VT ignition/electrical problem help?

[Rude80]

Hi all - looking for diagnosis help.

My 2000 VT Berlina wont start. Here's the symptoms:

After trying to start car with no luck and then taking key out of ignition, Ignition appears to be stuck on "On". Dashboard lights are present as they usually are before cranking the engine over but key has been taken out. Ive tried reinserting key and turning again but the dash lights remain. There doesnt appear to be any resistance when turning key to crank engine over. Ive disconnected and reconnected battery but dashlights remain.

THe key wont lock the car - neither the remote nor the manual key lock will lock the car. Ive also tried the spare key.

Could this be the result of an old battery that stuff or do i need to call an auto electrician?

Thanks for your help!
j

[accentstencil]

It sounds like the end that goes into the ignition switch has broken off the barrel so it is not turning the actual ignition switch. You will need to remove the barrel to have a look. No idea about the other problem.

[wetwork65]

Yep had same problem in my VT. Replace ignition barrel approx $70 from locksmith -who can rekey. - search for instructions on this site - it is covered well.

[Rude80]

Cheers for the help guys..

Ive managed to detach the ignition barrel and the end has broken as was suggested in the first reply here. Now I need to take off the ignition switch to get to the broken piece. Im guessing the switch is the round plastic piece at the back of the ignition barrel with a handful of wires coming off? Im not sure how to take this part off. There is a clip but this alone doesnt appear to remove the switch. I can see a small silver star shaped screw that looks like it may need to come off? Am I on the right track and what tool do i need to get at that?

Once I grab the new barrel from Holden, do I then need to take the key & new barrel to a locksmith who will "code" my existing keys to the new barrel? Ive gotten a bit confused reading the many different threads here regarding all of this so just want to confirm im doin the right things.

Cheers!