Ignition wierdness

[Mr Project]

Well, last night as I shut the car off the key suddenly got REAL hard to turn. Something happened to the ignition switch and I couldn't turn the car back on, and the car thought the key was still in the ignition even if I pulled it out.

With enough fiddling and wiggling the steering wheel, (and soaking in contact cleaner for an hour) something 'popped' and it seems to be working again.

However, I'd like to not get stranded by this in the future! I'd also rather not replace more than I have to. Anybody have experience with this? Is it likely just the electrical portion of the switch acting up, or is it possible that I need a new mechanical assembly (not looking forward to that $$)? Thoughts?

[Hector]

I couldn't turn the ignition key, and the key was stuck. Also with a lot of jiggling... and spraying WD40 through the key hole an auto repair specialist could not get the thing to budge. So he took the cylinder assembly out with a home-made pick he fabricated from the tranny shifter cable. I noticed most of the switch innards were plastic. He lubricated the hell out of the switch with WD40 and told me to replace it ASAP because " otherwise I'd be living on borrowed time." My guess is that the mechanical portion of the ignition lock cylinder assembly gets hung up from time-to-time when not lubricated so what you heard was this part freeing itself from being hung up.

[Tron5]

Digging this thread up, as i am in a similar situation. For a while I couldn't turn the engine off, but eventually did. And with alot of jiggling I got the key out. But now I cant get the key back in, I think it might be the steering lock in the way, am not sure? The OBC is on and so is the trip readout.

Obviously I need a new mechanism, but is this pricey? and do I need new keys, adding to the total bill?

Maybe I can change this myself or do I leave it to the dealer, because some coding is required??

Something has to happen as I cant start the car!!!

BTW my car is a 95 TDS, and has some sort of electronic lock in the key, don't know what you guys call it?

Anyway, thanks for a good forum with lots of info.

[Javier]

the lock, graphite dust once in a wile in all my locks, is the treatment I give them. Oil gets sticky, and get worse with dust.

Javier

[Tron5]

Well, the verdict is in. A new steering lock and six manhours - Ouch! this car is starting to become a bit on the expensive side or maybe I need to start doing things on my own. I might start on the exhaust next week, as the rear muffler has a hole in it, the width of it all.
Oddly enough it isn't that loud, ok it's a diesel engine it is loud, but not like other car makes i've had, with bad exhaust.