Ignition/column lock problem
Ignition/column lock problem
Happy New Year but unhappy new problem.
Arrived home last night and put zed into garage, but when I went to switch off the key was just turning through 360' in ignition lock - there was no resistance and key could be removed with engine still running
Had to stop the engine by pulling a few plug leads off and disconnecting battery - couldn't find a suitable fuse in the dark and as it's an auto so couldn't manually stall it.
So far have only found this in forums http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... olumn+lock and there were no responses.
Haynes manual covers lock cylinder removal but under lock assembly it reverts to `should be entrusted to a BMW dealer'.
Any suggestions/ideas welcome please.
Arrived home last night and put zed into garage, but when I went to switch off the key was just turning through 360' in ignition lock - there was no resistance and key could be removed with engine still running
Had to stop the engine by pulling a few plug leads off and disconnecting battery - couldn't find a suitable fuse in the dark and as it's an auto so couldn't manually stall it.
So far have only found this in forums http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... olumn+lock and there were no responses.
Haynes manual covers lock cylinder removal but under lock assembly it reverts to `should be entrusted to a BMW dealer'.
Any suggestions/ideas welcome please.
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6436
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Hi...my lock does that sometimes...What I do is slightly turn the steering from side to side with the key in the ignition and turn the key back and forth too...it then engages correctly. Seems to be something to do with age and the lock / steering column position. Give that a try and hopefully it'll sort it out.
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Had the same problem a few years ago. Get it replaced while the ignition still works and you can drive to the indie.
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Thanks Barry - I have previously had the symptoms you describe when trying to start the car and as you say it does engage. However, have never had this when trying to stop it. Puzzling thing was I could actually remove the key with engine running. Will have another try though.Southernboy wrote:Hi...my lock does that sometimes...What I do is slightly turn the steering from side to side with the key in the ignition and turn the key back and forth too...it then engages correctly. Seems to be something to do with age and the lock / steering column position. Give that a try and hopefully it'll sort it out.
Cheers
Colin
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6436
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Try turning the steering wheel with the key removed...it should engage the steering lock at the appropriate position ??
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Thanks BonBon - can you remember if it was the lock cylinder or complete lock assembly? Problem may now be I cannot restart the car unless it engages - see Southernboy's comments above.BonBon wrote:Had the same problem a few years ago. Get it replaced while the ignition still works and you can drive to the indie.
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Will try later - CheersSouthernboy wrote:Try turning the steering wheel with the key removed...it should engage the steering lock at the appropriate position ??
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6436
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Colin
I had a really good look at the lock some while back when my lock did the same thing... I removed the cowling, and basically tried to get the lock off the column - without success. However, in the process, I did discover some little "cogs" which seemed to be the culprits...somehow they had moved out of position / sync and it was fairly simple to "click" them back into place. I must add, this was some 2 years ago, and I have very scant recollection...But it hasn't done it since to the same degree that the key can be removed as it did then, and which yours has done now.
I somehow seem to recall that the "fault" was at the end where the wires attach to the switch...but I may be mistaken. Perhaps that's why they suggest a BMW "expert" to handle it...
Also, I seem to recall that the actual lock / switch unit can be rotated on the column once something was loosened, and that movement had the desired effect of correcting the issue...perhaps the rotational movement caused the lock to move out of position relative to the steering column in the first place...Damn! wish I could recall it...
Remove the cowl, and gently try to rotate the switch / lock around the steering shaft...it may just be that...if it is you will then need to tighten up whatever is required to prevent it turning out of position again. Sorry, that's about the best I can do without stripping my car and checking on my lock...
I had a really good look at the lock some while back when my lock did the same thing... I removed the cowling, and basically tried to get the lock off the column - without success. However, in the process, I did discover some little "cogs" which seemed to be the culprits...somehow they had moved out of position / sync and it was fairly simple to "click" them back into place. I must add, this was some 2 years ago, and I have very scant recollection...But it hasn't done it since to the same degree that the key can be removed as it did then, and which yours has done now.
I somehow seem to recall that the "fault" was at the end where the wires attach to the switch...but I may be mistaken. Perhaps that's why they suggest a BMW "expert" to handle it...
