Just bought TownAce turbo diesel 4wd 1990. The previous owner had somehow or other broken the ignition key off in the switch/ barrel. Have stripped trim etc, but cannot get the barrel out. The steering lock seems to be OK. The ignition works but only because the key has been "modified". Any advice much appreciated. And has anyone a spare for sale, including keys, just in case the old one is knackered.

- (#12774) Gordon, 15 Aug 04 05:01

You've got to (as I recall) turn the key to "ACC" or thereabouts then push a little silver button in (on the alloy casting, might need a fine screwdriver. The barrel should then pull out.

- (#12774) David Miller, 15 Aug 04 08:05

Cheers Dave. Any idea as to where the silver button might be on the housing - all I can see are 2 small holes (about 2mm dia) about 25mm apart on the underside of the housing. Tried all sorts of allen key/screwdriver etc etc but nothing seems to be hidden away up inside the hole.Unfortunately my days of of doing head stands on the drivers seat with feet stuck to the screen are well passed.
Gordon

- (#12774) Gordon, 15 Aug 04 15:25

Nope. Can't remember. It's years since I did it on my own townie, and then I read it out of a Haynes for an old Corolla. Seem to recall it being about a third of the length back from the end, and facing (ish) the drivers seat.
But the relevant hole in the casting will have a steel pin inside it to press. Sure the key was in the right position?

- (#12774) David Miller, 16 Aug 04 01:16

Did mine a year ago. Once you find the button it's easy.

Yes, remove plastic trim, turn key to ACC. Allow for tricks of memory but as I recall it don't look for a hole, the button is about 3mm diameter with a slightly rounded head, sticks out 2 or 3 mm and is on the top of the lock barrel towards the front of the car. However I needed a length of thick coathanger wire (my favourite tool), with about 5mm bent at right angles on the end, to press the button (it goes in easily, perhaps with a wriggle of the key/lock) so it must be to some extent obstructed.

Once you have a replacement lock it will be obvious. I still have an old one and could publish a picture in Ace Answers as this is a common question - say if you really need that.

- (#12774) Dave Mason (Sussex), 16 Aug 04 03:35

Finally found the little devil - it was jammed in where the previous owner had snapped off the ignition key in the lock. All now sorted, except whilst searching, I took off the little switch assy. that is operated by the button for removing the key. Sods law, the miniscule circlip that holds the switch into its housing went ping. What exactly does this switch do? 'cos everything seems to be working without it "!!
Many thanks for advice on how to reove the barrel.

- (#12774) Gordon davies, 17 Aug 04 14:58

I have put a couple of pictures at the bottom of the Dashboard page in the Ace Handbook on www.townace.com

- (#12774) Dave Mason (Sussex), 18 Aug 04 01:14

Gordon, it's an interlock to stop you from engaging the steering lock unless the transmission is in park. You can just jam the mechanism down and glue it like that...

- (#12774) David Miller, 18 Aug 04 02:06

Dave(s)
Without your help I would never have found this info.VVV much appreciated

- (#12774) gordon, 18 Aug 04 03:40