Ignition switch/steering lock.

[MiniCooperS]

Anyone else had their ignition switch jammed making inserting the key almost impossible? Also steering lock failed to come on when the key was removed. Was told by dealer that unless the car was brought in by the breakdown guys it would be three weeks before thay can look at it due to recalls. This was done eventually and now I have been told two weeks minimum for a new barrel to arrive from Germany! Just when i thought things were improving.......
Oh and not impressed by a five hour+ breakdown responce and four further hours for the tow truck.

[cooper4us]

Let me ask you a question.....do you have a very heavy keychain??

That's the number one cause for failed and damaged ignition key lock cylinders. People tend to keep their car key together with a bunch of keys in addition to heavy key chains. Heavy keychains damage keylock assemblies because they excercise a lot of pressure on the part, making it prone to premature damage.

If this is the case, remove your MINI key from a heavy keychain and keep all other unrelated keys in a separate key chain and location.

Also if you force lock the steering wheel and have to fight the lock everytime you put the key in the ignition, this could also be damaging your ignition key lock. Make sure when you park that the steering wheel locks smoothly and that you don't have to force it everytime you come back to restart the car.

[MiniCooperS]

Thanks for the advice but the only thing attached to the key is the dealer supplied Mini keyring!

[MiniMan7]

If you cannot turn the key in the ignition when the steering wheel is locked, I usually just turn the wheel abit back and forth till she goes.
Also, the steering wheel must be faced in perfect position to enable its locking abilites. If the wheels are turned, the steering wheel won't lock.

[IDONEY]

I had my key jam IN the barrel (sept build). I noticed the barrel feeling a bit sticky a day or so before it jammed. I also had to wait over a week for a new assembly.
The cause?...probably poor quality component. No problems since.