7 replies to this topic

[chuee]

I have A slightly interesting problem, you may have encountered, wondering if the ignition switch mechanism is fixable at all

 

This is my switch malfunction:

MY ignition key will no longer insert; However I am able to get round this by pressing with a finger of my other hand on the  key barrel insert so it depresses, and then the key slides in nicely.

 

I imagine   that as the ignition key is inserted into the switch on the column (MK5) the switch barrel should depress with a sprung action in order for the key to be able to insert into the barrel, enabling the switch to turn. 

 

Can I fix it somehow?

 

Cheers,

John

Edited by chuee, 02 October 2022 - 10:35 PM.

[cal844]

Try some spray oil or graphite

Then work the mechanism with a small screw driver and your finger (or the key, whichever is easiest)

Edited by cal844, 02 October 2022 - 07:51 PM.

[chuee]

Try some spray oil or graphite

Then work the mechanism with a small screw driver and your finger (or the key, whichever is easiest)

I sprayed some MC DID  chain oil (a thin, mild oil), then went up to 3:1, then up to graphite grease - a little. It like the last one.  Maybe better even to have use the grease undiluted, so it sticks around.

 I'm Shy to use grease or oil on switches. I had tried a little light oil a year ago. Doidn't seem to do much.

 

It works better with the key now. BUT ( fyi) only when insert at an angle away from the steering wheel column. I can live with that.

 

Need to practice, after years of rigidly inserting a key in straight, which key barrels tend to like. Not this one. I reckon its just this particular one, dont think my other minis  (three not including the girlfriend's) were like that..

 

This ignition switch was always going that way.. struggle to insert the key. Got  worse over the four years I've had the car.. needed the oiling and working with something heavier it seems.  The mini I mean. its a car - no ordinary car. It loves me.    Yeah  it does.

Edited by chuee, 02 October 2022 - 11:12 PM.

[Quinlan minor]

The one on my MPi would, on occasion (always the most inconvenient ones), refuse to disengage the steering lock/turn beyond the insert position, forcing me to remove the switch from the column before I could start the car.

Annoyingly, I could not get it to repeat this behaviour, on the bench. Wear and tear, I suppose. Replaced it, as the possibility of the steering lock engaging while I was driving wasn't worth the risk.

[Ethel]

What's the key barrel insert - The bit the key goes into that turns?

 

If so, it sounds like it's worn so one or more levers are sticking in the body.

[chuee]

What's the key barrel insert - The bit the key goes into that turns?

 

If so, it sounds like it's worn so one or more levers are sticking in the body.

 Yep, that's the part I mean. 

 

 

What you say sounds like it covers all possibilities. OR it could be both! Certainly some sticking going on, I'd say with the improvement from oiling. I'll see how it holds up. Thanks for the advice.

I'll mark this issue as 'solved for the time being.'

Edited by chuee, 03 October 2022 - 03:43 PM.

[chuee]

 

Annoyingly, I could not get it to repeat this behaviour, on the bench. Wear and tear, I suppose. Replaced it, as the possibility of the steering lock engaging while I was driving wasn't worth the risk.

Yep, sometimes it's annoying when things work properly, I know. 

 

Gosh, yes the prospect of a wild steering lock is frightening - I couldn't dismiss that thought and drive with it. Having said that, I would venture to guess that they are designed so its impossible to lock with a key inserted. I think I may once have heard that, or seen that written in electronic pixels, but not in permanent ink.

Edited by chuee, 03 October 2022 - 03:42 PM.

[Ethel]

I don't think there's any prospect of the lock locking once the key's turned. Though it's the ignition switch that keeps the key in its selected position & returns it from start when you let go.