Hi everyone

My W reg 1.2 ELX Punto has a slight problem, the key goes into the ignition but won't turn. Green flag rescued me and reckoned that the ignition barrel had collapsed, it has been a bit sticky and wobbly for a while!

I've been reading all the key trouble issues on here but have found nothing the same as this yet????

Any idea's??? Thanks guys!

dave@ag said:

Hi everyone

My W reg 1.2 ELX Punto has a slight problem, the key goes into the ignition but won't turn. Green flag rescued me and reckoned that the ignition barrel had collapsed, it has been a bit sticky and wobbly for a while!

I've been reading all the key trouble issues on here but have found nothing the same as this yet????

Any idea's??? Thanks guys!

Click to expand...

Sound's like it needs replacing then. Might be able to get one off of eBay but then the problem of imobiliser and new key etc.

Should be a Punto expert along soon

Its quite inexpensive to sort out, the problem is removing the old barrel assy.
To remove it you need to remove lower cover from steering, put finger pressure on the locking pawl around barrel edge, turn ign to on, then withdraw barrel. If you cant juggle it to ign-on, then drilling is the next easiest. If you want to give that a go I will try and make up a drawing.
I have several locks here and its simple to change the levers over to match any key.

That would be great cheers reddy4bed, i'll try get the lock out though may need to try the drill option as it litterally won't budge! If you could get a picture/drawing that would help massivly!Thanks for speedy reply!!!

Here's a quick sketch of where to drill.

Have found a pic of one, just to clarify????? This look bout right?

I would remove the cover and then drill into the outer end of slot.

may sound very obvious and stupid but....

did u try turning the steering wheel a little bit when you turn the key?

It was the first thing i tried!!! It been a bit dodgy for a while and feels really loose, even by jacking it up and turning wheels slighty doesn't make any difference!! Cheers tho, gonna get the drill out tonight, wish me luck!!!

reddy4bed said:

I would remove the cover and then drill into the outer end of slot.

Click to expand...

Hey reddy4bed, just got chrome cover off and there a plastic whit bit under the MAR sign, on your drawin didi you mean drill that out?
Found second key but still can't get it to budge!

Job done! Many thanks guys, getting an ignition barrel tomorrow so any help on how to match the pins to key would be greatly received!

Oh dear this is long without pics.
assume you now have key and barrel.
push in steering lock button and turn barrel to park.
Remove circlip from rear.
Slip out barrel and key complete.
Hold both sides along the barrelto stop levers from flying out.
Carefully remove key and gently remove fingers.
remove levers one at a time noting the markings on paper for replacement.
Levers are of 3 depths,
1 (marked 1 or A)
2 (marked sometimes B or E)
3 (usually F or C)
Make sure springs are back in place then reinsert levers in new order.
Insert key and check that the block in slot is below suface (if not the levers are wrong)
Withdraw key 3mm and insert back in barrel, put clip on.