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[shyboy]

Inserted key into ignition, (steering lock not engaged), and the damned thing wouldn't turn. Sitting on a Tesco petrol pump, too!
After counting to 50, I patiently continued to 'jiggle' it without too much force, probably 100 times, when it finally played ball and turned and started the car normally.
Now, can I try lubrication without risking fouling up any electronics in the lock barrel? Is it likely to be wear on the key, or a problem with the chip in the key? Or wear in the barrel itself.
I just know it's going to happen again, and am hoping someone has solved this problem in the past.
Thanks,
Bill

[Marks DTM Calib]

A lube with light oil wont affect the electrics and is wortha try.

Chances are its wear and if your compitent, you can pop the lock barrel out, clean the tumblers and re-shape them with a fine file to fix permanently.

[shyboy]

Thanks Mark.
I'll give that a go when, and if, I get back from Shifnal.  

[Abiton]

Had this problem just recently.  The fundamental problem seemed to be that the key had somehow become able to go too far into the lock barrel.  When I finally got the barrel out I found that I needed to put a small tyrap round the 'hilt' of the key to stop it going in too far.

If you do attempt to fettle up the tumblers etc, make yourself a little sketch with the order of them in either side (they've each got a number stamped on) so you don't get in a mess if several drop out at once in a heap!  

[shyboy]

Thanks Abiton.
I did try to insert the key less than fully without immediate success, but noticed that the tumbler barrel moves in and out slightly as the key is inserted/withdrawn, which probably cancelled this effect out.
I'll certainly note the positions of the tumblers as you suggest.

[Danny]

i had the very same thing happen just days after buying my car, only ever happened once tho, been fine since

[ians]

Bill,
I would get this sorted asap as its only likely to get worse and you need to be able to turn the key to position 1 in order to remove the barrel.  If you can't turn the key at all I guess you need to do physical harm to the steering column.

I had this problem on my wife's car.   When she eventually told me about it, I spent best part of a day trying to turn the key - she said - oh yes its done it a few times recently..

I bought a new barrel from Autovaux 20-30 quid - I didn't know you could disassemble the barrel and still not sure how.   Only downside was we ended up with 2 keys - the original for central locking etc and the other for the ignition.

[Andy B]

....
 I didn't know you could disassemble the barrel and still not sure how.   ....

Not difficult, you just need patience. Each brass tumbler has a tiny spring that returns the tumbler when you remove the key. When the key is inserted you align all the tumbers so that the the entire barrel, complete with all the (7? 8?) tumblers is completely cylindrical, thereby allowing it all to turn within the lock outer. There aren't that many different brass tumblers, it's just the combination of the different tumblers in different positions that give the various different locks.

[Dav]

Hi , I am new here but delighted to have found you all.

I have the same problem with my 1997 2.5 td

How do i get the barrel out ?

The bolt heads have been sheered off as a I presume a security measure

My finances are low at the moment so I would like to avoid the costs of a new lock , keys and machanic's bill.

A friend suggested I get another key cut and leave the one in the ignition set at position I and cover it over , then use the cut (unchipped) key for the doors.

Is this the only option ?

I really don't want to remove key and chance not being able to turn it again ,  it took hours of fiddling to eventually get it to turn the last time .

Thanks in advance for any help , Dave.

[tebbu]

three things.
1 in theory you can order a replcement key from a main agent.
2. if you take off the left ahnd side of the casing around the steering wheeel you will find the electrical switch on the end of the steering column, thus it can be removed? allowing you to play with the ignition siwtch.
3. the severed bolt can be removed, I know becuase i had an igition switch replaced, was not as expensive as i expected £100 all in, and they should be able to order to mtach existing key numbers...

JohnT

[Dav]

Not letting the key go all the way in and a squirt of oil has helped  

[Marks DTM Calib]

If you trun the key to position II then ou cna insert of a piece of wire into the lock housing which allows the lock barrel to be removed.

Its then possible to very carefuly remove the tumblers, clean them and re-fit them back in thier original posiions before filing the tumblers slightly (with the key inserted) to compensate for the worn key

[andyc]

Common problem on most VXM cars, dont bother mucking about with it, just change it.

To get a new Ign barrel to your orginal key number your looking at £35.51 + VAT.

Just be Bloody careful when fitting, disconnect the battey and leave for a while before you start as you may need to remove the steering wheel to access the coloum cowls, to remove the wheel you need to remove the airbag.

To get the barrell you will need to supply your chosen VX dealer with the following:

Reg Number
Chassis Number
Reg' owners name and address.

They will then fill out a security form and fax it back to Vauxhall's sceurity centre who will then make a new barrell for you.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Andy

[Marks DTM Calib]

Common problem on most VXM cars, dont bother mucking about with it, just change it.

To get a new Ign barrel to your orginal key number your looking at £35.51 + VAT.

Just be Bloody careful when fitting, disconnect the battey and leave for a while before you start as you may need to remove the steering wheel to access the coloum cowls, to remove the wheel you need to remove the airbag.

To get the barrell you will need to supply your chosen VX dealer with the following:

Reg Number
Chassis Number
Reg' owners name and address.

They will then fill out a security form and fax it back to Vauxhall's sceurity centre who will then make a new barrell for you.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Andy

Its common on all cars, easily fixed though!

No need to remove the steering wheel on the Omega