Stiff Ignition Barrel

[gaffer1986]

I'm used to my car so don't have much trouble wiggling the key to turn the ignition on.
However my pupils (learner drivers) struggle and it does get a lot worse on hot days. I even had one pupil say they HATE my car because she found it difficult to turn the key.

Am I the only one with this problem, or is it a common fault? Easy fix?

Thanks

 

[grant 123]

never heard or experienced it myself...

only thing i can say is, i know the steering lock will enable itself very easily, more so than other cars i have owned in the past.

 

[gaffer1986]

Thanks for your response grant 123. However it is definitely not the steering lock, just very stiff and you need strong man wrists and a good wiggling technique to turn it. It's the girls that struggle. I can put up with it, but customers come first.

 

[grant 123]

Thanks for your response grant 123. However it is definitely not the steering lock, just very stiff and you need strong man wrists and a good wiggling technique to turn it. It's the girls that struggle. I can put up with it, but customers come first.

i would try a squirt of wd40, gt85 etc using the provided straw the cans come with.

thats all the dealer would try before replacing

 

[CandyWight]

I found the same with mine to start with (she is now 6 weeks old). I am also being female and have quite weak wrists. I find that holding the key nearer to the steering column (as opposed to the end that is attached to the keyring) helps - I felt that I would break the key to start with, but now I hold it differently I don't notice it as much!

 

[gaffer1986]

The dealer would use WD40? I don't fancy getting oil all over my key and in my pockets and on my phone etc! It feels very mechanical, lifting the key helps turning it a bit, I only have two keys on my keyring, not as if it's heavy.

 

[J400uk]

Same thing happens to mine occasionally, not a big issue though just tend to ignore it. Its never so stiff that you can't turn the key at all.

 

[gaffer1986]

Thanks for your replies, the problem I have is all the different people driving my car, they get used to it when they're nearly ready for the test but I'm getting fed of every new pupil not being able to turn the key. Might try and get SEAT to fix it.

 

[ScottiCupraTDI]

Same problem. It does seem to be worse on hot days.

 

[Biker]

Don't squirt WD40 into it, all that will do is wash away any liubrication in the barrel and make things worse.
Take it back to Seat after all it is still under warranty.

 

[J400uk]

Bit confused as to why this only seems to affect the Ibiza, surely the part must be shared? The flip key itself is from a VW golf mk5

 

[ScottiCupraTDI]

Would the barrel be the same?

 

[Slimy]

Carbon powder would be a better lubricant, it did a fantastic job on my bike key and lock. Although instead of oil you do sometimes get a black mark on whatever is underneath it.

It's already been suggested, but the only thing that should prevent the key from turning easily is the resistance from the steering lock. Or the key is getting worn and the tumblers aren't working properly, but I'd be amazed if that's the reason on a mark 5 Ibiza.

 

[sly200sx]

Mines is the same, have to wiggle it up and down and turn at the same time. Get it looked at next time although sometimes so stiff i feel am gonna snap the key!

 

[gaffer1986]

I have a service due in 2000 miles, will get it looked at then. I hope they don't spray WD40 in the lock as I really don't want an oily key, if it's a common fault, then a replacement would probably have the same problem unless SEAT have resolved it.

 

[nightflight]

Not had any issues with mine, only time it doesn't want to turn is when the steering lock's on.

maybe i just have over-exercised wrists?

 

[adambolus]

Not had any issues with mine, only time it doesn't want to turn is when the steering lock's on.

maybe i just have over-exercised wrists?

No comment lol

mine seems fine tho, although I used to drive a mini so may be used to it. Key doesn't feel like it break tho

 

[jc_boc]

My barrel gets stiff every now and then too.........................

 

[John33]

It is a problem on ours too - never had one like it before from VW or Audi. It's a bit like the one I had on an old escort van after 100K, but that gave up soon after.

 

[CupraDSG]

Been back to dealer they told me to try spare key as it could be worn or poorly cut- wasnt the key just awaiting a day off for my car to go back as they said they know what it is and they will fix it. Something to do with barrel not sure what i dont care aslong as i dont look like im trying to wind up a ford model T inside my dash when fixxed lol