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Bopowarls



Member Since: 16 Feb 2022
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 2

United Kingdom 
SOLVED - Key won't turn in ignition barrel- Steering Column

Hi all,

First post on the forum. Proud owner of a 2008 Vogue TDV8. 2 months ownership so far, and of course a few problems already Very Happy

Thought I'd post my personal experience with the infamous 'Key wont turn in ignition barrel' situation. This might not work for everyone it just worked for me. I spent hours last night reading up on the issue over several forums with lots of conflicting information.

Anyway, bit of background. I changed both EGR valves yesterday following EML light and EGR recirculation failure code (Gap IID tool). The wiki how to post was a life saver. I'll talk about my experience in a separate post.

Following the EGR change out, and reconnecting the battery, the car fired up no problem. Turned it off to go check the engine bay and liquid levels, got back to the car and the key wouldn't turn in the ignition barrel at all. Tried with the spare key and same story. Disconnected and reconnected the battery in the first instance and the car fired up. I thought that was the problem solved.. removed the key and went to start up later and no luck. Just wouldn't turn to position I or II.

Started looking online, and reading horror stories about having to change the steering column etc. I was still adamant I'd done something wrong with the EGR job that had caused the problem because I'd not had any issues before. This was not the case.

Removing Fuse 18 trick worked for me so eventually I was pretty sure it was something to do with the solenoid / magnet in the steering lock engagement mechanism. Maybe disconnecting the battery to do the EGR was the final straw for it and it was just seized.

I had the following codes on GAP IId (see attached photo)

This morning I thought I'd try and remove the steering column cover and get to the steering column itself. My plan was to drill a small hole and spray in WD40 (seen this being mentioned online). Used a socket set, with extension, torx bit (25 and 20) to remove the 3 screws and lifted the bottom and top cover off. Decided I'd try the trusty hammer (mallet) before drilling and I gave the column a big whack underneath. Tried the key and instantly heard the steering lock mechanism click and the key worked!

Obviously something was sticking / sized inside and hitting with the mallet freed it up. I'd recommend this method first before looking at new steering columns etc. It worked for me and took about 10 mins.

I appreciate this is only a temporary fix as it's likely it seize or stick again in the future, but at least it's returned to some normality for the time being and I can take some time looking at the issue in more detail, with the view of replacing the column or sending it off to be refurbished / repaired. I saw a company in the UK (Turner's or something) that offer this service now.

NOTE: My socket torx set got stuck up in the channel to remove the screw so I'd recommend using a screwdriver trype torx set. Ended up breaking the cover because it was well and truly stuck. New part hunting on eBay now.

Hope this post helps someone in the future!


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Post #628763 16th Apr 2022 8:24am
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RobL322



Member Since: 29 Sep 2021
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 32

United Kingdom 

Background. replaced whole engine. All connected, fresh coolant and engine oil.

Car started once, but running rough (air leaks).

turned off to go check fluid levels. Now key will not turn.

hmmmm. now looking for fuse 18.

Post #632487 21st May 2022 8:48pm
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