Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: bobcalvert on 07 August 2008, 09:36:00
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Hi, i wonder if anyone can help, my omega 2.5 estate N reg, the steering lock has engaged and you cant turn the key to unlock it...tried all the usual tricks like wd40 etc but to no avail...the AA man couldnt do anything either, however due to time restraints i had to get it towed home instead of to a garage...
now ive got a car on my drive i cant take anywhere as the steering lock is in...how do i get it out so i can get it to a garage? or replace the lock?
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see maintence guides area on ignition barrel....
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it says turn it to position 1, however i cant get that far...can it still come out that way?
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it says turn it to position 1, however i cant get that far...can it still come out that way?
You need to wiggle the key whilst turning it, try pulling it out ever so slightly to.
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Ow yes, use a light oil or proper penetrating fluid, WD40 is a crap lubricant
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just keep wriggling. it took me hours on mine. Its not much help to you now (mut maybe someone else reading this) but if you start having problems turning the key, get it sorted straightaway, as you need to be able to turn the key to fix the problem (catch 22..)
Once it turns, leave it there and proceed with the barrel removal proceedure.
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still not getting anywhere, have been waggling away for ages, nothing much seems to be shifting it.
Can it be smashed off, or can the steering lock be snapped off by janking the wheel?
anyone got any more ideas?
otherwise im going to have to scrap the car at this rate.
Cheers
Bob
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Without going out and inspecting my own, is the steering lock on an Omega fixed to the steering column with a shear bolt, does anyone remember?
If it is then it can be removed with a little know how and the lock will then come off easily!
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Ow yes, use a light oil or proper penetrating fluid, WD40 is a crap lubricant
Plus Gas (http://www.amazon.co.uk/English-Abrasives-802-10-Plusgas-Aerosol/dp/B0001P02RK)
Nice to know it's still around.
WD40 still has it's uses though; as somebody who used to have to leave their bikes outside, igintion barrels and steering locks is one of them.
A good soaking through the key slot - one in October and another one around January - would get you through the winter without a frozen lock.
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Without going out and inspecting my own, is the steering lock on an Omega fixed to the steering column with a shear bolt, does anyone remember?
If it is then it can be removed with a little know how and the lock will then come off easily!
Correct, it is secured with a sheer bolt which would need drilling out (although sometimes you can tap them round with a chisel.)
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Ok then it is a shear bolt.
A shear bolt is a bolt that shears off when tightened leaving a convex end something like the end of a pencil. The steering lock is fixed to the steering column using such a bolt.
To remove it you need to access your steering lock and using an eigth drill bit, drill a small hole in the convex end of the bolt at 10 to 12(this might be difficult because of lack of access for your drill and the drill bit will tend to slip)
When you have drilled a small hole just deep enough to allow a centre punch to be gently tapped around anti - clockwise you will find the bolt is not too tight and should move easily.
I have done this job many times over the years and it is very easy to do, if a little awkward.
Best of luck and keep us posted if you need any help.
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i used to remove them by getting a goo phillips screwdriver and a hammer. put the driver in the centre of the shear bolt head and give it a good couple of whacks with a hammer. then just unscrew it.
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Hi, i wonder if anyone can help, my omega 2.5 estate N reg, the steering lock has engaged and you cant turn the key to unlock it...tried all the usual tricks like wd40 etc but to no avail...the AA man couldnt do anything either, however due to time restraints i had to get it towed home instead of to a garage...
now ive got a car on my drive i cant take anywhere as the steering lock is in...how do i get it out so i can get it to a garage? or replace the lock?
Is your miggy an auto?
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Hi, i wonder if anyone can help, my omega 2.5 estate N reg, the steering lock has engaged and you cant turn the key to unlock it...tried all the usual tricks like wd40 etc but to no avail...the AA man couldnt do anything either, however due to time restraints i had to get it towed home instead of to a garage...
now ive got a car on my drive i cant take anywhere as the steering lock is in...how do i get it out so i can get it to a garage? or replace the lock?
Is your miggy an auto?
If it is an auto, is it in Park?
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yup its auto, and its in park
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i think bob means the key is jammed in and the steering lock is active, if its an auto then there is a solenoid that locks the key into the ignition.
Our MV6 auto locks the key in the ignition occasionaly (but still able to turn it) if Park isnt selected 100%, we usually just make sure neutral is selected then the handbrake, then park and the key releases. we do live on an incline and i'm a bugger for just using park on auto boxes :-/
Had a similar thing happen on my Carlton GSI (manual) years ago and i had to replace the whole steering lock assembly IIRC
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no, its not held in, i can take the key in and out...just cant turn it when its inserted.
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no, its not held in, i can take the key in and out...just cant turn it when its inserted.
Sounds like the barrel has colapsed, you can remove the barrel if the key goes in, i will check in the manual about it for you in the morning there is a section on removing the barrel and steering lock assy.
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i think bob means the key is jammed in and the steering lock is active, if its an auto then there is a solenoid that locks the key into the ignition.
Our MV6 auto locks the key in the ignition occasionaly (but still able to turn it) if Park isnt selected 100%, we usually just make sure neutral is selected then the handbrake, then park and the key releases. we do live on an incline and i'm a bugger for just using park on auto boxes :-/
Had a similar thing happen on my Carlton GSI (manual) years ago and i had to replace the whole steering lock assembly IIRC
Incidentally, there's an easy fix if this happens. If you take the cowling off the steering column you'll see a small solenoid on the bottom of the steering lock. Unplug the wiring connector from this and it'll let you have your key back.
Kevin
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hi BOB, I know this might sound silly but have you tried a spare key if you have one just in case your key is badly worn?, but as others have said it does sound like the tumbler has either jammed one of the segments in it or perhaps one of the little return springs has busted inside it, as for the sheer bolts ive always cut a slot in them with a dremmel or a hacksaw & used a screwdriver to undo them, good luck anyway!
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sorry guys, looking for these shear bolts...where are they located on the lock assembly?
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removed it! ....tried drilling it out, wasnt really working so lost my rag and hit it with a hammer a few times and that sorted it... ;) lock removed from steering column, can now steer it, and start it with a screwdriver twisted in the ignition switch block.
Didnt start first time as the immobiliser sensor couldnt contact the key, i guess theres some form of electronic RF chip in the key that needs to be next to the immobiliser sensor, cable tied the key to the sensor and it starts now...
thanks all for your help.