328 GTS ignition problem

Don't these ignitions have some sort of lock inside them that prevents you from hitting the starter, then hitting it again after the engine is running? You have to turn the key to the off postion before it will let you return to position 3. Sounds like this safety device is your problem.

 

Try moving the steering wheel right and or left as you turn the key. I have found on my Lotus when *someone* moves the steering wheel when it's locked, it will jam the mechanisim in just the way you describe.

Ken

 

Try WD 40 in the ignition key slot?

Ken

 

Squirt some powdered graphite into the lock first to make sure that the tumblers are free. If still stuck it sounds like disassembly is required. Search the archives for ignition switch topics - there have been a couple recently about rebuilding the switch unit.

 

WD40 is NOT a good idea. WD40 was made to displace water from the surface of machine tools & leave a waxy moisture barrier film. Problem is the wax can gum up locks & other things something fierce. WD40 is a pretty good penetrating oil, is great for drying out wet wiring, & of course protecting machine tool surfaces. It is not really a lubricant.

Graphite, or a spray lock lubricant is what you want. If that doesn't free it up, then look up the threads (search the body of posts, not just titles.) They have some pretty good pix with them.

 

A similar thing happened with my '89. It was intermittant. It would not turn to the fully OFF and locked postion, so I could not get the key out. No pattern with ambient temperature. This was partly due to ABS wiring being connected or some such.

The bad news is that new replacement lock mechanism for the '89 was around $2350.00! (That's more than an ignition switch for an F50.)
I ended up buying a used switch from T Rutlands for $1000. It has worked fine for the past three years.

I kept the old switch and hope to find someone who is a genius with locks to restore such an expensive part.

 

I decided to look at your car: the wheels are convex. Do you have ABS? The problem I had with my ignition is a known issue with 328s that have ABS. It's not the so much the year as the ignition switches in the cars with ABS.

Sorry.

Also, locksmiths do not use WD40 AFAIK. I bought a recommended graphite spray, but it did not keep me from having to replace the switch.