key jammed in the ignition

[morciii]

i've tried searching the forum for ''ignition key jammed'' but to no avail.

I had the Elan out yesterday for the first time in almost two weeks as i have been on holiday. I was getting ready to drive home, but the key wouldn't go into the ignition. i noticed that the key was ever so slightly twisted. I called my dad to bring the spare key to me but he was busy. I managed to fiddle about with the key and get it in, and started the car up no problem, but when i got it home the key wouldn't budge, i can still turn the ignition but the key is jammed in it. i have taken the immobilizer off of the keys and put the care in the garage, just in case.

Anyone got any ideas on how to fix this? could the problem be due to the key being ever so slightly twisted? or could the ignition barrel be the problem? Thanks in advance.

[rip]

My ignition key got stuck a few times shortly after I bought the car. Regular lubrication with an aerosol silicone lubricant helped. Eventually this seemed to get around the internals. My key now turns freely & I forgot all about lock lubrication until I saw this thread.
Try spraying some lubricant in there, leave & re-apply. Be patient. If you can leave it a week or two then this may help.
I would avoid WD40. In my experience, it evaporates more quickly than a genuine lubricant.

I think the twisted key is probably making things worse for you. Depending on how bad it is, this may not be holding it in. I suspect it has become twisted because the lock was sticky in the first place, requiring more force to turn it.

[morciii]

The key has always went in easily and turned freely up until yesterday. I gave my mate the keys as he had left something in the car, and he couldn't get the car to unlock, turned out he tried to unlock it using the ignition key. I think this may be the have been the cause of the twisted key.
Thanks for the advice though rip, i'll give it a try today and i'll let you know how i get on.

[rip]

I gave my mate the keys as he had left something in the car, and he couldn't get the car to unlock, turned out he tried to unlock it using the ignition key. I think this may be the have been the cause of the twisted key.

[morciii]

I managed to get the key out yesterday. i can get the key in and take it out, but it's still a bit stiff, so it could be a bit of both. Only way to know for sure is to try it with spare key (if i can find it )

[Rambo]

I gave my mate the keys as he had left something in the car, and he couldn't get the car to unlock, turned out he tried to unlock it using the ignition key. I think this may be the have been the cause of the twisted key.

Ex mate

[Jamie N]

Liam, might be worth putting the key between 2 flat metal strips and put in a vice, that should straighten it, just dont overtighten though.

[morciii]

Liam, might be worth putting the key between 2 flat metal strips and put in a vice, that should straighten it, just dont overtighten though.

good shout Jamie! I'll give that a try