VS ignition barrel broken. Need to start her.

You've checked the starter motor circuit right...?

 

Tilt Tray. Easier than the mucking around.

 

earth your starter out and it will crank over. ;-)

 

Sounds like the stoooopid ignition barrel has busted and will need to be replaced. To get you going, drop the lower steering column shroud and remove the ignition switch (two small screws), turn the key to the 'start' position (to unlock the steering) and use a small screwdriver to rotate the switch and start the car. You may need to remove the broken bit of the barrel from the switch first.

 

The same thing happened to me 3 weeks ago but the key jammed in the start position and broke the starter motor.

 

It sometimes takes a few goes to get my VR started, how ever i believe it might be the key. It turns all the way, sometimes with no response, if i pull the key out and try again i usually have some luck!

 

This a common fault with VS. Try tightening the main cable nut on the starter motor solenoid.

 

sorery to hack this thread for a second, but where is this, pictures would be good!

 

You can buy a new 'uncoded' barrel from Holden for around $60. You then are able to use your existing key. Im sure a DIY on this would be in here somewhere.
As this is a common problem, using secondhand parts may mean this will occur again in the near future. You will still be able to recode a secondhand barrel to match your key.

 

Never heard of that.I always thought you have to get the key cut to match the lock.If they sold a lock barrel that was a universal fit for anyones key,then anyones key would open or unlock it..

 

It is not a universal fit, the barrel has to be coded to suit your key.

 

I never heard of a chip in the barrel of a commodore ignition switch.I know theres a key reader around the outside of the barrel (2 metal contact rings)that reads the keys security code,this key reader is connected to the BCM for security.(Immobiliser).This code has nothing to do with the ignition lock barrel.Anyone else know anything about this?

 

There is no chip. When you buy a new barrel it comes with many little bits and piece that I do not know the name of, these need to be fitted in the lock cylinder in the correct sequence to suit the key. This is usually done by a locksmith as they know how to do it. Perhaps the correct word for this is not "coded" and this is causing the confusion. We are talking about coding the key and not the key remote.

 

Right,I wanted to know as Im looking at replacing my ignition lock because it gets stuck when turning it from off to on,and is slowly getting worse.Getting a new key cut didnt make any difference either.I dont want to have to go through the crap of changing the igniton lock(different lock and key) and then have to change the door and boot locks as well,I just want to change the ignition barrel and use the original key.So this new "blank" barrel might be the way to go.Thanks for the info.I will post how I go with it.The little pieces inside a lock are called tumblers and they are different lenghts to match the high and low spots of the key.

 

Get it replaced before it get to the point where it won't turn any more making it very difficult to remove. Many locksmiths carry these barrels now and they will set it for you and it is usually a lot cheaper than buying one from Holden and then having it coded.