Key won't turn to start engine

My ignition key was needing to be pulled partially out, jiggled, pushed in, then out, then by chance it would turn. Finally I used my second key and it worked fine, for a year or so, now it's the same thing. Can I remove the whole ignition key thing easily from the dash? I'd take it somewhere and see if they can re-key it or fix it?? Is that what I need to do? I did buy 2 NOS original key blanks. 1982 308 GTBi Thanks for any advice.

 

Removing and disassembling the lock mechanism on a 308 is a fairly involved job. I would start off by having new keys cut and see how it works out for you. Before cutting an NOS key start off with a generic one so you don't waste the key if the cylinder needs to be replaced. I have taken apart one of these lock cylinders before and can assure you that it is not designed to be opened or serviced. It is a TON of work and requires some machining. In most instances people replace the lock cylinder as a whole which is an entire assembly that leads into the steering column. Quite expensive.

 

That ignition/lock cylinder engages the steering column locking feature when the key is removed. I have found on several occasions with my 308 that if the steering wheel was perhaps partly turned when the key was removed, when the steering column locks there will be a slight binding of the locking mechanism. This prevents the ignition key from being turned the next time I try to start the car, necessitating a slight yank on the steering wheel to free the column lock enabling me to turn the key. Just a thought.

 

When I bought my 308 I noticed there was a slight catch when turning my ignition key from the off position. I didn't think that much about it until one day I drove it all the way up to Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park which was 179 miles from home. After enjoying the view I hopped back in the 308, turned the key and it snapped clean off. Luckily, since the key shaft was still neatly imbedded in the barrel I was able to stick the broken nub in my hand in enough to turn it and get the car started.

There is still that slight catch but I'm careful not to force past it too quickly and regularly examine my key to make sure it isn't on it's way to breaking in two again. Still, I'd like to fix it, it's on the list...

 

Does your ignition switch have a crack like this? If so, then you need a new or used ignition switch with no crack.