VT Commodore - Broken Ignition Barrel

[demps2009]

I would really appreciate your help with a broken ignition barrel in my girlfriend's 1999 VT Commodore. The engine wouldn't crank and the ignition key would turn on accessories but then go the rest of the way with no resistance. I worked out that the die cast barrel locator had broken in the ignition so I attempted to separate the ignition switch from the key barrel
and start with a screwdriver. I did get the ignition to turn however the car still won't start. My girlfriend rang a Holden centre who said it had something to do with sychronisation. I wondered if there was a tamper proof system in this model which was stopping the car from starting. Any ideas?

[accentstencil]

The key needs to touch the key reader around the ignition to disable the immobiliser.

[don0xer]

best thing, keep jiggling the key giving it small taps from the end and try to turn it into the ON position, from there you can pull the shrowd off, slip a pin down into the barrel release and pull out the ignition barrel.

also... if your in a tight spot and cant get it to start, put the key into the ignition and you can actually START the car by manually turning the ignition switch on the other side of the steering column of which the barrel ends and where the shaft of the barrel turns the ignition switch

ive had a bit of exp with ignition barrels so far with my VX... ive been thru 3 in the first year of getting her lol

[petersmith]

mine did the same thing needed new barrel
take it out give your key to locksmith they charged me 50 bux for new one cut and i put it in
some little pin inside snaps letting you turn key right round over and over

[bluffinbil]

Yep, mine snapped too. Twice in 12 months so I bypassed it. Check out my other posts for info n pics.