Also, I seem to recall that the actual lock / switch unit can be rotated on the column once something was loosened, and that movement had the desired effect of correcting the issue...perhaps the rotational movement caused the lock to move out of position relative to the steering column in the first place...Damn! wish I could recall it...
Remove the cowl, and gently try to rotate the switch / lock around the steering shaft...it may just be that...if it is you will then need to tighten up whatever is required to prevent it turning out of position again. Sorry, that's about the best I can do without stripping my car and checking on my lock...
Last edited by Southernboy on Thu 02 Jan, 2014 10:48, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Good question. Thinking about it (and at 55 the grey matter is really grey) it may not be the exact same problem.
I think my problem was that the steering column lock would not disengage when coming to start the car - and as I have the original key - I suspect that they just changed the column locking mechanism (not the key barrel).
I think my problem was that the steering column lock would not disengage when coming to start the car - and as I have the original key - I suspect that they just changed the column locking mechanism (not the key barrel).
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Seems quite a common problem unfortunately, the real fix is a replacement barrel, spurs fan in a coupe is breaking a z and he would maybe have the parts available. Some DIY fixes seem to have to drill and pin the barrel in a certain spot.
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Thanks for the input guys.
I have had a quick look this afternoon. When I re-connect the battery the ignition is clearly still in the `on' position which probably why steering lock is not operating. When I turn the key, in either direction, some very slight resistance can be felt but clearly insufficient to do anything.
I will have a go tomorrow based on Southernboy's comments but suspect that Brian H will be right in the end.
I had a look through the paperwork inherited from previous owner and found an invoice dated 04/2008 from a `German Car Specialist' for renewing the ignition lock! No lifetime guarantee there then
I have had a quick look this afternoon. When I re-connect the battery the ignition is clearly still in the `on' position which probably why steering lock is not operating. When I turn the key, in either direction, some very slight resistance can be felt but clearly insufficient to do anything.
I will have a go tomorrow based on Southernboy's comments but suspect that Brian H will be right in the end.
I had a look through the paperwork inherited from previous owner and found an invoice dated 04/2008 from a `German Car Specialist' for renewing the ignition lock! No lifetime guarantee there then
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Not sure if this helps Jonco - given that your key is rotating 360 degrees, but Bentleys instruction is as follows:-
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
Insert key into lock cylinder and turn 60 degrees to ACCESSORY position.
Insert BMW special tool 3 2 3110 or equivalent stiff piece of wire into opening in lock cylinder.
Pull out lock cylinder. If necessary rotate tool and key slightly from side to side.
Use the valet key during this procedure for better access to the lock opening.
Installation is reverse of removal.
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
Insert key into lock cylinder and turn 60 degrees to ACCESSORY position.
Insert BMW special tool 3 2 3110 or equivalent stiff piece of wire into opening in lock cylinder.
Pull out lock cylinder. If necessary rotate tool and key slightly from side to side.
Use the valet key during this procedure for better access to the lock opening.
Installation is reverse of removal.
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
This seems to offer a cure for your problem - looks a bit like cracking a safe. Just need to find a friendly female from the US who can explain what a "booby pin" is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
Thanks Del,
Haynes manual says virtually the same as No 1 - but problem is you cannot pull it out as key is not gripping on anything.
YouTube one looks good - will google US Hot Women for booby pin info.
Haynes manual says virtually the same as No 1 - but problem is you cannot pull it out as key is not gripping on anything.
YouTube one looks good - will google US Hot Women for booby pin info.
Re: Ignition/column lock problem
First disappointment is that "booby pin" is a bobby pin aka a hair gripDel wrote:This seems to offer a cure for your problem - looks a bit like cracking a safe. Just need to find a friendly female from the US who can explain what a "booby pin" is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o
Second is it is like cracking a safe. Initially unable to get pin in as guesswork as to right ignition key position. Removed switch from end of barrel and and as expected noted barrel was not moving even though key end was rotating 360'. Applied a square socket to end of barrel and hey presto it clicked back in and engaged with key end. Key and column lock now operating correctly.
Put key in correct position and pin could be inserted as per video but spring action very erratic and unable to extract barrel Suspect whatever has broken off is fouling it - about to put it all back together and try it but suspect it will fail again eventually -probably will have to buy new lock and drill old one out
Edit - all put back together and working OK ............at the moment