"P.R.Brady" wrote in message
...

Before you set light to the car with WD40, it's not the steering lock is
it? Does the key release if you ease the steering wheel one way or the
other?

I think all my cars have locked the ignition key occasionally and it is
easily reproducable like this:

1. Stop the car with the front wheels slightly turned.

2. Remove the key. In this position the wheel will still turn as the
steering lock has not engaged, but it will engage if the wheel is turned
far enough.

3. Turn the wheel so the steering clicks and locks. This will often
happen if the wheel is in an unfortunate position as I get in or out of
the car. In that position the wheel will have a little play on the
steering lock if you turn it one way but be absolutely solid if you try to
turn it the other. In this state the key will not turn as it needs to
release the steering lock which is under tension.

4. The solution is simple: just ease a gentle pressure on the wheel to
provide a little slack and the lock turns easily.

I hope it's that simple. Good luck!

Phil








Thanks all, the graphite from a pencil idea seems to work. Also, it could
well be steering lock related so thanks for the advice on that. Interested
to see several other Brava owners with occasional similar problems.

John.