Mk5 golf ignition seized

uncle-mofo

A few months ago the ignition in my car seized up out of nowhere, the key would not turn in the ignition to start the car.

My insurance recovery guy came and he sprayed a combination of wd40 and oil into the key hole which eventually got it to turn, and all was well for a few months.

This morning it happened again, and I was late for work, so I sprayed some gt85 into the key hole which did the trick.

This evening it has happened again, the gt85 trick will not work this time.

Has anyone come across this? The steering is not locked. The steering wheel will turn with a bit of force obviously due to no power steering.

biko

Sounds like a mechanical problem that could be alleviated temporarily with grease.
You might need a new ignition barrel or this one taken apart and cleaned, if possible.
Ring a few local mechanics.

Pops_20

I had this same problem which wd40 / silicone spray etc would not fix.

I suspected that the key got worn down slightly from going in and out of the ignition so many times, which would result in the key not engaging properly in the barrel.

I got a new key cut and didn't have any more problems.

CJhaughey

Another thing that wears barrels very quickly is a heavy bunch of keys hanging out of the ignition, they aren't designed as a key hanger and the constant motion wears the barrel and tumblers.
Keep your keyring light.

frag4

Your problem is the steering lock, common enough failure on caddy/golf/a3 etc.
A new one cost 115 plus vat to buy from the dealer.
1-2 hours to fit

uncle-mofo

frag4 wrote: »

Your problem is the steering lock, common enough failure on caddy/golf/a3 etc.
A new one cost 115 plus vat to buy from the dealer.
1-2 hours to fit

You were spot on with the steering lock. Fair play.