Hi guys,my ignition barrel suddenly stoped working.I can't rotate it from 0 position. I've tried to shift gears from p to n and so on but nothing happens. i've also moved the car a bit so the wheels to move freely still nothing. I can rotate the steering shaft left-right and tried the key simultaneously-nothing.I've sprayed w40 inside the barrel,blow it with compressed air,all in vane. I was thinking if is possible to remove the whole blocking system and then to remove the ignition barrel. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Spraying the WD 40 is the first mistake, lock smiths love this as it usually destroys the barrel in a short time. If you really need to spray anything use Inox

What has happened, and is something we are seeing more and more these days particularly on the TL and TW is the internals of the ignition barrel have fallen apart.

This is where the fun begins as to remove it you need to have the key on acc to depress the release pin.

You will need to first get a new barrel from a wrecker who is willing to sell the barrel on its own without the ECU pack, get it re tumbled at a locksmith to suit your key and then start drilling out the old barrel being careful not to damage the alloy housing it sits in (which is part of the column). Once you have most of the internals out you will then be able to switch onto acc and remove the old defective barrel (well what is left of it anyway)

Yep. The tumblers have springs behind them, and if the lock isn't kept clean and lubricated - which it should be, at the slightest sign of stiffness - the housing the tumblers sit in can wear to the point where they tip over and jam.

I use silicone spray on the key, then insert and remove, this usually removes wear material out of the barrel. I repeat until the key comes out clean.

All I can suggest you wriggle the key and try to get it to the acc position, so you can pop the barrel out of the column.

I'll try to use silicone spray. the w40 i've used it only as the last solution few hours ago,never before. Strange think , never had any problems with it before just suddenly stopped.

A bit of spray, put key in and wriggle gently while trying to gently turn to the acc position. If it moves, leave the key there.
You need to remove the plastic around the barrel to be able to push the release button.

If you get it out, there is a simple fix around your problem, but Mal would not approve so let me know if you get the barrel out and I will pm you.

Seriously Max, trying to be a smart ass now.

OP, IF you get it out in 1 piece, simply take the barrel down to a lock smith and see if they can repair, if not get another barrel from a wrecker and get it re keyed, dont bother about any of Max's dodgy 5c repairs as no doubt you will be back here in a few months with issues again

Seriously Max, trying to be a smart ass now.
dont bother about any of Max's dodgy 5c repairs as no doubt you will be back here in a few months with issues again

TRUST! Where is the trust? lol

Seriously, locksmith + wreckers (or Mitsu dealer) for a working barrel are the best option. (Can a Mitsu dealer supply a shiny new barrel though?)
My method (patent pending) is if you get really, really desperate.

If I found myself in this situation, because I don't have much spare money and because I live and drive away from city services I'd like to know this 5c method as well as a lasting solution. The short term enables me to get going while sorting a long term solution.

ts370000 - pm sent.

WARNING: From your user name, you have a TS.
Be aware that some TSs have a very simple form of anti-theft device attached to the back of the barrel. It is white plastic and right at the end.
The idea is that if a thief uses a slide hammer to pull the barrel out - so he can stick a screwdriver down the hole and start the car - it will not start. Doing so activates the anti-theft device, and the car won't start. Unfortunately, if you pull the barrel by putting the key on ACC and pressing the release button, the anti-theft device is activated and the activation is NOT reversible. Also, the parts are NOT available from Mitsu.

I've had to work my way around that problem, as did another user. There are a couple of threads on this, so do a search.

In short, if you have a TS do some research before popping the barrel out.

For anyone concerned about the life expectancy of their ignition barrel - keep it clean, keep it lubricated, and don't hang a heavy bunch of keys from your car key.
Whatever cleaner/lubricant you use, make sure the can says it is ok for locks, NOT WD40, that is basically kero.

I was wondering if there is any chance that the barrel to be ok and the problem to be on the steering shaft locking pin (rod) or maybe on the electric switch ? Have to ask before i start to drill holes in the barrel.

All you can do is open up the shrouding to expose the locking mechanism and lubricate it, then try moving it by hand while attempting to turn the key.
Not likely to be the electric switch, but you could see if it can be removed from the barrel to eliminate that. Disconnect battery first.
Tried a different key? Tried using the same key upside down?

No luck .Tried everything, doesn't move.Anyone knows more about drilling the barrel ? I have the tools and knowledge ,just never done it before.Better should i call a locksmith ?

Spraying the WD 40 is the first mistake, lock smiths love this as it usually destroys the barrel in a short time. If you really need to spray anything use Inox



Is powdered graphite OK?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/C-Tools-T6283A-Graphite-Powder/dp/B003KN0AJK

After few more hours and by using a pair of vise grips to turn the key i managed to take the barrel out. Can be repaired by the locksmith or do i need to find another one.

After few more hours and by using a pair of vise grips to turn the key i managed to take the barrel out. Can be repaired by the locksmith or do i need to find another one.

If you have used vice grips with a lot of force, the internals are probably beyond repair. Take it to a locksmith anyway, to see what he thinks. He may be able to suggest a source for a new one.