Key will not turn in ignition of my saab 900s .i had it broke into last night but there doesn t seem to be any damage to the ignition.will i need to change the barrel and if so,how do you do it.thanks dean
This is not an easy job as the entire lock assembly must be replaced and correctly adjusted during reassembly. Any immobiliser keys will also need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle. If your Saab has the typical Saab transmission mounted ignition key then it's the transmission lock which must be replaced, if it's mounted on the steering column then the entire steering column lock needs changing.
Both assemblies are deliberately difficult to remove and require specialist skills and tools. As an example, the devices are secured using security bolts on which the heads are designed to break off once fully assembled, adjusted and tested. To remove them, the headless bolts must be drilled out but access is usually difficult and the bolts are of hardened steel.
You are strongly advised to get this job done professionally: as the damage was due to an attempted theft it will be covered by all UK policies (except for those with just Third Party cover) and also by many US and Aussie/NZ policies.
Answers & Comments
This is not an easy job as the entire lock assembly must be replaced and correctly adjusted during reassembly. Any immobiliser keys will also need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle. If your Saab has the typical Saab transmission mounted ignition key then it's the transmission lock which must be replaced, if it's mounted on the steering column then the entire steering column lock needs changing.
Both assemblies are deliberately difficult to remove and require specialist skills and tools. As an example, the devices are secured using security bolts on which the heads are designed to break off once fully assembled, adjusted and tested. To remove them, the headless bolts must be drilled out but access is usually difficult and the bolts are of hardened steel.
You are strongly advised to get this job done professionally: as the damage was due to an attempted theft it will be covered by all UK policies (except for those with just Third Party cover) and also by many US and Aussie/NZ policies.