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MG MGF Technical - can't turn ign key.

occasionaly when getting into car after turning off alarm,when i try to start i find i cannot turn the key,whether steering locked or not,but if wait about five mins all ok again, any ideas please ,thanks Dave.
DC Morris

Interesting one Dave - surely it must be mechanical rather than electrical? But, if mechanical how can there be a time delay?

I look forward to hearing a logical and repeatable explanation.
JohnP - Herts

me to !! Jon.
DC Morris

>when i try to start i find i cannot turn the key,whether steering locked or not

Damn, the first stab was going to be the stearing lock ;-)

OK, it could be that the ignition lock is getting sticky, all barrel locks work with pins, the pins are sprung and follow the key, if they get sticky they wont follow the key and the key will not turn until they free, oh buger this, hang on.....
Will Munns

Google is as ever you friend:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/lock-picking2.htm

so the shear line is no lining up.

What you need is some graphite oil, or lock oil (same stuff) do not use any other type of oil or grease as it attracts dirt. Also do not force the key, wiggle twist the key may help, but forge may knacker it permemently.
Will Munns

Of course a forge will knacker it permently, possibly by melting, but _force_ will too!
Will Munns

cheers Will, i shall get some graphite oil and try 2 morrow, cheers Dave.
DC Morris

This thread was discussed between 09/06/2003 and 10/06/2003

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