Can I change ignition barrel and keep same key?

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 26 Dec 2008, 21:54

Hello all. Great forum this.

My question : The ignition barrel of my 405 is busted. Can I get a new one that will work with the SAME key?

Am trying to avoid having to change all locks and only want to use one key for everything.

Cheers, Neil.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 26 Dec 2008, 22:52

Some workshops do in fact make up new barrels to fit your old key.
Its a question of mastering the art of fitting small spring loaded tumblers in the barrel.
You would need a new barrel, as the bores for the tumblers are worn out making the tumblers tilt and then in most cases prevent the key go in.

I'd definately not do it for you, been there tried it

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 27 Dec 2008, 07:37

AndersDK wrote: I'd definately not do it for you, been there tried it

Me too Anders. Been there, tried the same, gave up in total frustration and failure

Better to have a solidly reliable barrel than one that may remain a bit "iffy".

You soon get used to having two keys. My last 205 had three

As long as they all look different, no worries.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 27 Dec 2008, 09:08

i think these barrels are not intended to be striped and re/built,

also it sometimes works out cheaper to buy a full lock set from the likes of GSF, than buying just the ignition lock on its own

regards malcolm

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 27 Dec 2008, 12:28

thanx for your replies. i'm not against using 2 keys but (and sorry if this sounds ignorant) would the car still start without the old programmed key in position?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 27 Dec 2008, 12:42

Neil34 wrote:thanx for your replies. i'm not against using 2 keys but (and sorry if this sounds ignorant) would the car still start without the old programmed key in position?

It will. I had to replace the ignition barrel on my old 405 and it was no issue. I don't believe any 405s had an immobiliser..

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 30 Dec 2008, 17:00

ok sooo...having had a look around i'm thinking about doing this :

buy new ignition barrel + key blade.
put key blade in old key fob.
use that key for ignition and auto-central locking
hence no need for old key (apart from boot and emergencies)

does this sound feasible?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 30 Dec 2008, 22:23

how much is that all going to cost,
regards malcolm

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 31 Dec 2008, 00:07

about £30 for a new ignition barrel + key

is that a lot?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 31 Dec 2008, 07:44

Neil34 wrote: is that a lot?

That's not bad at all

Last one I did was nearer fifty...

AS for swapping the key blade; you'll be OK as long as the keys are physically the same. A lot of replacements are made to a totally different style.

If you can swap blades though, that'll be a good solution

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 31 Dec 2008, 08:26

that wont be a genuine lock/key blade is it, sounds to cheap to me, if it is it probably dose not come complete with ignition switch, i still think your best opption is buy a new key cut to the original formular buy the dealers parts depot,

the only down side to that is if you lock barrel gives up, just after you buy the new key at £46 squide

regards malcolm

reblack68 · Unread post by **reblack68** » 02 Jan 2009, 10:10

The ignition lock barrel has given up, that's the reason he's asking in the first place.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:38

i have today transplanted a key blade from a new VALIO lock set into an original chiped key head on an S reg pug 306, and it fits straight in,

so we could then use the new ignition lock from the set

regards malcolm