2003 95 2.2tdi vector estate central locking

[svsgardens]

Hi
I wonder if anyone has a solution to this.
Normally when taking the key out of the ignition, the radio turns off and the central locking works by the remote on the key.
However, now the radio doesn't turn off and both keys do not operate the central locking by remote.
The central locking will still work by using the key in the door lock (now jammed) and by the button on the central console.
At the moment I can only get in through the boot.
Love the car, I'm hoping that a cure isn't too expensive.
All solutions gratefully received.
cheers

[phoenix]

Welcome

It is most likely the ignition barrel not popping up fully; it should be flush with the surround. Try using the key to pull it up a little as you take it out.

Whilst a bit of light oil applied around the outer edge of the barrel that you can see (preferrably not WD40 as this dries out and gums up) will get it working again, the long term solution is to take it apart, clean, lubricate and re-assemble. Can't remember chapter on verse on it at the moment but if no one beats me to it I will dig out the procedure later.

[svsgardens]

Wow
Talk about a swift reply.
Many thanks for that, I will give it a try with the oil tomorrow.
Cheers

[philg]

This exact issue happened to me...although my door lock worked so I was saved from climbing through the boot...and yes it was the ignition barrel.

Remove the ignition barrel 'cover' (the top bit that has the ignition position wording on) and it's much easier to squirt some lubricating fluid in.

All been working without a problem since.

[sgould]

You can lift the barrel out quite easily as long as you can turn the key....

http://blog.saab9-5.com/?p=23

[Geoff1951]

As a lubricant, what do people suggest/recommend/have experience of?

Instead of WD40 how about the cyclist's friend, GT85? (Contains Teflon.)

And does it matter which way the cover is twisted?

Thanks in advance.

[sgould]

I have used a "dry PTFE" aerosol on locks.  I think it's from 3 in1 oils.  It sprays on wet but drys to a thin white dry film.

[Geoff1951]

Cheers Will.
 I was thinking that seems a bit like the lithium spray I have a can of, so while looking for that, in the shed I found a can of the very stuff you describe - purchased from Aldi months back, never used and forgotten about. PTFE, by 3-in-1. Just waiting for the sun to go down.

Thanks.

(I was thinking the lithium would be a bit thick for the ignition anyway.)

[sgould]

You shouldn't use anything oily in a lock.  It makes the dirt stick and the lock jams.

[Audax]

I used some graphite as specified for use in locks. Appears to have freed things up nicely.

[Geoff1951]

Thanks chaps.

On Friday I washed the car for the first time since Easter and polished it for the first time since last autumn. Since then the ignition lock's been perfect. The car must just have been feeling neglected. But I picked up some graphite lube from the local Maplin for when I clean the lock later this week.

[collywobble]

PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene is commonly called Teflon or Fluon and is what is used to make frying pans non-stick. It is a fluorine containing polymer and has excellent chemical resistance. low coefficient of friction and good electrical insulating properties. Lithium is a rare earth metal and in lubricating grease it is in the hydroxide form LiOH. It is also used in pharmaceuticals as medication for mental illness or in my days in pollution control with the National Rivers Authority we used the insoluble Lithium Fluoride as a tracer to discover the source of polluting discharges.