Hi, i had to abandon the van this evening in a supermarket car park. The key would not turn in the ignition barrel... I spent some time (0.5 hrs) wiggling the key to try to get it to turn but no luck. I got the RAC out to see if s locksmith could work some magic but he was “down the pub” . So I got some dw40 and spayed the lock barrel No luck ... So decided there was nothing left to do tonight. What might be the issue or likely failure. Is this a new lock barrel and keys ...? Looking at other threads it seems to be a bit problematic changing the barrel/ ignition switch. Very simplistically how is the barrel replaced... does the steer wheel and column have to removed to remove the casting that holds the barrel and ignition switch ?
You will need to get the key turned in the barrel before you can remove the ignition switch system. Catch 22.. Of course the obvious if you have another key try that one. It’s not so hard. I had the same problem. So I took the ignition lock switch. And removed a few of the tumblers. Probably one and three buses can start my bus. But only I know that. Oops maybe I should be quiet https://ratwell.com/mirror/bclausen/How_to_files/IgnSw/index.html
Ok thanks... I forgot to say the steering lock has never worked , i sssumed it was broken.... but last night the RAC guy when he looked up from underneath to the shroud which holds the key barrel that he thought something like a thin piece of metal had been placed over the steering lock mechanism . I haven’t investigated this issue before because I just assumed it’s broken. Why would someone do that ? Can you confirm that I need to remove the steering wheel and inductor stalk the whole steering column to get to the lock barrel ? This is s 1973 M reg Van I’m not sure if that helps ...
You do have to remove the steering wheel and shroud to get at the lock, and you have to use a bent coat hanger wire to unclip the barrel. There’s an how to’ on here somewhere
You need the key in not necessarily turned, the main thing is removing the shear bolt through the hole in the plastic shroud near your left knee, if you’re lucky it’ll already have been replaced with a normal bolt , if not improvise by tapping in an oversize taux bit of similar!
I think the ring the AA man saw is a metal ring with a hole drilled in it that is welded to the centre shaft, which is what the steering lock pin engages with.
Has anyone mentioned that you might be having a senior moment with the key? As a 73, is it the offset metal key that only works one way? Just checking!!!
No senior moments yet but anythings possible. UPDATE with the Van key issue Anyway..... for now the problem as corrected itself ..... i went back in the morning and tried a couple of times and did wiggle the wheel and the key at the same time..... and then it turned.....! So i tried x20 plus times more taking the key out and back in without wiggles ..... NO issue at all. I know the steering lock is broken (as it doesn't work) perhaps some how the mechanism of the steering lock is faulty and affects the lock barrel ??
Have you got a big gap between the steering wheel and the column shroud? If the casting that holds the lock has slipped right down, maybe the lock can't engage.
