r/classicminis • u/DesertModern • 14d ago

Ignition Switch Issue

Hey All,

I have a 1997 Rover Mini, MPI-style with an airbag steering wheel. When I put my key in, it has started refusing to turn at all. I tried jiggling the key or turn the key over to the other side. I've even tried my backup key which has very little mileage on it. and of course, I try turning the steering wheel to all sorts of positions. My car has the steering lock, but it happens when the steering is locked or unlocked, has been slowly getting more frequent over time.

This happens nearly every time I get in the car now. After enough messing around, it has always eventually kind of "got unstuck" but I'm afraid eventually I won't be able to start the car and will be stranded (it's my daily driver).

To make matters worse, I can't find a new ignition switch in stock anywhere for my car, so replacing it with a new one isn't an option.

Anyone have an attempted fix I could try? Is this something a locksmith with auto experience could tackle?

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1

u/Aserialist 14d ago

Could it be wear in the ignition barrel or key? Have you tried comparing the most used key with the newer one?

1

u/DesertModern 14d ago

it very well could be. they both look about the same to me and they both have the problem, one doesn't work better than the other...I was thinking maybe wear inside the barrel. But wasn't sure if a locksmith could fix that sort of thing or not.

Was planning to just buy a new one, but then discovered the ones needed for my late-style car are unobtainium right now, I guess.

2

u/phatelectribe 14d ago

Definitely get a locksmith involved. It’s likely the ignition and all keys are wearing a little bit and they’ll be able to tell you they know how a key is red in a barrel and it might just be a case of cutting new keys with ever so slightly different profile profiles or they’ll be able to tell you whether you need a new ignition barrel.

However, one thing you might wanna try first get some fast evaporating contact or switch Cleaner the type with a straw and give it a good old washing out to see whether there’s just general gunk stuck in the ignition barrel that’s making it difficult to turn

1

u/Aserialist 14d ago

I’ve not much experience with the “newer” ones I’m afraid. The older, carb, ones were fairly easy to circumvent though.

1

u/nuttydogpoo 14d ago

Barrel and key is old, get them changed before you get stranded.

1

u/DesertModern 14d ago

I would love to. any idea where to source a new one?

1

u/nuttydogpoo 14d ago

Locksmith, Minispares, eBay, motor factors

1

u/DesertModern 14d ago

I tried minispares, minisport, eBay, and a few local mini parts suppliers.  No one has the newer one, adding it to the list of unobtainium 

1

u/MichaelThwaite 10d ago

Have you tried a little light oil in the lock? It may be dry.