how do you remove ignition barrel
how do you remove ignition barrel
Author
Discussion

Adam S3

Original Poster:

46 posts

200 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
quotequote all
HELP!!!!
I have snapped key in ignition if I can remove barrel hopefully i can retieve brocken half of key any ideas?

jwoffshore

461 posts

283 months

Sunday 14th February 2010
quotequote all
If your key is broken in the lock, this may not be easy. However, in theory you must turn the key to the #1 position (out of the 3 positions available), then use a screwdriver to depress the spring-loaded tab in the side of the barrel assembly (the tab is accessible inside a rectangular window) and simultaneously pull on the key to withdraw the lock barrel. If the lock is not in position #1, there is shaped disc at the bottom of the barrel which prevents the barrel from pulling out. In the #1 position, the shape of the disc lines up inside the barrel housing to allow withdrawal.

If you cannot turn the key to #1 position, maybe you can try to break up the lock barrel and hopefully avoid damaging the housing. The outer steering column/lock housing is from a Sierra Mk1 (and possibly other Fords too), so it's getting difficult to find these in breakers yards now.

Adam S3

Original Poster:

46 posts

200 months

Sunday 14th February 2010
quotequote all
Thanks Alot this has worked I have removed the the ignition barrel but can't get the broken Key out.

Dave_M

5,486 posts

253 months

Sunday 14th February 2010
quotequote all
Adam, this may not be of any use but we both know a trained locksmith although he's not working as one at the moment.

Barkychoc

7,848 posts

233 months

Sunday 14th February 2010
quotequote all
Adam on the basis that the barrel is now no good unless you get the key out how about squirting some wd40 in in to try and loosen up the teeth of the lock then smacking it down really hard on a bench or something to see if you can get the broken off bit of key to move out of the barrel a bit.
This is just a wild guess - it may not work at all, but if you destroy it I can't see that you've lost anything s it's useless anyway.