308 Ignition key turning problem

I took my '85' Euro 308 out for a drive and was stopped by the police for a 'tag check', everything was OK, so he left. Whan I went to start the car the key would only turn enough to unlock the steering wheel(about 8:00) but not enough to start the car. I tried everything I could think of, from turning the steering wheel to jiggling the key, but nothing helped. So, I had it towed in. Does anybody have an answer to this problem?

Branko,

the first thing you should try is liquid Graphite fron the hardware store. Squirt it in the key slot with kep removed, then use the key to try and free up the mechanism.

Regards, JRV

Thanks JRV, I'll give it a try.

I tried the graphite, but still no luck. I am beginning to feel like it might be a tumbler problem, unless someone has another suggestion.

Branko,

if it's the tumblers disassembly and repair or replacement will be neccesary.

The only other thing you can try is spraying contact cleaner into the key slot on the chance it may just be dirty. If it is a wear issue, then the entire lock assembly must be removed from the dash/steering colum and repaired/rekeyed by a professional locksmith shop (as I have had done in the past) or removed and be replaced with a new switch mecanism.

Regards, JRV

JRV, That is what I was afraid of. Thanks anyway, Branko

Branko,
I have done exactly as JRV suggested, and it fixed my Honda ignition switch. Sprayed contact cleaner in there and worked the key in and out several times. Then sprayed some more. After it had time enough to dry, I spray a little bit of the liquid graphite lube. Worked the key mechanism several times, and worked fine.