Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 09:24:43

Title: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 09:24:43

OK, never had a problem with this before, but now the key will not turn. Tried the spare key, just the same. I did look in maint guide, but to remove the assembly, I have to "insert the key and rotate it until it is in the I position."  Obviously I can't do this. Any ideas?

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 25 August 2013, 09:48:11

Steering lock?

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: SandBoy on 25 August 2013, 09:55:31

Wiggle the steering wheel?

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 09:59:35

Thanks for the reply, yes the steering lock has gone & stopped the key turning. The trouble is, the barrel is designed to be removed with the key in pos 1, and I can't do this, I need a way of removing the steering lock. (Mr Angle Grinder is looking likely).  :-\

The steering lock is not actually locking the steering, I just can't turn the key.

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: SandBoy on 25 August 2013, 10:12:18

There something on the old site that might help ???

http://oldsite.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1275814923/0

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 10:53:31

Thanks Sandboy, it seems to be a fairly common problem. The good news is I can now turn the key! I just pushed the key in & out a few dozen times, and it feels normal again. Now is the time to service it. I am having trouble seeing the barrel release hole now! Mine doesn't look like it has one! I don't suppose they changed the casting for the Facelift???  :-\

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: omegod on 25 August 2013, 11:19:25

Same across the range as far as I know, little allen key into the release hole always worked best for me. Watch for the springs and lock tumblers when you dissasemble it they fly everywhere  ;)

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 11:25:25

Thanks Omegod. I have put some graphite on the key, but will have to strip & service as a priority.

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 August 2013, 11:34:29

The release hole isn't to easy to spot. Iirc, removing the wiper switch helps, as the hole is tucked up and to the left of the transponder ring as you face the wheel  :y

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 11:36:43

Thanks Al, I was intending removing bits until I could see the hole. (glasses on standby).  :y

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 August 2013, 11:51:47

The allen key goes in across the top of the barrel to give you an idea of level :y

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 13:22:07

OK Al, found it. It's easier to see with the transponder & wiper switch off. Managed to depress it a little with copper wire, but will have to find a welding rod. Thanks.   :y

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Nick W on 25 August 2013, 17:53:18

When you strip the barrel, do it with the barrel in a large, clear plastic bag. This will stop you losing bits as they attempt to become part of the space program. Freezer bags are ideal, as they are reasonably strong.

Title: Re: Ignition key will not turn! Help!
Post by: Agemo on 25 August 2013, 22:15:24

Damn fine idea Nick, I hope you didn't learn from bitter experience!