Key won't go in ignition

[Knight3279]

Well as ***le says the first of my problems is the key won't go the whole way in the ignition to let off the lock, I can start it by removing the back of the switch and it'll start with the key in, so it is the right key,lol
My question is if I get the barrel, key and ecu from another car will this work? Or better to fork out for a new barrel made to that key?
Money is tight as she needs a lot of work

Cheers and sorry if I'm repeating something previously covered

2000 2.0 se

 

[davecmr]

I'd say it'd be cheaper to get a new barrel from honda cut to your key.

 

[Knight3279]

I know it would be easier, but can pick up barrel and ecu setups on eBay for about 100. God knows what a new barrel would cost, then seeing as key won't turn the old one won't come out without being drilled?

 

[skhell]

Isn't it possible to just replace the ignition barrel?
I guess if you put a "new/used" barrel, cut a key to that barrel, and then "program" that new key with the code from the old one, that would be ok... not sure, just an idea :unsure:

 

[Knight3279]

I think that's what costs the most, having the barrel and new key coded to match ecu, so figured a used ecu and matching key would be ok?
Also how do you compare the ecus?is same year and model ok without remapping?

 

[davecmr]

Price up a new barrel had it on a Vauxhall years ago and it wasn't that expensive also you then don't need to go changing all the locks on the car and messing about with ecu's and coding keys etc.

 

[tbourner]

Price up a new barrel had it on a Vauxhall years ago and it wasn't that expensive also you then don't need to go changing all the locks on the car and messing about with ecu's and coding keys etc.

Unless of course it's a stolen car with no key at all and the steering column narked, then the only way really is to get a 'second hand' key, barrel and ECU. Not that I'm suggesting that's the case here obviously.

 

[Knight3279]

No, as stated at start of topic I can start it by the switch as long as key is in ignition the key just won't turn, so definitely not stolen,lol, and being that the key can turn makes it harder to get the barrel out as it needs to be in a certain position
I live in Orkney, good locksmiths don't exist here and everything has to be done by post, so replacing barrel and ecu seemed easiest thing I could do myself

 

[CJM]

No, as stated at start of topic I can start it by the switch as long as key is in ignition the key just won't turn, so definitely not stolen,lol, and being that the key can turn makes it harder to get the barrel out as it needs to be in a certain position
I live in Orkney, good locksmiths don't exist here and everything has to be done by post, so replacing barrel and ecu seemed easiest thing I could do myself

What is your gut feeling,

Key slightly bent or barrel jamming?

Does it feel that there is something preventing the key from going fully in?

Have a look at the key and see if there are any particular marks, indicating that the key is jamming. You could try (if you haven't already) lubricating the barrel with something like Gt85 or WD40

 

[Knight3279]

Aye the key won't fully go in, I've flooded it in WD40 to no avail, it's like there's something in the end of the barrel, key doesn't seem to be bent, so was guessing maybe the tumblers had collapsed?