Ignition key stuck

michele16

Can anyone help? My ignition key is stuck. Wiggled it, tried some cheap version of WD40 - nothing. Would this be a failure on a MOT and does anyone know how much this would cost to get a prof to do it.

anewman

Don't think it would be an MOT failure if it can be turned and started etc and stopped, but your car would obviously be a gift to anyone peering in the window with not so good intentions.

Cost depends largely on type of car though.

allydowd

The advice from the RAC website is

"Gently turn and wiggle the key whilst carefully moving the steering wheel from side to side. This will often free up the key or the steering lock. Sounds simple and it is..."

Try this at your own risk of course.

hewhoisnotintheknow

wiggle it, its probably the barrel collapsed on the key

not too tricky to fix

vikingaero

What's the make and model of the car?

Is it an automatic?

pianeet

my mate had one stuck in his toyota for a year,toyota told him £300 for a new barrel ,i got it out with a pair of mole grips in about 10 seconds, so worth a try.

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

You used cheap WD40 - why not just use the proper non asian knock off variety

Its still cheaper than a new barrell :rotfl:

michele16

vikingaero wrote: »

What's the make and model of the car?

Is it an automatic?

Its a Ford Escort 1996 model. Its not automatic. Thanks.

hewhoisnotintheknow

get someone to take it apart, undo the battery first, it really is simple

A new barrel can be had from the scrappy for pence, you might even been able to swap the innards round so you can keep the same key, ive done this in the past

vikingaero

michele16 wrote: »

Its a Ford Escort 1996 model. Its not automatic. Thanks.

I've lost count over the number of times I've got a call from someone driving one of the automatic cars in our fleet and finding that they can't get the key out unless the gearbox is in Park.:rolleyes:

jeannieblue

vikingaero wrote: »

I've lost count over the number of times I've got a call from someone driving one of the automatic cars in our fleet and finding that they can't get the key out unless the gearbox is in Park.:rolleyes:

You'll love this........... as I can be such a know it all c*w.

I parked up on way to work one morning at the local shops, in a rush, to grab a paper etc...

Couldn't get key out ... couldn't start it.... phoned workmate (mechanic) to come and help. People in the newsagents came out to help....

Then I realised..........

What a tw*t....

Naturally, they had a good laugh at me at work for weeks over that..

I still don't know how I came to do that and not realise I had left it in D or R or whatever. Its not like I'm not used to the car or driving auto's - I'm still cringing at the memory of it all.. a blonde moment perhaps...