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Anyone else had the frustrating L Series IGN key barrel trick play with you not allowing the key to enter - possibly due to the pins not springing back ?

The keyway is clean and clear when lookin' at it but the key just won't go and ya canna see what the restiction is. Hapened only twice in years but sorta scary when it happens when away from tool access - and yer stuck. Not got anything to do with steering lock so shifting steering wheel about does squat. The fix the first time was random luck and a few choice words, second time it was another well worn Sube key inserted that got the pins back in alignment and I'm on my way

Tried puffing some graphite powder in the barrel?

I used to, on other locks, until I discovered it builds up at the bottom of every cavity. Gonna try some silicone spray and just some tools onboard to conquer the bastard out in the field. I keep taking th basics out of the beast - will learn a lesson one day !

Maybe try something like degreaser to wash away anything that may be making them sticky? Do you keep lollies in your pockets?

I actually have a similar issue with the Hiace van where the key would go it but wouldnt turn, placing the spare key from the other van and removing it was enough to allow the original to work again, it was simply a worn key. So I went to a key cutter and got a replacement made to compensate for the wear of the original and all fixed.

Jonno stop using your keys to clean your ears out

A quick question when you put the key into the barrel does it stop where the square end and teeth finish or does it continue past. I have had this happen in a brumby I was driving and it didn't matter what you did the key wouldn't turn. it was a simple fix just make sure the key didnt over run the barrel.

TOONGA

Heh - Well I've got the opposite problem, on my Brumby you can insert, start then remove the key whilst it's still running ! Very loose indeed ...

Bantum wrote:Heh - Well I've got the opposite problem, on my Brumby you can insert, start then remove the key whilst it's still running ! Very loose indeed ...

Just a bit worn, like mine. Comes in handy though after I start the car in the morning and realize I've forgotten something; don't have to turn the car off to go back inside

The key is fairly new aluminium purple anodised, so a bit savage in the ear canal, so i use the nicely worn Vortex one.

OK , so what disolves ear wax ??

Lollies go in my mouth.
Man, it is a brain teaser cause can not see anything preventing entry but just won't. Been OK since and likely to for months.....

Bantum wrote:Heh - Well I've got the opposite problem, on my Brumby you can insert, start then remove the key whilst it's still running ! Very loose indeed ...

This year my 82 model MY failed its rego check because the key could be pulled out while the engine was running. For me, I liked this feature but for safety sake it is considered dangerous so I had to replace the ignition switch meaning I have one key for the door and another for the ignition.
The car then passed rego.

Few other ideas:

1) Frozen condensation inside the barrel on a cold night/morning?

2a) Your new key may need deburring/premature ageing with a wire brush. Should have been done by the cutter.

2b) The tip angle is not correct and/or too sharp and/or burred on your new-cut key.

3) I think I've seen it where the pins 'overspring' across the barrel and block it that way. You may be able to see this with a torch? If so, you may need a new barrel or a locksmith.

Gotta give you top marks for trying Patrick

Key is not brand spankers, they've done 77,000km between the pair of them. One tool I did have both times was a torch and that was what got me - torch light straight in - clearway.

What I need to do is look now with torch to see if it looks any different while all is rosey.

Just realised that this ign lock and door lock set is from another of my cars and may have more km on them than the car they are now in .

No 1 tool to keep for this emergency repair would be the big screwdriver that fits all old Subaru ignition lock s

Bantum wrote:Heh - Well I've got the opposite problem, on my Brumby you can insert, start then remove the key whilst it's still running ! Very loose indeed ...

Ruby Scoo's key is like this - but only the old one. I've had new ones cut from the spare and they all lock in the ignition.

Cliff R wrote:This year my 82 model MY failed its rego check because the key could be pulled out while the engine was running. For me, I liked this feature but for safety sake it is considered dangerous so I had to replace the ignition switch meaning I have one key for the door and another for the ignition.
The car then passed rego.

Cliff, I too like the ability to lock the car and leave it running sometimes when I'm not far away. If anyone gets in I can shut it off with the immobiliser.
Shame you didn't see if a second key would lock in the ignition and give them than one... As I've said above, mine's the key that's worn, not the barrel.

Cheers

Bennie

I don't worry about leaving the car running when I take they key with me; if anyone tries to nick it (who would ) the steering wheel locks itself as soon as you turn it anyway.

That option of leave it running while key has come out is a rego knockback - use the better key for rego inspections.
Did it to me yesterday morning far from home, spied wax in keys groove

again, random fidling got me away again

Hmmm Yes ... There is an added bonus with having a removeable key + remote ( although mine doesn't have the extra module you can get for remote starting ) you can walk away - lock it + then come back later & unlock with out putting a key in any hole ! ...

Rego inspections? what are these rego inspections you keep speaking of? I've never heard of having to have my car inspected at regular intervals to ensure road worthiness...

Dreading the day rego inspections come into force here

Silverbullet wrote:Rego inspections? what are these rego inspections you keep speaking of? I've never heard of having to have my car inspected at regular intervals to ensure road worthiness...

Dreading the day rego inspections come into force here

Or the day that some cop pulls you over and sends you to regency.

Silverbullet wrote:Rego inspections? what are these rego inspections you keep speaking of? I've never heard of having to have my car inspected at regular intervals to ensure road worthiness...

Dreading the day rego inspections come into force here

NSW goes over the pits each year, apparently not as full on as a roadworthy that we have in vic here. Dunno what happens in Qld or WA - or Tassie for that matter!

Cheers

Bennie

Brumby Kid wrote:Or the day that some cop pulls you over and sends you to regency.

Well if they haven't pulled me over yet they never will...when my car is rebuilt though is a different matter