Hi guys, I'm looking for a bit of help.

My 2001 P38 has been behaving itself quite well during the pandemic, despite not being used very much. However, this weekend, after I had been out in it the keyfob didn't lock the vehicle when the button was pressed. It would unlock but not lock.

I have reregistered the key in the drivers' door lock, and I can lock and unlock with the key blade. The vehicle always starts when the key is put into the ignition.

But what I have noticed is that when I take the key out of the ignition switch there is no "click". I was explecting to hear the "click" when the key was removed and I am wondering whether this is somehow connected to the fact that the keyfob won't lock the vehicle.

Perhaps someone may have a solution to this issue. At least I can lock the motor with the key so that is something.

Pierre3.

When you open the door after taking the key out, does the dash beep and say Ignition Key In? In which case it won't let you lock it so you don't lock the keys inside. There's a microswitch in the bottom of the ignition lock that detects if the key is in or not and it can get gummed up with dust and rubbish. A good squirt with brake cleaner (as it evaporates and doesn't leave a residue) and work the key in and out a few times should clean it out. If you do it with the door open, the dash should tell you if it is working or not.

Hi, I jumped the gun a bit here. I had a look generally and found a fair amount of information on sticking ignition switches.

Thanks Gilbertd, I had all the signs that you have mentioned.

As mentioned a number of times the switch was not popping back out when the key was removed and there was the "Key in" message on the dash display.

I gave the switch a bang and it popped back out, but I do notice that it can stay stuck in if I put the key in and turn the key to start the vehicle, and the stop and remove the key again. I need to give it a tap with the key for it to pop back out and let me lock the vehicle with the remote.

I have sprayed it liberally with switch cleaning spray but it it still tending to stick.

If I want to take out the switch do I need to remove all the plastic panels that are around the sterring column ?

Also, is the issue being caused inside the switch, or do I have to try to remove the whole sterring lock mechanism ?

Regards, Pierre3.

Switch cleaning spray will usually leave an oily deposit so will just make the sticky mess even stickier, that's why I said to use brake cleaner as it evaporates and doesn't leave a deposit. The switch is right inside the lock so the whole lot has to come out and be taken apart. There also a couple of little springs in there that are a real fiddle to get back. Brake cleaner using a long tube so it gets right inside the lock and flushes the muck out is much easier.

Gilbert, I wonder if you can say whether the Holts brake cleaner is suitable to clean out the switch ?

Pierre3.

Probably. You wouldn't want an oily residue on brake discs so it should work nicely.

Thanks for that. I will pick some up tomorrow.

Pierre3.