whell when getting in or out . He reckons that if you leave the steering wheel with the Landy logo perpendicular , that you can probably avoid it locking . 'Til he forgets . Then I spect you'll be able to see the blue smoke all over the westcountry.

Mine's a bugger for doing it...the trick ive found is not to be heavy handed trying to turn the steering wheel but almost lift the wheel and twiddle & turn it gently.

I had this trouble with Disco TD5....in fact I sat outside the place I bought the car from fiddling with the keys for about 5 mins before it turned. Think it is a common fault as they age....120000 miles on mine.
The barrel may well be worn, but I took mine apart expecting the worst and took pics as I went.
It didn't seem to have a lot of wear so I thought I'd have a go at cleaning it up. If all else fails, just leave the sliders out, although it will turn with a screwdriver.
Keep all the barrel slides in order and note which way round they go back, then clean them one by one with a bit of emery cloth and WD40. Watch out for the little springs as they have the ability to fly off and then you spend ages looking for them. (voice of experience).
Once I got it back together, it worked.....and I've not had the problem since.
Hasten to say that I would attempt this on the kitchen worktop....keep the kettle topped up and keep your cool Hope this helps.

As far as I'm aware its supposed to do it. Any vehicle I've had does it. All you do is try to turn the wheel whilst turning the key and it releases the lock. I doubt its a fault

Actually reading that reminded me my old Fiesta did it too! But 10x worse was a pain

the_wolf said:

As far as I'm aware its supposed to do it. Any vehicle I've had does it. All you do is try to turn the wheel whilst turning the key and it releases the lock. I doubt its a fault

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Yeah its 'sposed to lock but its the difficulty of it unlocking again that's the prob . Its not 'sposed to take 15 mins of fiddling and a lot of ranting and swearing and just when you're about to nip out and get the 16 lb slodge to it , it turns as if there wasn't a problem at all !

its not too expensive to change the lock assembly about £60-£70 for a complete kit including door barrels on the last defender i did

Its wear in the barrel and will only get worse, eventually completely locking up and possibly leaving you stranded !!.

If I was you I'd take it as a warning and sort it.