Vectra P Reg - Ignition removal & replace problems - popeye13

My fathers Vectra's ignition pin broke meaning he couldn't turn the engine off, we had to stall it then disconnect the battery.

Today, got a new ignition barrel from MegaVaux (Aviod them, they are not as good as i was told)

Got the old one out, after a bit of a fumbling, but the new one will not go in, no matter what i try and how hard i push.

We made sure the new one was right, that was fine, no problem, but still, it will not go in.

The lug on the top goes inside as i was told it would, but the barrel goes so far insude and then like it hits a limit and that it, no more.

I checked to make sure the broken pin wasn't causing the issue, but that was not in there.

Help?

Vectra P Reg - Ignition removal & replace problems - elekie&a/c doctor

Your problem is the ignition barrel is not aligned with the steering lock.Take a look down the steering column aperture where the lock barrel slides,you will see part of the lock protruding from the left.Take a long screwdriver and ease the metal and slide it to the left side.This should allow the new barrel to engage.Also dont forget the key needs to be in the lock and turned slightly so that the release plunger can be depressed.I guess you realise that you have a chipped key for the immobiliser and only the old key will start the car.hth

Vectra P Reg - Ignition removal & replace problems - popeye13

I will give that a go in the morning and hope it works.

The steering lock was engaged aswell, will that affect it at all? Im hoping not.

And many thank for your reply.

Vectra P Reg - Ignition removal & replace problems - elekie&a/c doctor

Steering lock needs to be off.Take the tension off the steering wheel lock by pulling the wheel round a touch ,you can then get the lock off with the screwdriver method described above.hth

Vectra P Reg - Ignition removal & replace problems - popeye13

Hi.

Thanks for all your help. I got the barrel in. As directed by yourself and i cannot thank you enough.

If you're ever in my neck of the woods, i'll happily buy you a pint.

Thanks alot