hey guys i have a TS wagon, and lately the key (or key barrel) has started giving problems.
yesterday i jumped in and went to start... key goes in ignition..key doesn't turn...mess around with steering column lock and key release button still nothing.
in the end i had to try turning the key about 100 times and on the hundredth time it turned as if nothing had happened.
its only done this twice but each time it has wasted 10 minutes of my life and a weeks worth of patience.
i'm gonna start carrying the spare key around too (which is the original but has a crack in it) so i can try that if it happens again.

so in the meantime what i'd like to know is if there's a known problem with this in 2nd gens and if its likely to be a key problem or a barrel problem.

thanks!

You can get Graphite from any hardware place it's like $5
Great stuff for locks

Maybe the spare has worn away?
Though of getting your key cut again?
Sounds very similar to the wheel lock as well, but you said you've already tried that.

I had the same problem, had to fittle around to get it started, paid $200 roughly for a new 'Gun Barrel' with a new key.

The hot weather makes the soft alloy key cylinder ramps expand, and doesn't allow the barrel to turn. This can happen both through poor design of the barrel, or through general wear and tear of the ramps. Graphite might help, but maybe your barrel is due for replacement.

yeah i had the same problem, looked closely at my keys and they were all worn as fu*k, i got the best lookin one cut and works fine mow... :bowrofl:

I had the boot key barrel completely freeze on me recently. Went to Bunnings Hardware and in the tools section they now sell spray cans of White Lithium grease. This sprays on and then dries to a white lubricating powder. Anyways I swapped the pressure pack lid for one from some WD40, the one with the little nylon hose, and hit all the locks with it. Worked a treat and no mess or leaking of oily gunk etc!

im having the same problem and it gives me the Shi#z at least u can start your car i cant even get mine 2 move i put the key in and nothing just nuthing i even got my key re cut and i can get into the car but i still cant start it :rant: :rant: so im thinking of putting a switch in untill i get a new barrel or a new set of keys from mitsubishi ahhhhhhh :rant:

As my original post said, I use to have to fiddle around to get my car to start.

It cost be around $200 for a new 'gun barrel' about 2 years ago.

I couldnt be bothered playing around with it, I didnt wanna take the risk, so I got it replaced, 2 brand new freshly cut keys to go with it, and man what a difference!


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I could see this happening, go somewhere and park the car, then I cant get it started and it costs me more to get it towed or something, just over the bloody key barrel, so had to get it done
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Perhaps some WD40???

Perhaps some WD40???


or some CRC?

hey mate, yeh i found the same problem on a galant i was looking at b4 i bought my magna. the problem is the key barrel. its got all your connections in it and its probly worn down too much. you'll need to get it refitted or threaded or whatever. jst take it to an auto electrician or call n get a quote.
in the meantime try jiggling the key in the barrel a lil bit b4 turning. worked 4 the homo galant

Also, made sure the steering wheel aint turned? Turn it as u turn key... The others have great ideas too... worn keys, expanded ramps, graphite

ive tried most of these ideas and still nuthing :rant: but does any one have the wiring colour code to the ignition barrel so i can just join the wires temperarily so i can atleast drive the F#ing thing down 2 mitsubishi 2moro before i go 2 work :confused:

can any 1 help me, i really need my car working again

can any 1 help me, i really need my car working again

Whatever you do, don't try force it in the lock. You'll just be making your situation worse.

If you're still using the original key, its probable the shoulders have probably worn off it. Take the key into a decent locksmith (ie - NOT Mister Minit) and ask them to cut you a new one. Make sure you tell em the key you got has stopped working. Should cost you no more than about $8.

This happened to me a few months back. The new key works like a charm. Didnt have to pi55 around with changing locks etc.

hey i was just wondering if i 'hot wire' my car as such would that dis-engage the steering lock or would the lock still be ingaged i.e. if i get the car started will i be able 2 turn the wheel without the wheel locking like it does when the key is not in the ignition barrel. or will i have 2 do something eles to dis-engage the steering wheel lock? thanks Nick

Hotwiring your car will not disengage the steering wheel lock. You'll have to break the lock to do that. Pull on the wheel hard enough and it will pop if you are that desperate. I'm sure theres sites you can google on how to steal a car.

Or ... here's an idea.... how’s about go getting a new key? :nuts:

yea my old man is ordering a new key from mitsubishi 2day but we dont know if were will get the new key 2day as we need 2 move the car now because we just purchest a new house and we need 2 get it there by saturday so i am just preparing myself for worst case senario, but thanks for the informaion on the steering lock :thumbsup:

as misterbishi said,
take your key to a locksmith (key cutting place) don't bother with mitsi.. they will charge a fortune... its tops 10 bucks from a locky..
they will cut you a new one.. you will find the new 1 is slightly longer and wider at the very tip of the key (this is because your original wears down at this point from years of use)
i can't unlock my glove box with the orginal key at all anymore.. but i use the cut key and hey presto its unlocked first turn.

i got the key cut 2day *yay* my old man went do mitsubishi and asked 4 the lock codes so we could make a new key and they gave us the code free (thinking that we would get them 2 cut the key) he then went down 2 the local locksmith gave him the codes and he cut us a new key using a mitsubishi lockalike blank and cut the new key for $20 so it is all good and i can now drive my car *yay*

and mitsubishi wanted $30 just for the blank key with mitsubishi engraved on it and then they wanted like $10 to cut a new key (idiots) u would think that if you buy one of there cars then you would get a these things done at a cheap price but nup they want all your money

If you have tried WD40 and graphite, probably the key.

Try pulling the key back just a touch after you have put it in barrel, turn slowly, if it works its the key.

I would get a new one any way

i got the key cut 2day *yay* my old man went do mitsubishi and asked 4 the lock codes so we could make a new key and they gave us the code free (thinking that we would get them 2 cut the key) he then went down 2 the local locksmith gave him the codes and he cut us a new key using a mitsubishi lockalike blank and cut the new key for $20 so it is all good and i can now drive my car *yay*

and mitsubishi wanted $30 just for the blank key with mitsubishi engraved on it and then they wanted like $10 to cut a new key (idiots) u would think that if you buy one of there cars then you would get a these things done at a cheap price but nup they want all your money

told you it was the key :P
always happens with these cars :P

told you it was the key :P
always happens with these cars :P

yea :redface: thanks 4 the help any way guyz but it works now and that iz all that matters ah well im gunna go take the beast for a cruze 2 nite to warm her up after she hasent been started in like a week so yea thanks all, Nick