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Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 9:55 pm
by creid
Hi all,
New to the forum and have encountered my first problem. For some reason I am unable to put my key into the ignition barrel. I have given the steering wheel a turn to see if it was a problem with the steering lock but its not locking. All electrics are working fine. Had a search on the forum but haven't found a similar problem.
If anyone could shed some light on this it will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 9:38 am
by strummer
This may sound daft but is it definitely the right key?
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:18 pm
by creid
Yep definitely the right key.
I'm going to try and disconnect the battery for a while then reconnect it to see if that resets anything. Want to try as much easier/cheaper ways to fix it before having to get a new barrel fitted.
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:32 pm
by creid
If it helps its a 2005 E53 3.0D.
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:29 am
by themoog
How do you know all electrics are working ok if you cant get the key in to turn on power? Are you absolutely positive it's the right key?
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 12:40 pm
by creid
Its definitely the right key, I only ever use the one key. I can still use the buttons to lock and unlock the car, the interior lights also come on when I unlock the car. The steering lock won't engage, I think it may have something to do with that.
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 1:19 pm
by Smeeagain
is the key intact? Is there a bit broken off that is lodged in the barrel (a long shot I know).
You said you were going to disconnect the battery - did you and did you disconnect it for minimum 30 mins before reconnecting?
Smee
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 4:56 pm
by creid
Today I disconnected the battery for an hour and reconnected but still nothing.
Tried my spare key also and it still wont fit in the barrel.
Both keys are intact with no bits missing.
Really need it back on the road so looks like its getting towed to the garage
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 5:43 pm
by Alan Gunn
Any kids been playing in the car and could have put something in there.
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:31 pm
by sregor
Have you tried squirting a tiny bit of WD40 into the ignition barrel and onto the key then gently try to insert the key. Had a similar problem on my 2006 E53, the WD40 cured the issue.
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 11:13 pm
by Smeeagain
[quote="creid"]
Today I disconnected the battery for an hour and reconnected but still nothing.
Tried my spare key also and it still wont fit in the barrel.
Both keys are intact with no bits missing.
Really need it back on the road so looks like its getting towed to the garage
[/quote]
So what was the outcome?
Smee
Re: Ignition barrel locked, can't insert key
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 8:29 pm
by themoog
It was the right key but not the right car...