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[SPS]

Hi all,
I hope someone can help.
I have a V reg 2.6 V6 auto box.
I've had a reccuring problem (3 times in the last 6 months).
On these occaisions I've got in the car, put the ignition key in - and then nothing! - the mechanism jams solid (although the key goes in and out fine).
It will not even turn to the first click.
I have had to sit there for up to 45 mins putting the key in/taking the key out until all of a sudden it will work. There seems no apparent reason for this - the key (and I only have the one) looks clean and unmarked.
Could it be the key (or the barrel) is knackered???
What is so strange is that it can be months inbetween the problem recurring.
Any ideas? - anyone else had this problem?
All the best,
Steve

[Markie]

The barrel is on its way out i reckon. We had this issue last week with the wifes vectra. Problem being it was blocking every car in. It wont be the key as when it happened with us both keys were tried, intrestingly all the vauxhall keys we have also went into lock !!! ( i have 5 vauxhalls) clearly sometyhing is jamming open....

I Stripped down the plastics surrounding and then pushing down on barrel whilst forcing(gently) the key. It worked for me .... as you say it seems to be hit and miss.


Fortunatly it hasnt happened since and the car is now for sale  

[andyoak]

Sounds like the lock is failing, had this happen to me on 3 different vauxhalls, you need to replace the barrel. I do have one with a key if you are stuck but it would need your chip swaping

[SPS]

Hi and thanks for the replies,
Do you think that this perhaps is a Vauxhall problem/weakness then? - I've had Vauxhalls for the past 25 years and (I'm touching wood now) never had anything like this happen before this car.
All the best,
Steve

[TheBoy]

Hi and thanks for the replies,
Do you think that this perhaps is a Vauxhall problem/weakness then? - I've had Vauxhalls for the past 25 years and (I'm touching wood now) never had anything like this happen before this car.
All the best,
Steve

Not specific to Vauxhall, happens on many cars, esp high milers...

[duggs]

You MIGHT consider using a little WD40 into the lock. Push the key in and out several times and see how you get on.

[Marks DTM Calib]

I remove the lock assembly, strip them down and clean tumblers and then re-assemble, a fine file to adjust the tumblers (all witht eh key inserted) finishes the job.