Key won't turn in barrel to start car.

Senninha · Post by **Senninha** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 1:43 pm

My car started fine this morning.

However, when trying to start it at lunch time, putting the key in the ignition, the key won't turn in the barrel to start the car.

Any ideas what is causing this please?

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 1:46 pm

Steering lock?
Try pulling the wheel one way or the other and then turning the key?

Is this an auto or manual? Or a car that's been converted from auto to manual?

Post by **Vtecmec** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 1:59 pm

Mine did this about 7 years ago, turned out to be a worn lock and I replaced the little inserts that go inside the barrel so I did not have to replace all the other locks or the keys.

Actually my Vectra did this about a month ago, but for that I ended up ripping everything apart as I was 100 miles from home and 30 miles from anywhere else for that matter. A new lock set sorted it out.

Senninha · Post by **Senninha** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 2:01 pm

Just had another go.

You can start it intermittently now, but not on every attempt.

Post by **Vtecmec** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 2:03 pm

Sounds like a worn lock then.

Post by **sproggy29** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 2:51 pm

Yeah, i still have this, if you put the key all the way in then pull out just a little you should have it turned all the way, i found jiggling it about in there for a while helped, now i do it without thinking, for meits like a saftey feature

Senninha · Post by **Senninha** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 2:54 pm

Thanks all for your advice.

Will let you know how I get on.

Post by **Donald** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:04 pm

If you have a spare key give that a go in the mean time. Mine was doing the same and a fresh key sorted it. May save you having to replace the barrel immediately.