Audi 80 - Key goes in but won't turn

[edwardbear]

I've tried jiggling the steering wheel
Putting some wd40 in the key then into ignition.

Nuttin

[comfortablynumb]

Hi have you tried taking the elecs off the back of the switch & then trying? will tell you if its the lock or the switch at least

[davidpallister]

is it the right key? did it used to work and now doesn't?

[thewindscreenman]

Worn key or ignition. Would get a new key cut first.

[edwardbear]

Worn out key the aa man said. It sure how to get a new one cut as the worn key would be the template ?

[cobblers]

There's usually a code on the key that a decent locksmith could cut a key from. Failing that it's usually on the lock barrels too - If I remember rightly, it's 2 or 3 digits.

[edwardbear]

It has an 'ah' on the key

[georgeb]

Nov 19, 2016 18:04:35 GMT edwardbear said:

It has an 'ah' on the key

Don't know whereabouts in the world you are but sweetpea had a similar issue with his MR2 key, resolved by a proper locksmith. Have a look at the latter stages of his thread.

[duggers]

What year/model series, key type is it. I used a locksmith on ebay who cut a key from a picture.

[thewindscreenman]

As said a good locksmith will be able to allow for wear when cutting the new key

[edwardbear]

Right then I have managed to start the car two more times today but will still be looking for a lock smith and getting some spares made. Then it's the immobiliser to sort

[lufbramatt]

AH is the key blank type, used on loads of vws and audis of that period.

[duggers]

This is the sort of thing they do on the bay, this ones £11 all in: item 281254470385

A local locksmith (not those branded places in shopping centres) will probably be a bit cheaper if they are happy to do it.

[rodney]

get a spare cut then put your chip in it

[igor]

I had worn key issues with one of my Ford Falcons with over 400,000 kms on the clock. I took it to the franchise dealer and, using the serial number from the build plate, they ordered new keys. Cost $NZ15 per key.

[Sweetpea]

Sorry, bit late to the party as always!

Yeah, I've just been through this with my Toyota.
Your best bet is to get a key from Audi. They should be able to cut it from the chassis number if they still have the records. Toyota thought they could cut me one but couldn't when they tried.
Your next bet is a good lock smith. I hit gold on my 3rd try. He cut it by looking at the blank and 'reading' the key number off it from the height of the steps. It took a couple of goes but he did it.
The chap I used is in Canterbury. See here... Getting a key cut
He said he should be able to help if people can post him a key or a lock. Give him a ring if you get stuck. He won't be able to help much with the immobiliser unless you can get the car to him.

The other thing that made a lot of difference was to wash out the locks. I stripped and cleaned the door locks 'cos they came apart easily. Another link...
The ignition and boot locks were harder to get apart so I took them off and flushed them out with loads of WD40 before oiling. Even with the old key they were much better. With the new key they are almost like new. I'd take your locks off and flush them out what ever happens.

If your problem came on suddenly and the door locks are ok I'd guess one of wafers in the ignition barrel may be sticking. I know you said you'd stuck some WD40 in the lock but when I did it off the car I used so much there was a puddle on the garage floor. Undoubtedly the key is warn too. Certainly on my car the bulk of the wear was in the key. I guess they make the key the softest part as it's easiest to replace.

Good luck

James

PS Did I really do a full post on going to a lock smith and getting a key cut!? What a sad git!