Help please!!! - ignition problem I think.

Sat Mar 21, 2009 11:33 am

Hi Guys,

Quite simply, I cant turn my car on

Heres what happened:

I got back late last night, turned the engine off, but the key wouldnt turn all the way, seemed to be getting stuck in the first ignition position so I was unable to take the key out. The car still started but just wouldnt turn all the way off to allow the key to be removed.

I know enough about these things to know not to force anything, so I thought I would drive it round the corner to see if it was just something totally random and if it would fix itself. I got round the corner, turned the car off, key came out fine as normal.

I then went to start the car again, key turns, electrics come on, as in I can operate windows, lights, wipers etc, but I have no dash lights except the back lights, the dimmer etc works but the car doesnt start. The key turns to the position just where you push it that extra bit to start the car, but is stuck and doesnt turn any further.

I tried to bump start the car as I was on a hill, went into gear but no spark, so was just rolling in gear, I took the car quickly out of gear and parked up till this morning where I have the same problem.

This is the first time anything like this has happened, and prior to this the car was running / starting / stopping fine.

I have taken off the steering wheel and steering column shrouds to check the wiring which all appears to be fine and intact, and not tampered with before. All the fuses are fine and working as far as I can tell. The only thing I have noticed is that I dont get the clicks when I turn the ignition on.

As always, any advice / help that can be offered is much appreciated.

Thanks

Stu

Sat Mar 21, 2009 1:44 pm

Sounds like a problem with the switch on the back end of the ignition switch barrel.
This switch just unclips, and can then be worked with a screwdriver, IF it's in working order.
Alternatively, connect a piece of wire between the battery + terminal and the ignition coil + terminal, and use another short piece of wire to briefly link pins 11 and 14 of the diagnostic socket (next to the fusebox) together to engage the starter.

Sat Mar 21, 2009 2:16 pm

Thanks for the response Brian, I will have time to look at this later this afternoon and get back to you.

Stu

Sat Mar 21, 2009 4:29 pm

Hi Guys / Brian

Checked the switch and it works fine, starting my car with a screwdriver was novel lol. I guess that means its the lock?

The scrapyard near me closes shortly, so a fast respose would be amazing, but how do you get the lock etc off? Im hoping that they will have keys etc so I can get a locking mechanism from them. Does the barrel just come out somehow or do I have to take the whole cast metal section off that it is a part of?

Thanks

Stu.

Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:19 pm

I had a very similar problem 2 days ago - got good help from eko & daimlerman

to remove the ignition lock barrel turn the key to position 1 (steering lock off, radio can be turned on, indicators + wipers able to function), then insert a thin nail, or panel pin or piece of stiff wire into the small hole just below the key slot. (this nail / wire should be approx 1mm diameter and 40mm long)

The nail/wire should engage a release pin and the lock should slide out (perhaps requiring a tug with pliers)

best of luck fella

Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:23 pm

Thanks, will give that a go, I went down to the breakers and they were closed anyway, so I cant get a replacement till Monday at the earliest now. Were you able to fix your problem or was it just a case of replacement?

I have no idea of the inner workings of the key barrel lol.

Thanks

Stu.

Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:41 pm

To get the car moving I did what you have done, and used a screwdriver to engage the ignition switch

once home I tried to get the lock out using the advised method, but no luck, so I'll try get the lock out using another method that was explained to me

have a gander at my thread - it might help you out

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=129324

Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:47 pm

Im having real trouble getting the lock out using the pin / pliars. The pin appears to be going in about the same length as the key, maybe 2 / 3 mm less. Does anyone know how far it should be going in? Im using a long pin and ive put quite a bit of stress / hammered / sworn at it to see if it goes in any further and it doesnt so im quite sure its as far as its going to go.

I cant seem to get the pin in atall with the key anywhere else so I assume I have the corrent position. Pretty depressed now tbh

its been a bit of a bad day.

I have read your thread neil and I dont think I have the skills / tools to cut into the shear bolt on the cast metal section of the lock set up.

Is there a nack that im just missing? / anyone who lives in Berkshire that just really loves removing e30 ignition locks? lol.

Thanks

Stu

Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:09 pm

stu_316i wrote:Is there a nack that im just missing?

Very definitely, although the rod needs to be the correct diameter.
Once you've done it, you will be able to remove and refit it time after time in a matter of seconds. No force is required - it just slides out, although, of course, yours is damaged, so may not!

Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:38 am

Hmm, well I think I was doing it right. Im going to give it another go tomorrow and try to get to the breakers to get another lock (that should be a good indicator if I am doing it right).

I will update tomorrow

Thanks guys

Stu