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[timtoo]

Hi All,

I swear it's sulking!

I bought an M reg 2.0 GLS Estate a while ago as a stop gap between mercs - and it's been absolutely brilliant.

It wanted a fair bit of work for the MOT end of Jan, which I had done, but due to one thing and another I didn't run it for about 3 weeks.

I would really appreciate it if anyone can help, as I followed the suggestions i could find from searching but nothing came up about the steering lock.

Went to start it yesterday, which didn't go well as I couldn't even get in - found the answer on the forum and opened the back door via the boot (v dignified  ), popped the bonnet and put a booster pack on the battery - which is where it gets a bit wierd.

Once the boost pack was on, the central locking would work from the door - and for the first time ever, from the fob (round button in the middle of the key that you have to point at the middle of the console, then have 30s to start), but for the life of me now i can't get the key to turn in the steering lock!

The imobiliser seems to think it's switching off - point, click, key lights up, light on console goes off - but can't turn the steering lock at all.

Tried jiggling the wheel, and using brute force - but the last thing i want  to do is snap the key in the lock, as this 'mega is going to my nephew - which then gives me an excuse to go shopping for a V6 when i've flogged the merc i've bought to sell on.

Any ideas would be really appreciated - I don't want to spend main dealer money on getting it sorted and it's just too good a car to see left idle when my nephew has no transport following a very nasty shunt?

[TheBoy]

Is the key not turning in the lock?

[Matchless]

I think the flat battery is pure coincidence, the problem with the ignition/steering lock will be due to one of the internal tumblers getting stuck. The only real fix is to replace the lock barrel or completely strip the one you have and clean out all the old grease and 'stone' off any burrs on the tumblers.
For a tempoary fix try flushing the lock barrel with WD40 or 3-in-1 spray, let it soak for a bit then repeat your jiggling....hopefully the stuck tumbler will come free. If this does work, just remember it is a tempoary fix....it will stick again.

[timtoo]

Nope - and it's not the boot key / spare that i'm trying either, it's definitely the main key.

Have tried hauling on the wheel, jiggling and turning the key - as I used to have a hilux that was a sod for that.

Key won't even get past the first marking.

[TheBoy]

Nope - and it's not the boot key / spare that i'm trying either, it's definitely the main key.

Have tried hauling on the wheel, jiggling and turning the key - as I used to have a hilux that was a sod for that.

Key won't even get past the first marking.

Which means its the barrel - try Matchless' instructions above

[timtoo]

I think the flat battery is pure coincidence, the problem with the ignition/steering lock will be due to one of the internal tumblers getting stuck. The only real fix is to replace the lock barrel or completely strip the one you have and clean out all the old grease and 'stone' off any burrs on the tumblers.
For a tempoary fix try flushing the lock barrel with WD40 or 3-in-1 spray, let it soak for a bit then repeat your jiggling....hopefully the stuck tumbler will come free. If this does work, just remember it is a tempoary fix....it will stick again.

Cheers - I will soak in WD overnight (the lock, not me) and try again in the morning - at least if I can move it I can give it to my nephew who's better with oily bits than I am and is carless following a smash - and he can then order the bits in.

[Entwood]

Nope - and it's not the boot key / spare that i'm trying either, it's definitely the main key.

Have tried hauling on the wheel, jiggling and turning the key - as I used to have a hilux that was a sod for that.

Key won't even get past the first marking.

They should all be the same, unless someone has changed something... try the spare key ... it is possible that you have different keys .. you may have to find which go in which lock .....

[Abiton]

Also try...not inserting the key as far as it will go into the lock barrel before trying to turn it. Push it right in, pull it back out a millimeter or two, then try turning. Worked for me a while back.

[Jukeboxnut]

Had exactly the same problem with my wife's Vectra.

In desperation I removed the plastic shroud fron the lock and then gently tapped the barrel with a toffee hammer while attempting to twist the key, there was a sudden sharp click and the key turned.

It has been fine for the last 6 months and I occasionally put a small amount of 3 in 1 oil (don't reckon WD40 for lubrication) on the key to ensure smooth operation.