Ignition key won't turn

[GJO]

When my wife went to start the car to drive home from work, she found it impossible to turn the ignition key.
Having driven over to collect her from work, I tried the second key with the same result. The key goes in fully but will not turn.
The steering is lock and I have tried waggling the wheel and waggling the key but the result is the same - it is as if the key is up against a very solid barrier.
Any ideas? The car has been very reliable for the last ten years with few problems but if we can't fix this one it will have to be collected by the breakers.

[Charless]

Sorry to hear of this issue and from the lack of response it sounds like nobody else has heard of this problem before either.
It sounds like the steering lock has broken, in which case they can be replaced relatively easily and F lock sets are available on ebay.
I imagine the car is currently safe in a works car park. Could a motoring organisation or one of the mobile F specialist mechanics help before the breakers?

[Geoff.F]

Try squirting some light oil into the lock and soak the key !!

[GJO]

OK - I did squirt a bit of WD40 into the lock but still couldn't shift it - so we called out the AA
The AA man gave the steering wheel a couple of waggles whilst trying the key in the lock and Hey-Presto! It started!
No idea why I couldn't do it - possibly I was too gentle!

[Charless]

Phew!

[nigelandjo]

Sometimes you need to move the steering wheel a fraction to release the lock. It won't move in one direction, but if you turn it the opposite directio it will release.

[Notanumber]

If it does it a second time it would be worth getting hold of a second hand steering lock and a pair of bolts as a precaution for the small amount that would cost. Also as a precaution you could consider cutting slots in the blind ends of the existing sheer bolts so that if the worst does happen the bolts can be undone with a flat headed screwdriver. That of course would be completely invisible with the plastic cowling in place so wont make it any more of a target for thieves.

[GJO]

If it does it a second time it would be worth getting hold of a second hand steering lock and a pair of bolts as a precaution for the small amount that would cost. Also as a precaution you could consider cutting slots in the blind ends of the existing sheer bolts so that if the worst does happen the bolts can be undone with a flat headed screwdriver. That of course would be completely invisible with the plastic cowling in place so wont make it any more of a target for thieves.

Good advice! I have ordered a replacement steering lock but in the meantime, we also purchased a replacement car, so I am hoping to sell the F and the replacement steering lock can go with it. That said, so far, the problem has not been repeated!

[Notanumber]

I'm sorry you are selling the F. What are you replacing her with ?

[GJO]

I'm sorry you are selling the F. What are you replacing her with ?

We have purchased a 2009 TF 135 - which looks good despite the risk of unseen corrosion. We found the car in Scotland where the roads tend to be heavily salted in Winter.

[Notanumber]

Excellent that you have stayed with an MG. For a second there i feared you were defecting to MX5 land. A good choice.

Received wisdom suggests piece of mind can be helped by a thorough wash of the underside, subframes and wheel arches arches and then to spray those areas with Lanoguard once dry.

[Rob Bell]

It's interesting to compare the two cars - the MGF and the TF - in such similar colours! The TF was such a successful re-style, and the LE style bumper just took it that little bit further.

[coryjoon232]

Here are a few suggestions to troubleshoot the problem:

Check the Steering Wheel:
Ensure that the steering wheel is not excessively turned to one side, causing pressure on the steering lock mechanism. Try gently turning the steering wheel in both directions while attempting to turn the ignition key.

Try Both Keys Again:
Occasionally, keys can wear down over time. Try both keys again, and if possible, inspect them for any visible damage. If the keys seem worn, you may want to consider getting a replacement key.

Lubricate the Lock Cylinder:
If the ignition lock cylinder is not turning, it could be due to lack of lubrication or debris. Use a graphite-based lubricant and insert it into the lock cylinder. Wiggle the key gently to distribute the lubricant.

Battery Check:
Ensure that the car's battery is charged. A low or dead battery may cause electrical issues that can affect the ignition system. If the battery is weak, it may be worth trying to jump-start the car.

Seek Professional Help:
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it's advisable to seek assistance from a professional mechanic or locksmith. They can diagnose the problem more thoroughly and provide a solution, potentially avoiding the need to send the car to the breakers.

[Notanumber]

Thats good general advice on the whole though it has to be said a low battery on an MGF could not cause the steering lock to jam as it is purely mechanical.

Im not clear on why one would need to resort to a locksmith or a mechanic for diagnosis. Good 2nd hand MGF/ TF steering lock/ ignition switches with a key are easily and cheaply obtainable. Once swapped the new key will start the car and the owner can decide whether it is worthwhile to send the old lock to a specialist for a rebuild so that it works reliable with the original key- or just keep on using the new key.

I see the original poster resolved the ignition lock problem on 11th November and has subsequently sold the car.