[tufftrigger]

I left my 87 Range Rover in a parking lot today after it wouldn't start. Everything was fine when i went into the store, but when i came out 10 minutes later the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. I tried jostling the wheel, taking it in and out of park, rolling the car in neutral back a few feet and turning the wheel -- nothing. The key will go in, but won't turn at all. :dunno:

Any ideas?

 

[Disco]

My guess it's your Gear sensor switch that's the culprit, or, if you have other heavy items swinging off your key ring, it's worn the ignition lock out. It's likely that you have been suffering with the "jiggling & wheel twisting" routine for some time, yes? Is your steering in lock mode. If so, keep persisting for a little while longer, then if no success, you will need a new ignition lock. Either way get a new lock.

 

[tufftrigger]

Yes and No

You're right that i've done the wheel-twisting and key jiggling, although it happens maybe only once a month, usually when i've parked the car with the wheel turned hard into the curb.

However, right now the wheel isn't locked. And I've been able to take the gear shift out of park without the key in for the last 5 years. So, maybe it's the gear sensor. What do you think?

 

[Disco]

It probably only needs adjusting.

 

[OkieRover]

Mine did this when it was 7 degrees (F) outside.
My ignition switch is screwed up too. Gotta turn in on and then off and then on again and then it will start. I need to replace that switch someday.

 

[tufftrigger]

Problem Solved

So, I got in touch with my mechanic today and he knew the solution. I'm writing it here so that others might use it in the future:

1) Getting the Vehicle to the Mechanic: This is a one-time fix to get the car started so you can drive it to where a mechanic can work on it. Take some WD-40 and spray it in the key hole. Put the key in and tap it like a nail with a hammer. Then gently jiggle the key and see if you can get it to turn and start the engine. I did this and it worked! However, don't take the key out as it will likely work ONLY ONCE.

2) Fixing the Ignition Key Lock: The problem in my case is that the ignition key lock was worn down, especially since my only key was a duplicate made from a door lock, not the original key (which i lost). Over time the ignition lock didn't recognize my key and needed to be replaced.

One other item: the 1987 Range Rover doesn't automatically lock the gear shift in PARK when the key isn't in like later models. So, there is no problem with the gear shift.

Hope that helps if anyone else ends up in my position. Thanks for all your advice.

 

[cellulararrest]

DON'T SPRAY IN WD-40!!!! Don't use liquid lubricants. It'll loosen it up too much and you won't be able to keep it running! spray in some graphite. Should do the trick.