Technical 500L key won't turn in ignition switch

[LussoKev]

Hey!

I happily received my Fiat 500L from Italy today and a problem immediately occurred with starting the car. I can insert the key to the ignition switch on the dashboard but can not turn the key in the switch. It looks like the switch is stuck/jammed. What I have tried already:
1) tried every key multiple times
2) lubricated the ignition switch

The ignition switch has three wires at the back and the car does not have a steering lock (what is commonly problem with modern cars if you can't turn the key).

Has anyone had similar problem and how did you solve it? As much as I have searched from the forum or google, I haven't found anyone with similar problem. Also, has anyone disassembled the ignition switch? I found some posts, but the switches in these seem a little different (with more wires at the back) and they do not have disassembled the lock mechanism itself.

Best regards
Kev

 

[spidermania]

Try the simple things first before you dissemble the ignition switch.
If you have a standard transmission hold the clutch pedal to the floor (while in neutral) if you have an automatic put your foot on the brake.
If that doesn't work contact the seller and find out how they started it. Don't force the key to turn because if breaks off inside you are screwed.

 

[smart51]

I'm not sure how you fix the lock, other than jiggle the key a bit to see if it will turn. If you want to start the engine, there is another way. The switch is accessible under the bonnet. The cables are connected with spade connectors. You could pull them off and connect them together with a pair of male spade connectors wired together, or a small strip of metal about 6mm wide and 1mm thick. That way your ignition wire is permanently on. You pull the starter switch in the usual way and your engine will start. Remember to disconnect them after you've finished or you will flatten the battery.

One of the wires is 12v in from the battery. One is 12v to the ignition circuit. One is 12v for the parking light. You need to connect the correct two. A muli meter will tell you which one is 12v. The other can be found by trial and error.

I wonder if they shipped your car with the wrong keys.

 

[the hobbler]

I'm not sure how you fix the lock, other than jiggle the key a bit to see if it will turn. If you want to start the engine, there is another way. The switch is accessible under the bonnet. The cables are connected with spade connectors. You could pull them off and connect them together with a pair of male spade connectors wired together, or a small strip of metal about 6mm wide and 1mm thick. That way your ignition wire is permanently on. You pull the starter switch in the usual way and your engine will start. Remember to disconnect them after you've finished or you will flatten the battery.

One of the wires is 12v in from the battery. One is 12v to the ignition circuit. One is 12v for the parking light. You need to connect the correct two. A muli meter will tell you which one is 12v. The other can be found by trial and error.

I wonder if they shipped your car with the wrong keys.

I'm not sure how you fix the lock, other than jiggle the key a bit to see if it will turn. If you want to start the engine, there is another way. The switch is accessible under the bonnet. The cables are connected with spade connectors. You could pull them off and connect them together with a pair of male spade connectors wired together, or a small strip of metal about 6mm wide and 1mm thick. That way your ignition wire is permanently on. You pull the starter switch in the usual way and your engine will start. Remember to disconnect them after you've finished or you will flatten the battery.

One of the wires is 12v in from the battery. One is 12v to the ignition circuit. One is 12v for the parking light. You need to connect the correct two. A muli meter will tell you which one is 12v. The other can be found by trial and error.

I wonder if they shipped your car with the wrong keys.

A couple of simple questions "Spidermania"---(1) when did Fiat start putting automatic transmissions in Fiat 500Ls? and (2) how will putting you foot on either the brake pedal or clutch pedal help when the ignition switch is on the dash? I have been driving Fiat 500s (Cinquecentos) for close to 60 years and the answer to both these questions are (1)--never and (2) it makes absolutely no difference to a Circa 1970 Fiat 500. You seem unable to grasp how simple these cars are, and the fact that they were designed (and built)in the days of tubed tyres and VERY simple electronics.
To the problem in question----"Smart 51's" suggestion of how to get the ignition turned on is sensible, if a shade risky. Instead of using a strip of metal to bridge the wires and make a circuit, it might be safer to use a simle switch between the wires---that way you CAN "just turn it on and off". Silly question---have you tried the ignition switch the other way up? There is a slight chance that you have been putting it into the ignition switch upside down (they will sometimes fit, but not turn). Alternatively, there is always the chance that you HAVE been given the wrong keys---do the door keys work (locking and unlocking the doors)

 

[spidermania]

That is incredible, never realized it was that old. When I read around this forum I'm in constant amazement of how old these vehicles are that are being driven around Europe and such. You would never see this in most states in America because if it even looks old they flunk you at the safety inspection on purpose and tell you it needs this and that which then becomes cost prohibitive.

Hopefully the OP gets it sorted and on the cheap if he can.

 

[smart51]

"Smart 51's" suggestion of how to get the ignition turned on is sensible, if a shade risky.

I wasn't suggesting a permanent solution, but as the car has been newly bought, just a way of showing that it works.

 

[the hobbler]

That is incredible, never realized it was that old. When I read around this forum I'm in constant amazement of how old these vehicles are that are being driven around Europe and such. You would never see this in most states in America because if it even looks old they flunk you at the safety inspection on purpose and tell you it needs this and that which then becomes cost prohibitive.

Hopefully the OP gets it sorted and on the cheap if he can.

You would therefore be amazed "Spidermania" as to how many contacts I have on the Forum that are in America. The Cinquecento is a much loved "wee beastie" on your side of "The Big Pond". One menber of the Forum collected his Fiat 500 on the West Coast and then DROVE IT ALL ACROSS TO HIS HOME on the east coast! Thinking about that, it would be interesting to hear from him as to how he got on.

 

[fiat500]

Hey!

I happily received my Fiat 500L from Italy today and a problem immediately occurred with starting the car. I can insert the key to the ignition switch on the dashboard but can not turn the key in the switch. It looks like the switch is stuck/jammed. What I have tried already:
1) tried every key multiple times
2) lubricated the ignition switch

The ignition switch has three wires at the back and the car does not have a steering lock (what is commonly problem with modern cars if you can't turn the key).

Has anyone had similar problem and how did you solve it? As much as I have searched from the forum or google, I haven't found anyone with similar problem. Also, has anyone disassembled the ignition switch? I found some posts, but the switches in these seem a little different (with more wires at the back) and they do not have disassembled the lock mechanism itself.

Best regards
Kev

I've taken apart the dashboard ignition switch, and probably uploaded images somewhere on here. I think I had to fold back some metal tabs to dismantle. There is a light spring that you need to take care over and I remember it taking a few attempts to rebuild so that everything lined up properly....but it is simple inside. Alternatively, replacements are fairly inexpensive, but it's a shame when you've just taken delivery of the car.