Hello,

Please forgive my lack of knowledge here.  I know very little about cars.  Firstly.  My skoda failed the mot today on a few issues.  Mainly rubber parts, gaiters ball joint etc

Im in process of getting quotes and deciding if its worth getting work done or scrap it its done 24000 miles so it is well worn!  rough quote is £300ish

On top of this today of all days the key has decided that its going to play up.

It goes in ignition ok but is difficult to turn to start.  So far it has started but I dont know how long for.  Rang a auto key place and they say almost certain to be a steering lock problem and quoted £300.  Does this seem right?  It could be the straw that breaks the camels back really as its not worth much but needs a bit of work.  I like the car and can not afford a great deal for a replacement car at the moment.  Please be gentle here as I really dont know much about cars at all and I am really in a dilemma here.

Might be the long standing issue with VAG ignition locks.  Usually caused by a build up of dust & stuff getting into the lock over years

 

A good few YTs on this    e.g.

 

This happened mine a few years ago. 

Was lucky enough to be able to get the lock barrel out ( this was the hardest part ) .

Washed in out thoroughly ( used petrol ).

Relubricated it with GRAPHITE ( from a very soft - 4B ? - pencil ).

( All good in the years since )

 

a quick fix would be to get a complete ignition mechanism + barrel with key from the scrap yard and swap the key blade to your old key fob as the transponder sits in the key fob.

 

 

below is a fix for mk2 

 

 

Edited 7 July, 20223 yr by wiilydog

Thank you,  I will try the wd 40 later.   I have it booked at a auto locksmith later.   I dont think I could attempt to repair it myself.  I am no mechanic sadly,  (female 50s and very little knowledge of cars other than what I have picked up over the years of driving)     will see what the locksmith says later.  Thanks for the suggestions.