Key Wont Turn

[Disco 1]

Ok so apparently my rover won’t crank, actually the key won’t even turn. I actually went on a trip and took my mom’s Subaru so I’m not with the truck but my parents are frustrated and I want to get an opinion on what yall think the issue is and anything I could try before they go paying someone to do something. So basically as I understand it, when they went out to crank it one evening it acted like the key wouldn’t turn and the steering wheel was locked up. I don’t know how to describe this exactly but it’s happened to a few vehicles I’ve driven, and people have told me it’s happened to them before. Usually they finally get it to work by turning the steering wheel back and forth and fighting with it for a while until the key turns. At first this is what my parents thought it was but they fought with it and tried for a few hours by now probably as I understand it and it won’t turn. They’ve decided that this is not one of those normal occasional times, but rather that something’s broken. They’ve talked to a locksmith and the dealership and they suggest that the ignition is bad and needs replacing. If this is the case then that’s that, but I want to be as sure as possible that it needs to be replaced before I go spending this money. What do yall think? Any suggestions? They’ve fiddled with the key and steering wheel in every way possible. What else?

Thanks, Dane

[Ben Rover]

I have a similar problem, although not quite as severe, where I can turn the truck off but the key won't turn the last notch letting me pull it out completely.

I've found out this only happens when I park on the uneven gravel section of the driveway, on a slight slope and with the tires at different heights because of the bumps. the truck goes into park but it's like it doesn't go all the way and holds on to the key as if it was still on. Usually releasing the brake pedal and letting the truck settle completely and shifting a bit from Neutral to Park helps it "settle" and the key comes right out.

Dunno if this is what's afflicting your Disco but beware the dealer saying your ________ is broken, it'll cost you more than your truck probably did to fix

[amschnellsten]

same thing happened to me and many others. The ignition switches are junk and after reviewing the previous records, my disco is on it's third ignition. I pulled mine out and removed most of the tumblers ( so it would work with my door key) and removed the steering lock and the annoying push in feature. Works like a charm now and there is nothing inside except the three tumblers to ever worry about.

[Roverdisco98]

Common problem, been happening on mikne and off for 3 years. For a quick fix try tapping the end of the lock with a small hammer being carefull not to hit the plastic light ring. This usually frees mine up

[Disco 1]

Its fixed! I got it fixed it yesturday, before then i had just been driving with the ignition lock removed and just turning the switch manually. I took it totally apart (all plastics removed) so i could hit it real good with the hammer. This freed it up eventually and then i soaked it with wd40 and hit it some more and now it turns just like new! thanks for the help yall!

Dane

[ellainepepito]

if same problems occur try to look for a locksmith if ever the key won’t even turn.

[Ed Z]

Here's an inexpensive DIY repair for that...

ignition lock fix - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast Forum

[azazelcrey]

mine is hard to turn everysoo often i just wiggle the steering wheel back and forth whileist turning the key wiggeling that too and they both freeup and work. not a real big issue with my right now its the fuel pump wires.

[bakjar]

i breathe deep 10 seconds, wiggle the steering wheel, open and close drivers door, jiggle auto gear selector, remove-reinsert key and focus all my mental energy on a smooth key turn. works about half the time.