Ignition Key won't turn

[Ruth Hatfield]

I had problems with the ignition and found that most common problem was electrical part of ignition.  We have now replaced that.  Now the key goes into the barrel smoothly, but will not turn at all.  The steering lock is also on and I cannot free it.  I have tried with spare key, clutch up/down, locked and unlocked door 3 times.  Any ideas?  Or does this mean I need a new mechanical part to the ignition?

[Loren]

 

Did you try to release tension in the ignition lock by moving the steering wheel?

[Ruth Hatfield]

Yes, tried that.  Moved steering wheel left and right whilst trying to turn key and no luck.

It does not seem to want to release, not like you would normally release the steering wheel lock anyway.

[Ruth Hatfield]

Just for info - prior to putting in the new electrical part, the key was difficult to remove and I could not get it to the off position.  Now that the electrical part has been fitted, when the battery is connected all the dashboard lights are on.  At the moment we have the battery disconnected and will check each fuse in turn in the morning (CET time).  Will see if something fused when the problem originally occurred.

[ttocs]

Is the steering wheel positioned exactly in its center, with wheels pointed straight? If it's more than a few degrees left or right, then you will need to put a fairly large amount of heft into trying to "clear" the locking mechanism in relation to the key.

 

I ALWAYS tell parking valets to make sure the wheel is centered prior to removing the key. Mine is especially difficult to get free once it is stuck.

[Ruth Hatfield]

Still not able to disengage steering lock.  Wheels are pretty much in line and straight so assume steering wheel is centred too.  Still concerned that when I connect the battery, all dash lights come on.  The key entry port seems to be at the right angle for the 'OFF' position.

[Loren]

2 hours ago, Ruth Hatfield said:

Still not able to disengage steering lock.  Wheels are pretty much in line and straight so assume steering wheel is centred too.  Still concerned that when I connect the battery, all dash lights come on.  The key entry port seems to be at the right angle for the 'OFF' position.

 

Perhaps the switch was not assembled correctly.

The key part of the switch can wear out also.

[vza]

I had issues w electrical part of ignition (ac wouldn't work unless I moved key a little counter cw ) replaced electrical part and had issues w key very difficult to turn, wheel getting locked up. I replaced lock mechanism and all was good. You may have to do the same.v ps I remember I had to put a good amount of torque on steering wheel to unlock jammed wheel lock.

[Ruth Hatfield]

Hi VSA

I was wondering if the barrel had seized.  Did you buy the whole mechanical part or just the front end barrel?  If the latter, was it easy to change yourself?

[Ruth Hatfield]

Hi Loren

The key part of the switch seems to be the same problem that VZA had.  Do you know if it possible to buy just that part and try fitting myself?
I will reassemble the whole lot again tomorrow and see if there is any change, just in case something was not aligned right the first time.

[Loren]

There is an upgraded ignition switch from Porsche - it's a bit more work but should solve the issue (for good).

 

 

[vza]

I bought the barrel it is sold complete w electrical switch I  believe so you may have a left over new part. The install was a bit of a pain not too bad. You can also take the barrel apart.... has a snap ring and de-gunk it and lube it and see if it works. 

Edited July 10, 2019 by vza

[Ruth Hatfield]

Thank you to all who responded, new part now on order.  I hope all goes well with the fitting when the part arrives.