Car ignition/key combo fail question

[Opti]

I had a very freaky experience when I got in my car to turn the key and go home. The key barely turned and I was unable to start my car. I tried the emergency key, the steering wheel wasn't locked so I'm really sad. I'm hoping it is something simple and cheap like the cylinder has flaked out someone.

Luckily I was within walking distance of home and the car is parked somewhere that should be safe. Anyone experience this? My car is a 2002 BMW.

Rick, when I mean barely turned it is around 1/16 of inch or something like that. Got home too late to speak to a service advisor
at the dealer so I have to call tomorrow morning. Any ideas before then would be appreciated.


Thanks!

[Opti]

No I didn't try to move the steering wheel at all. It is almost dead straight as how it should be. Should I have been unable to move the key at all if it is the lock cylinder only?

[Opti]

Rick, just got a call from my friend who works on cars. He found out that it is a known problem a pin will break and render the cylinder unusable. My guess is that's what happened.

[Opti]

Rick my understanding is if the pin breaks there is no getting around the issue. The car is currently a two to three mile walk one way so I'm not going to go there tonight. Need to hydrate and eat. My friend thinks given what he read the odds are low that would work otherwise he'd probably pick me up and drive me there.

If it did work and it started, I'd be afraid to take it anywhere else. I do appreciate your help, just not up to losing the rest of my evening walking back there and likely home again in the dark.

[Opti]

Hydrating, getting my sinuses to drain so I can stop having a fever.
Guess I'm not as tough as you.

[Opti]

Sinus infection is improving slightly. I also walked to the car and it did start. It's home now, I decided on a whim not to drive to the dealer. Wondering if I should try a slightly longer drive and see how it goes.

I turned the wheel slightly and also brought my spare big key which used to be my primary until the automatic door lock/unlock parts started failing. I used that key to start it the car. I'm guessing that pin hasn't broken so that's good. Not sure about the rest.

[Opti]

I haven't had a problem starting it since, but I'm prepared now. My AAA card finally came in the mail. Hopefully it hangs in there until I get a well paying job.

[TD2K]

Okay, someone reading this board for the first time is going to think there's something very weird going on

Why the H did they delete all of Rick's posts?

[msventoux]

Shhhh, she's talking to her imaginary friends.

I think Rick left a few days ago along with a couple of others (Iggy and ?). The posters deleted their accounts and asked the mods to delete their posting history.

[Opti]

Sept 3, 2012 17:00:38 GMT -5 TD2K said:

Okay, someone reading this board for the first time is going to think there's something very weird going on

Why the H did they delete all of Rick's posts?

I think it is because Rick asked but in cases like his Auto advice it seems rather selfish because now no one can refer to them.



The bad thing is now that people know it is possible for Moon to delete all traces of them I think more people when they disappear will choose that option even if its just for vanity's sake. Back in the MSN days we were told that wasn't possible and posters were told they were free to delete their posts themselves. Few including I think Dark had the stamina or perseverance to get them all.