MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Key stuck in ignition

1979 MGB: Yesterday I turned the ignition key and the car started ok, but when I turned off the ignition the key wouldn't turn all the way back, preventing me from removing it. I tried turning it clockwise again and it started the engine, but was stiff to turn back when turning off the engine. The key then seemed to want to stay in the 'aux' position (number 1). After fiddling around with it for about 15 minutes it finally seemed to loosen a bit, allowing me to turn the key fully anticlockwise and remove it. I then squirted some release oil into the lock barrel and left it overnight. This morning the key would turn to the 'aux' position but no further.

I assume I'm going to need a new ignition lock/switch assembly. The workshop manual gives no information on removal or repair of the ignition switch - I'm wondering if it's possible to remove the steering wheel cowl without removing the steering wheel (I've tried to remove this several times in the past without success, and I'm not sure I want to try the John Twist method on this car which has a collapsible column).
Brian Shaw

You can leave the wheel on. Under the column there are 3 bolts connecting to a supporting frame behind the dash, undo these so the column drops low enough that you can remove all of the cowl screws. A bit of wiggling will see the cowl off. Then you can decide how best to remove the ign/steering lock assembly. If the shear bolts are sheared (always on origional items) then a hacksaw cut across the rop of the bolt (front to rear on the car) lets you use a scrwedriver (sometimes an impact variant) to remove the assembly without ruining the column also.

Have fun!
RoadWarrior

When you lower the steering column, take note of where the shim/washers are fitted. These affect the alignment of the steering column. Barrie E
B Egerton

Alignment is not a trivial issue, getting it wrong can prematurely wear the UJ and the rack shaft bearing.
Paul Hunt

Thanks for the advice. I removed the ign/steering lock assembly ok. There were no shims or spacers. I notice that Moss have spacers listed and quote 3 required per car, although BL microfiche doesn't show spacers. Presumably these would be fitted as/when necessary to achieve correct alignment.

Most of the problem on mine seems to be in the switch part of the assembly. With the switch attached, I couldn't get the key to turn. When I removed the switch the key turned ok but had to be jiggled a bit to withdraw it. I've ordered a complete assembly from MGOC.
Brian Shaw

This thread was discussed between 24/05/2013 and 27/05/2013

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.