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[johnecharisma]

Hi folks,
The ignition key has been getting progressively harder to turn without much wiggling.  As it's happened in a fairly short time I assume it is the lock-barrel and not the actual key.  Is it difficult or problematic to change the barrel??  I understand there may be key issues as well.

[Kevin Wood]

There is a maintenance guide covering overhauling the lock barrel, Quite often it can be fixed just by deburring the lock levers and lubricating the mechanism. Do it ASAP before it jams completely, though.

[Alex W]

Its an easy job to do yourself but sometimes deburring doesn't work, I ended up just taking
the offending lock blade out completely, no problem since.

[Steve B]

Think i remember someone saying you can take the glove box lock to bits and use the parts 

[Kevin Wood]

Here's the guide, and I've added some information on another item to check in addition to the levers themselves.

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90600.0

[Bigron]

Terrific guide, but all those caveats frighten me!
My key hesitates every now and then (once a month, nothing serious - yet); would it be helpful to squirt in a drop of magic WD40 or aerosol grease to defer the awful moment when it needs that procedure?

Ron.

[Nick W]

Locks don't need much lubricant, and I certainly wouldn't use grease.

A couple of tips to prolong the life of your ignition barrel: always park with the wheels straight, and don't have lots of junk on your keyring. The majority of lock problems I''ve been to have had big heavy keyrings.

And Vauxhalls are particularly bad for lock issues.

[Bigron]

Thanks, Nick - especially your keyring comment; I never even considered that.
I'll just lightly spray the blade with WD40 and insert it, then clean it all off, then.

Ron.

[Shackeng]

I've recently done mine for exactly the same problem. Follow the guide, and if required, as I did, get replacement levers from NW Keys Ltd., www.nwkeys.co.uk for £1 each. HTH

[Kevin Wood]

The problem is, wet lubricant just attracts dirt. Dirt is abrasive, so will hasten the demise of the lock.

I an emergency, WD40 might free it off. I wouldn't use it as a matter of course, though. Really, stripping it and cleaning it up, so you know it's all dry, then lubricating it with graphite powder is probably the best solution.

[Bigron]

Thanks Kevin. And you started a thought: would a dry lubricant like PTFE be suitable - I have an aerosol?

Ron.

[Shackeng]

Thanks Kevin. And you started a thought: would a dry lubricant like PTFE be suitable - I have an aerosol?

Ron.

It all depends on what the actual fault is, and unfortunately the only way to find out is to strip the lock. Your symptoms suggest that you have worn levers, as did mine, and I replaced them all to be on the safe side. I was amazed how worn the old ones were. PTFE probably wouldn't do any harm, but it can't replace lost metal!

[Bigron]

All understood, Shackeng, thanks.
Would it be worth practising on the glove box lock to get the hang of it without its being disastrous if I get it wrong, or are they totally different locks?

Ron.

[Shackeng]

All understood, Shackeng, thanks.
Would it be worth practising on the glove box lock to get the hang of it without its being disastrous if I get it wrong, or are they totally different locks?

Ron.

I'm told they're the same, but you'll find by following the guide and asking on here if lost you will find it fairly straightforward. The only problem I had was finding the barrel release hole.

[Alex W]

Really there is nothing to worry about, I Am a real numpty and I had no problem following the guide.

No kind of lubrication will solve this problem, the lock blades are catching on the inside of the barrel. If you don't fix it you will end up like I did,stuck at some town centre traffic lights completely unable to turn the key, very embarrasing and inconvenient.