Key won't go in the ignition

[roadTRip]

I haven't driven the 6 for a year. Went out to start it and the key won't go in. The steering wheel is locked with the wheels turned to the right. I sprayed some lube, not WD40, in there but that didn't loosen anything up. Is there anything else I can try? Maybe I need a new ignition switch. I got out my Bentley and looked under there thinking I could take it apart. I learned quickly it isn't an easy job and got a backache to boot. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

[dicta]

I haven't driven the 6 for a year. Went out to start it and the key won't go in. The steering wheel is locked with the wheels turned to the right. I sprayed some lube, not WD40, in there but that didn't loosen anything up. Is there anything else I can try? Maybe I need a new ignition switch. I got out my Bentley and looked under there thinking I could take it apart. I learned quickly it isn't an easy job and got a backache to boot. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

roadTrip --- Try turning the steering wheel as far as possible in different directions as you insert the key.



Dick

[dicta]

I know this may sound like a 'duh' but is this the right key?

[46er]

Try turning the steering wheel back and forth quickly while inserting the key.

[roadTRip]

I've tried both of those ideas to no effect. I'll keep trying. And, yes, it is the right key. The weather is beautiful up here in the PNW and I'd sure like to be out there in my 6.Thanks guys.

[poolboy]

Tell me what year and I can probably tell you how to hot wire it.
Never mind..that wouldn't do any good because you couldn't go anywhere with the steering wheel still locked...oh well.

[Ron Kingston]

Is the key damaged? Take a close look.

[lfmTR4]

Do you have a second key to try?

Try heating the key, insert as far as it will go and let it sit for a few minutes.

[46er]

Could try putting some Kroil on the key and insert/remove several times whilst moving the steering wheel.

[roadTRip]

Well folks, I tried all your suggestions and decided it is just bad. There was no way the key was going to go in. So, in frustration, I removed the steering lock ignition. It is a Waso unit and The Roadster Factory is the only supplier who lists an ignition by that manufacturer so I'll call them tomorrow. The price difference between Waso and the aftermarket is $200 to $124.

Here is a suggestion for others who have to deal with the sheered bolts. After spraying the bolts with penetrating oil, try drilling the bolt out. I used a small bit to start and it ended up unscrewing it out. I wish I'd thought of that for the first one too.

Thanks again.

[RonaldJones]

The suggestions are not bad but the best way is to contact an emergency locksmith that can help fix the ignition lock problems.

[poolboy]

Not related to the key, but if you haven't had the car out for a year, I have to ask..is the gasoline left over from last year ?

[Dens6]

I had a similar issue, and I took the lock itself apart, which is a bit of a challenge. What I found was
the lock was so worn internally that the tumbler pins were falling sideways, rendering the lock
unable to accept the key. I bought what I believe was one of the last replacement lock tumblers from Obsolete
Automotive (I think that is the name) in Canada. The rest of the mechanism that the tumbler goes into
was stil useable so I did not have to replace the entire unit. If you choose to remove the tumbler from the
column locking device, a locksmith could perhaps remove one offending pin and the lock could be reused.
-Dennis