Ford Transit 2013+ / Transit Custom 2013+ key not turning / key won’t turn / key won’t go into ignition barrel / key stuck in ignition barrel / steering lock jammed / steering lock won’t release

NOTE 1: Please check our  ‘areas covered’ page to see if you fall within our catchment area. Customers outside this area must either arrange recovery to Westerham, Kent if they would like us to fix their vehicle or pay additional travel costs.

Whilst this blog covers the Ford Transit and Transit Custom models there are other Ford vehicles that this guide applies to (Tourneo, Ranger and Transit Connect for example).

What are the symptoms of this fault?

Either the key will not turn in the ignition, you’re not able to get the key in or your key is stuck in the ignition barrel. All three symptoms usually have the same cause!

Why does this happen?

There are two main causes of this issue:

• The pins or wafers inside the ignition barrel wear and no longer make contact with the key. This causes them to sit at the wrong height which causes all of the above issues! See the below picture for what the wear on the pin actually looks like.
• The key blade is worn and so is not making proper contact on the pins.

In 90% of cases it is a combination of both of the above issues.

How do I fix the problem?

You need a new ignition barrel and/or a new key blade cut to original manufacturer specifications. Ford sell these ignition barrels as a kit that needs to be built to your existing key.

Do not buy aftermarket ignition barrels. The metal is terrible quality and before long you will be replacing it with a genuine Ford part

Does my vehicle need to go to the main dealers?

No. We stock genuine Ford ignition barrels and high quality key blades. We can come to you, remove your seized ignition barrel, decode your worn key to ascertain the original manufacturer cut heights, build you a new ignition barrel that will match your existing locks, and cut you a new key blade.

How long does it take?

It’s a same-day service! Please just give us a call on 01732758302 or 07776222722 to book.