Spare ignition key jammed in ignition

Foggy Jew

I bought an Opel Agila (2011) last September - not from a main Opel dealer, but a well known Hyundai dealer. My daughter accidentally went off with my keys on Saturday, so I used the spare given to me when I bought the car. I turned on the engine and the car coughed a bit but wouldn't start (it was as if the immobiliser had kicked in). I atempted to extract the key but it is jammed solid at the second stage of the ignition ...i.e. The radio is on etc. I called my breakdown assist man who was unable to dislodge the key. He towed the car to my local mechanic, who was also unable to budge it. I also consulted a locksmith who said he wouldn't even attempt to fiddle with it for fear of damaging the ignition. I can start the car by holding the original key up against the dodgy stuck one and off I go. Its far from ideal though - leaving a key in the ignition is asking for the car to be broken into. Any suggestions? Also - the car is still under warranty - could I (should I) bring it back to the dealer and request that they sort it out?

JustJoe7240

Foggy Jew wrote: »

I bought an Opel Agila (2011) last September - not from a main Opel dealer, but a well known Hyundai dealer. My daughter accidentally went off with my keys on Saturday, so I used the spare given to me when I bought the car. I turned on the engine and the car coughed a bit but wouldn't start (it was as if the immobiliser had kicked in). I atempted to extract the key but it is jammed solid at the second stage of the ignition ...i.e. The radio is on etc. I called my breakdown assist man who was unable to dislodge the key. He towed the car to my local mechanic, who was also unable to budge it. I also consulted a locksmith who said he wouldn't even attempt to fiddle with it for fear of damaging the ignition. I can start the car by holding the original key up against the dodgy stuck one and off I go. Its far from ideal though - leaving a key in the ignition is asking for the car to be broken into. Any suggestions? Also - the car is still under warranty - could I (should I) bring it back to the dealer and request that they sort it out?

It's unlikely that the warranty will cover this as a warranty on a used car usually only covers engine and gearbox unless otherwise specified. Well worth a shot though if it saves the cost of a new ignition barrel and keys as it looks that's the most likely outcome otherwise.

Foggy Jew

Hmmm. My contention is that the car would be laughed out of an NCT test as it is - so it's technically not fit for purpose. Clutching at straws, I know.

corks finest

Foggy Jew wrote: »

I bought an Opel Agila (2011) last September - not from a main Opel dealer, but a well known Hyundai dealer. My daughter accidentally went off with my keys on Saturday, so I used the spare given to me when I bought the car. I turned on the engine and the car coughed a bit but wouldn't start (it was as if the immobiliser had kicked in). I atempted to extract the key but it is jammed solid at the second stage of the ignition ...i.e. The radio is on etc. I called my breakdown assist man who was unable to dislodge the key. He towed the car to my local mechanic, who was also unable to budge it. I also consulted a locksmith who said he wouldn't even attempt to fiddle with it for fear of damaging the ignition. I can start the car by holding the original key up against the dodgy stuck one and off I go. Its far from ideal though - leaving a key in the ignition is asking for the car to be broken into. Any suggestions? Also - the car is still under warranty - could I (should I) bring it back to the dealer and request that they sort it out?

WD40,rubber hammer,pliers,,,,prayers first

Spook_ie

Assuming you've done the usual of wiggling the steering wheel while turning the key to ensure steering lock isn't staying engaged then sounds like......

https://www.theautolocksmith.co.uk/key-wont-turn-in-vauxhall-ignition-lock

Ultimately looks like a visit to a lock specialist or dealer

Foggy Jew

Interesting, Spook. Thanks for that.

Ubbquittious

I wonder what R.Kelly would have to say about this

corks finest

Pls keep us informed,how it was sorted etc, definitely happen again to some other unfortunate soul

Foggy Jew

Will do!

Melodeon

Long shot:
Is the car an automatic, by any chance?
Most (all?) automatics have an interlock that won't let you remove the key unless the transmission is in P (Park).
A fault in this system could give the symptoms you're describing.

I think

redcup342

Melodeon wrote: »

Long shot:
Is the car an automatic, by any chance?
Most (all?) automatics have an interlock that won't let you remove the key unless the transmission is in P (Park).
A fault in this system could give the symptoms you're describing.

I think

I don't think you can start those unless they are in Park as well no ?

Melodeon

redcup342 wrote: »

I don't think you can start those unless they are in Park as well no ?

I think most can be started in Neutral too, though I'm open to correction on that one.

corks finest

Melodeon wrote: »

Long shot:
Is the car an automatic, by any chance?
Most (all?) automatics have an interlock that won't let you remove the key unless the transmission is in P (Park).
A fault in this system could give the symptoms you're describing.

I think

Good thinking

Foggy Jew

Nope. The car is manual. I took it back to the garage yesterday - it was diagnosed as needing a new ignition barrel. My warranty covers all of it, including the courtesy car they gave me. I'm both delighted and relieved in equal measure!!

corks finest

Foggy Jew wrote: »

Nope. The car is manual. I took it back to the garage yesterday - it was diagnosed as needing a new ignition barrel. My warranty covers all of it, including the courtesy car they gave me. I'm both delighted and relieved in equal measure!!

Happy days

highgiant1985

Foggy Jew wrote: »

Nope. The car is manual. I took it back to the garage yesterday - it was diagnosed as needing a new ignition barrel. My warranty covers all of it, including the courtesy car they gave me. I'm both delighted and relieved in equal measure!!

That's good service. I know plenty of places that would have said no chance on the warranty. Glad to see its worked out for you.

JustJoe7240

Foggy Jew wrote: »

Nope. The car is manual. I took it back to the garage yesterday - it was diagnosed as needing a new ignition barrel. My warranty covers all of it, including the courtesy car they gave me. I'm both delighted and relieved in equal measure!!

Fantastic result. Sound's like you were dealing with a very decent garage.