Ignition switch

[rutter123]

The ignition switch on the t/d is starting to become very tight getting the key in, if i gently wiggle and slowly push the key in its ok but only a matter of time before the tumblers collapse ( then im f####d ) , ideally i would like to keep it on the same key if poss, what are the options?

[MULLEY]

Could you spray some silicone lubricante inside for the short term? Apart from getting a replacement barrel (not sure if the old one can be re-built? but you'd need a new key anyway as the old one will be worn out), you could just leave the key in the ignition barrel permanently & lock the car up with either the remote central locking if yours has one, or manually with your spare key?

[rutter123]

Been using silicone spray for a while now but guess the barrel is coming to the end now, i do have an original spare key but dont like the idea of leaving the key in, i have the o/e remote fob but that is u/s and has been for some years. Guess its gpnna be a new barrel and key as the easiest option providing a direct replacement is available.

[Tim Leech]

RXBX had a couple of them last time I spoke and a complete lock set.

[citronut]

if you end up replacing the barrel/ignition lock you realy will be best doing it whilst the old one is still operating,

because if you do not already know, to remove the old one in the correct manner you need the key in and turned to the first posittion, to enable you to press the spring loaded peg in that stops the barrel being removed

regards malcolm

[rutter123]

Thanx for that Malcolm, think this is best done sooner rather than later, got caught out before with my old tgd and ended up smashing the old lock out in a multi storey car park just so i could get home
(got some strange looks there) Will try Malcolm Lockwood tmrw.

[barry badger]

My td was like that a few months ago, i kept getting the key stuck in it and had to fight to get it out. I tried aerosol grease to no avail. I then filled it full of heavy brake grease, only because it came in a tube and was easy to squirt in. After a few days use it freed off nicely and has been fine since. It is badly worn but works smoothly.

[themildbunch]

Yes, as Malcolm says remove it now while you can just get the key in - Mine was exactly the same, stiff for months and then suddenly impossible to get the key in at all... When it gets like this you have to get brutal to get the barrel out... The detent is designed to only push in then the key is in an the barrel turned to a mid position..

Two of my BX's have separate keys now for doors and ignition!

[Tinkley]

Well one of mine had a slightly 'fiddly' (not stiff) key insert which was fine with me for five years until some monkey from the local 'accredited insurers coachworks' broke it off in the barrel.....

[MULLEY]

Rutter, you could disconnect the battery if you left the key in the ignition if you were worried.

[Leobx16v]

I use something from worth called HHS-2000 it's a liquid when you spray it but turns into a tacky grease after a minutes and it works a miracle on things like door hinges and barrels. I used it on the red bx barrel and work perfect, there are a lot of cheap alternatives but it actually works and last a lot longer.

[Jaba]

To retain the same key it is possible to transfer the barrel and tumblers from one switch to another which might be worth trying to avoid having one key for ignition and another for the rest of the car. This would also avoid having to change all the locks over if you get a new lock set.

[Defender110]

I use something from worth called HHS-2000 it's a liquid when you spray it but turns into a tacky grease after a minutes and it works a miracle on things like door hinges and barrels. I used it on the red bx barrel and work perfect, there are a lot of cheap alternatives but it actually works and last a lot longer.

Yes brilliant stuff.

If you want to use the the same key you can just remove the tumblers all together, any key will then start it but prospective thieves don't know that and if they want to take your car and get past the door locks they will take it anyway.