Cage trouble

[pete786.u]

  Parked up at the local Garden Centre yesterday, went to start the car and couldn`t release the steering lock or turn the ignition key. Called the AA and the guy had to butcher the ignition barrel trying to sort it out. Ended up with a hot wire system to keep me going.
 The outcome is that I need a new ignition barrel and probably a new steering column Imobilisor still works as does all the other electrics except the clock and outdoor thermostat.(fuse ?)
 May end up fitting a switch for the ignition and a push button for the starter motor and forget the steering lock and new ignition barrel.

[GringoRojo]

so when will you realise it wasn't your car but an identical one parked where you thought you'd left yours?

[pete786.u]

Phoned my local main agent today to see what the parts would cost  £672.62. I think the car will be on it`s way to the scrapyard in the next few weeks, Tax runs out end of July MOT next February the cars not worth spending that much money on it so it`s going.

[GrahamB]

This happened to a family member last year. I was able to remove the ignition barrel assembly, identify the worn pins, remove them & put it all back together. I think a combination of worn pins internally & worn key were enough to stop it all from doing the business. I would be tempted to phone a few local breakers before ditching the car myself... .    unless you're looking for an excuse to ditch it that is?

[robby boy]

What type of car is it, secondhand parts might be readily available cheap.

[Lawrence]

Get bits from a breaker/ebay, will be far cheaper than going to a dealer.