Ignition lock

[greasykitchen]

The ignition lock on my Golf suddenly stopped working the other day. By which I mean that when I put the key out of the ignition there's no longer that satisfying click and that means I can't lock the steering wheel when parked.

Is there anyway to fix this without replacing the barrel? I've tried graphite dust but it didn't do anythign except make a mess. I had a similar problem on my old Beetle (which was much older and more worn out than the Golf) but it would be alright if I removed the key in a certain way.

Any tips? Or are they all worn out like this now and you just have to live with it?

Cheers.

[greasykitchen]

Bump.

Any suggestions? It's not too strange a question, is it?

[xcedricx]

i wouldnt be suprised, 30 years of putting a key in and out wears them out. i have a similar problem in my toyota soarer where i can pull the key out while its running, still has lock tho . also get the problem where you cant turn the key at all sometimes...

i guess you could either get a new barrel or just put up with it, its not the worst thing that can happen to you... try getting into a car in the rain and the lock wont turn and you bend your keys.

sorry its not more help.
john.

[greasykitchen]

Thanks. I'm just a bit surprised that no one has anything to say about this given the number of MK1 drivers/restorers on this forum. No one has any experience with this, places to source parts, tricks to fix it? No comments whatsoever?

I'm concerned about the ignition lock not working for two reasons: 1. my golf is pretty clean and original, and I want to keep everything up to scratch if possible; and 2. for security of the car - I know the wheel lock isn't much defence against theives, but every extra bit helps, especially as I have no of street parking (though I do have an immobiliser and a Club lock).

Cheers

[ontarv]

you could maybe a dry spray lube
pull the surround covers off and try to get some in
its only spring loaded so it could be just stuck?

[greasykitchen]

Thanks. Will try that.

[greasykitchen]

Okay, does anybody knowm how to remove the top part of the surround without either breaking it or having to remove the steering wheel and all the steering column switches (which is what the Haynes manual says to do, and it looks fiddley/time consuming).

Thanks again.

[greasykitchen]

Anyone?

[roccodingo]

Sounds like you have exceeded the life of the lock barrel,

If you purchase a bentley manual for the A1 chassis car it has the proceedure in it to remove the barrel. ( Haynes manuals are good for soaking up spilt oil etc.. usless as a reference source..)

You will need to remove the wheel, column switches and covers to do this repair, only other way is to use a slide hammer and force it out, ALA scumbag car thief style...

Plenty of new replacement barrels and keys available on Flea bay..http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vw-Sc...8835QQtcZphoto

And for the manual....

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=vrd4

HTH..

The ignition lock on my Golf suddenly stopped working the other day. By which I mean that when I put the key out of the ignition there's no longer that satisfying click and that means I can't lock the steering wheel when parked.

Is there anyway to fix this without replacing the barrel? I've tried graphite dust but it didn't do anythign except make a mess. I had a similar problem on my old Beetle (which was much older and more worn out than the Golf) but it would be alright if I removed the key in a certain way.

Any tips? Or are they all worn out like this now and you just have to live with it?

Cheers.

[greasykitchen]

Thanks mate. Appreciate it. Not what I wanted to hear though - have to remove the steering wheel and buy another barrel (and maybe have it rekeyed). Found a couple of places for barrels including GAP and another which has 'genuine' Hella barrels. Will check your linnks though.
Cheers


Edit: I had aleady been eyeing off that barrel you linked. My Golf is a '76 and the Bentley manual is for '77 onwards.

According to the Haynes book, there's a locking plate used to release the barrell - which I can see only half of with the bottom steering surround removed. That's what's frustrating - so near yet so far as the whole damn wheel and stuff has to come off! Oh well a job for a fine weekend.

[roccodingo]

the bentley shows you where to drill a 3 mm hole to release the spring plate that holds the barrel into the housing. then change the barrel. not much more expoensive to buy a complete head unit with a new bearing and barrel already fitted, if you cant be bothered with the hole drilling excersise.

[paulie71]

Alas this is the price for owning a classic car like the Mk1 golf.

Had the same problem with the same symptoms (eg: key in the right angle will activate the lock.)

The issue is resolved best with a barrel replacement, while you are there an ignition switch replacement might not go astray, while it is all in pieces. Set aside some reasonable time to do the job.

Best of luck

[greasykitchen]

Thanks for that. I guess ignition switches are to be found on ebay too? I guess if I'm in there it would pay to replace anything potentially worn out. But I'm not sure if/when I might do it - a time consuming job and I don't have any off street parking and I'm not too mechanically inclined. There's always my Dad, but I'm not sure he's too keen.

Cheers

[greasykitchen]

Does anyone know if a MK2 GTi ignition barrel would fit my Mk 1 ('76)?

Cheers

[greasykitchen]

Does anyone know if a MK2 GTi ignition barrel would fit my Mk 1 ('76)?

Cheers

Anyone?