Key stuck in ignition barrel

[Cossie Killer]

Weird one and hoping someone on here can help...

The other day my dad was round and i asked him to reverse my car out of my way, as he was getting out he said the key was stuck. I assumed he'd turned it off with the auto in neutral, so said id sort it later.

When i finally do go to it, the key will turn to off but will not move any further! Dash is showing the gearbox is in park and nothing I do makes it move any further.

Ive had a mate check for fault and the system shows none but he doesnt think its the barrel due to the lack of movement from the on position.

Any ideas?

Car is an 08 GT Sport DSG

[Cossie Killer]

Up for the day peeps.

[Cossie Killer]

Anyone?

[Redemption]

That's a bit weird. Does the steering lock still work?

[Cossie Killer]

No, the key wont turn to engage the steering lock..... Its madness.

[Redemption]

Can you start the engine as normal?

[Cossie Killer]

Yes, ive been using it for a few days, i can lock it with my spare key.... Just not with key buttons.

I have to turn the stereo off and make sure the auto lights are off.

[Redemption]

Try starting as normal but before you switch off again put your foot on the brake, put it into Neutral and pull the handbrake on,  then put it into Park and release the brakes. There's a little solenoid switch in the DSG lever that can sometimes get partly stuck.

Failing that, apparently you can stick a paper clip end into the ignition switch to remove the key. There's a little hole in the barrel.

www.myturbodiesel.com/images/misc/switch/ignition-hole.jpg

[Cossie Killer]

Try this today on several occasions, but still no joy.

I spoke to a gearbox specialist today and he has mentioned adjusting the cable from the lever to the gearbox as although the dash and selector show its in park, cable stretch can mean its out by a few mm and not releasing the key.

[Redemption]

Hopefully you'll get it sorted by adjusting the cable. Not sure what else to suggest apart from taking it to a Garage to be fixed. 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

If you pull up the gaiter round your DSG gear shift, you can gain access to the solenoid.

Turn on the ignition, but keep the engine off.  Turn off any stereo, heater fans, A/C, etc.

Now, press and then release your brake pedal - you should hear the servo click on and off.  Try that and report back.

[Cossie Killer]

If you pull up the gaiter round your DSG gear shift, you can gain access to the solenoid.

Turn on the ignition, but keep the engine off.  Turn off any stereo, heater fans, A/C, etc.

Now, press and then release your brake pedal - you should hear the servo click on and off.  Try that and report back.

Hi Sean,

Sorry, completely missed this post! My 2nd child arrived soon after this thread.

Have tried what you suggested and you can hear the servo clicking (in unison with the green pedal light on the dash), still the same...also tried adjusting the cable at the gearbox end and key still stuck!

Think i'm going to have to strip the steering lock... urrrg!

Jason

[Shoduchi]

Have you tried putting a clip through the hole of the barrel to release the key?

PS: Congrats on your second child!

[Cossie Killer]

Tried it again tonight, barrel wont come out :(

Pps: thanks