Technical Ignition barrel replace advise please

[hastingsmum]

Hi all,
This evening I got stuck in Tesco carpark for well over 5 minutes my key refusing to turn in the ignition.

It's been a little stiff from time to time but never not turned.

Guessing it's worn and the barrel need replacing?

I already have the issue with the key I broke and have to use a non transponder key to start whilst holding the chipped one against the barrel so changing it to work properly would be great (it was taped to the barrel but came off and since then I seem to be unable to find that magic place again where it works).

How easy is this job to do? Does anyone know? And do I need to replace the ECU?

Thanks! and already dreading trying to start it tomorrow

 

[K333fer]

there are a few options for you
You should be able to get a barrel from fiat to the original key number and new keys
Or use a 2nd hand barrel and keys And have a seperate one for the doors
Or go for a whole 2nd hand lock set fiat keys are a bit finnicky to program at times a good mobile locksmith should be able to do this will have a look through my software at work tomorow and see what's availible
As a note to anyone with a car with transponder keys always have at least 2 !!
If you take the ring off the barrel and tape your broken key in the middle of it it should start in the morning

 

[hastingsmum]

If you take the ring off the barrel and tape your broken key in the middle of it it should start in the morning

but the fact that it didn't turn has nothing to do with the non transponder key though just didn't move at all...


Soooo a used barrel + keys is the cheapest easiest option avoiding any expensive coding

 

[hastingsmum]

Or use a 2nd hand barrel and keys And have a seperate one for the doors

but do i need an ecu too or not? checking ebay now

 

[K333fer]

No you shouldn't do just a good auto locksmith

 

[boilermansab]

Are you sure its not the key that's just worn?
Get a key cut...cheapest option first

 

[BikeDoc]

Apologies if this is too late, I thought I'd replied to it already . . .

When the key does eventually turn, is it stiff to move still, or does it turn freely?

If it's stiff through it's full movement, then you might be able to give the barrel a squirt with WD40 (squirt into the key slot) to free it up.

If it turns freely (after it does move), then it's probably the key's worn, making the initial 'unlock' awkward.