Hail Briskodans. I come to you today with a sorry tale. My 2 yr. old jammed a chopstick into the ignition of the Fab, and now of course the key only goes in about half way. Despite not being able to physically see any wood or splinters in there, it's thoroughly blocked.

I've tried fiddling around inside it - with a paperclip, a corn cob holder and finally a screwdriver. No luck. I even blasted some WD40 in to it, which dislodged some chopstick paint flakes, but still -blocked.

So - anyone know any magic tricks for this situation? I was thinking maybe if I could shoot a jet of flame in there and burn out the wood splinters... then I thought, nah, probably a bad idea. Thanks in advance for any tips or advice.

(If all else fails, what could I be looking at for the dealer to fix it? I seem to recall ignition switches being quite costly years ago).

Hail Briskodans. I come to you today with a sorry tale. My 2 yr. old jammed a chopstick into the ignition of the Fab, and now of course the key only goes in about half way. Despite not being able to physically see any wood or splinters in there, it's thoroughly blocked.

I've tried fiddling around inside it - with a paperclip, a corn cob holder and finally a screwdriver. No luck. I even blasted some WD40 in to it, which dislodged some chopstick paint flakes, but still -blocked.

So - anyone know any magic tricks for this situation? I was thinking maybe if I could shoot a jet of flame in there and burn out the wood splinters... then I thought, nah, probably a bad idea. Thanks in advance for any tips or advice.

(If all else fails, what could I be looking at for the dealer to fix it? I seem to recall ignition switches being quite costly years ago).

I guess there's no option but to remove the barrel then may be you could push it out from the far side as opposed to a new lock and key, the wd- 40 won't help as it has probl'y swelled the wood - shouldn't be too difficult- done several but not VAG ones so can't help futher best of luck

Thanks Cat, I'll look into it (heh).

Go to maplins and get a set of fine needle point hooks of tweezers and try to pull it out....or use sais item to hold open the cover and stick the vacum cleaner fine extension tube nozzle over the opening!!!

Go to maplins and get a set of fine needle point hooks of tweezers and try to pull it out....or use sais item to hold open the cover and stick the vacum cleaner fine extension tube nozzle over the opening!!!

Suction, great idea! Jeweller's tools, also great. I'm going to save the whole 'dismantle the steering column' plan til last. In the meantime, let's hoover!

Have FUN as trying the remove the lock is not easy....I do have a Haynes manual for the car!

I guess there's no option but to remove the barrel then may be you could push it out from the far side as opposed to a new lock and key, the wd- 40 won't help as it has probl'y swelled the wood - shouldn't be too difficult- done several but not VAG ones so can't help futher best of luck

Removed a few lolly sticks in my time.

Unfortunately, you can't remove the barrel without putting the key in and turning it. The WD-40 was a bad idea. A worse idea is using compressed air, so don't try. As suggested, use a straight pick. Use it to stab the bits and use a vacuum to get the bits out. Don't force the key in as it compacts the bits.

When you can get the key in, disconnect the battery, disconnect the immo reader coil, turn the key to the ignition on position, insert a thick paperclip (1.5mm) into the barrel release hole and withdraw the barrel/key/paperclip together. Give it a good tap to get the remaining bits out.

Removed a few lolly sticks in my time.

Unfortunately, you can't remove the barrel without putting the key in and turning it. The WD-40 was a bad idea. A worse idea is using compressed air, so don't try. As suggested, use a straight pick. Use it to stab the bits and use a vacuum to get the bits out. Don't force the key in as it compacts the bits.

When you can get the key in, disconnect the battery, disconnect the immo reader coil, turn the key to the ignition on position, insert a thick paperclip (1.5mm) into the barrel release hole and withdraw the barrel/key/paperclip together. Give it a good tap to get the remaining bits out.

I failed on all other counts, so today is surgery day. Thanks for the detailed info, and thanks all for the advice!