Ignition Cylinder Failure

[Black Hole]

After driving my Caterham over 4000 miles it has finally stranded me. I went to start the car and the key just rotated in the lock cylinder. Absolutely nothing happened, ie it did not act as if it was in position I or II and no electrics came on or the starter try and energize. I went to pull out the key and reinsert it (I thought I may have actually not inserted it into the lock cylinder) and the entire cylinder came out attached to the key.

 

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15428&stc=1

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15429&stc=1http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15430&stc=1

 

After the cylinder came out I inserted a screwdriver to see if I could rotate the ignition switch but had no luck. Turns out the screwdriver tip was magnetized and the two parts shown came out with it. I think the brass piece should be attached on the end of the cylinder and rotates the ignition, but i cannot place how the long silver place fits into it. Just for added fun when I took the key out to see if the silver part fits in the slot and two of the tumblers came out. I think I put them in the right slots

 

Anybody have any idea of how this puzzle fits together. Caterham has the whole steering lock that says it is for all cars on their website and I suspect I may need to buy a complete assembly.

 

It is easy to access (especially considering it is under the dash). My unit looks just like the picture from their website. Does anyone know how the black plastic part is attached. It seems to spin, I did not want to force if off just yet but suspect it is a snap fit on.

 

How long does it take to get from Caterham UK. I could order on Monday from them or I could wait til Tuesday and see if any of the US sources stock this part. I would hope it is low utilization and they don't have them! What are the most likely US options? Beacham and the new Denver based dealer>

[fastg]

A good locksmith should be able to rebuild it. They are very simple if you have the right skills

 

Graham

[yellowss7]

Jay, when I order from Caterham UK, the package usually get here in 4 days or so, assuming they have the part and customs doesn't hold it up.

 

I'd call early tomorrow morning, Say 5 am that's 10 am their time. They can get it out quickly if they have it. That's assuming you don't go with Grahams suggestion or find out if Beecham or Rocky mtn, have it in stock. Good luck. Tom

[Kitcat]

Definitely ask Rocky Mountain Motorsports. Send an e-mail today, you mite get a response today. They have been very helpful to me so far. Ditto Beachman Racing.

[The Stig]

Holiday in the UK tomorrow as well so earliest is Tuesday for Caterham to respond. Try Redline as they may have one and Chris may be able to respond faster than Caterham. Ping him on one of the Caterham Facebook groups.

[Black Hole]

Thank you all. While i was taking the steering lock off of the column i had this part fall out that appears to go in the bottom of the whole at the end of the lock cylinder:

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15434&stc=1

 

Hard to see from the picture but on each side of the shiny groove the part appears fractured.

 

So I think i am on the buy a new path and will check with the sources mentioned. Caterham says they have them in stock but if I can get one in the US even better.

[Black Hole]

Can someone explain how i attach a photo without it being repeated at the bottom of the post. I pick manage attachments and insert inline. Is there a more efficient way to do this?

[Black Hole]

Does anyone have an email contact for Rocky Mountain Sports Cars. I can find a phone number but no other contacts in my search

 

Thank you

[Croc]

Oh I feel this car problem - I just went through this with the Fiat ignition locks and am still sorting out the door locks at great frustration.

 

If you know the car it comes from then you can usually save some cash by searching for the model but your photo escapes me. My Caterham ignition lock is from a Rover Metro but yours is something else? It will undoubtedly be some dignified piece of British automotive shit as a well deserved donor.

 

I echo Tom’s comments earlier on this thread. You can usually have your parts from Caterham UK (or Redline) in less than a week to your door. It’s usually the quickest for sourcing parts of any make of my cars.

[Colorado7er]

Does anyone have an email contact for Rocky Mountain Caterham?

 

Hi, Jay:

 

Josh here from Rocky Mountain Caterham. Sorry to hear of the trouble! And yes, as mentioned in this thread, the steering lock is just a crummy-yet-ubiquitous Thatcher-era British Leyland or Rootes part (off a Hillman, I think).

 

But, I do have a brand new one in stock if you want one.

 

You can email me at:

 

josh [dot] robbins [at] rockymountaincaterham [dot] com

 

...and we can get you hooked up.

Edited May 26, 2019 by Colorado7er

[Croc]

Hillman! LMAO!

[Black Hole]

Hi, Jay:

 

Josh here from Rocky Mountain Caterham. But, I do have a brand new one in stock if you want one

 

...and we can get you hooked up.

 

Fantastic support. Great that Caterham has support in the US to allow us to enjoy our cars.

 

I will send end you an email

[Black Hole]

Big thank you to Rocky Mountain Caterham. Josh got the parts out to me on Tuesday and I installed them this morning. I can now start my car, though if I did not have the parts in hand this weekend I was going to do some self taught hot wire lessons. Based on the install I think it would be a five minute job to hot wire a 7. Another fun fact is the ignition still has a steering column lock in it and the tube around the column has a hole for it to actuate into. Just does not interface with the rotating shaft and provide any looking function.

[Kitcat]

Ditto the "props" to RM Caterham: they have been instrumental in my recent repairs. Also Beachman racing and, when all else fails, Caterham, UK, as Croc noted. But Cat UK is not a sure thing. I just got an email from them saying that my uprated rear brake parts were (finally) back in stock. But I was able to get them months ago, thx to the US Caterham contacts just noted.