Boot Wont Open With Key but Push Release Works

[JeffD]

Hi folks

Over the past week or so I noticed that when I used the key to unlock/open the boot there was slight resistance but it would still open. However, now the boot wont open apart from if I use the push button in the drivers footwell. At first I thought it might need some lubrication so have sprayed it with WD40 but this has made no difference. The key turns quite far to the right which IIRC is the way to turn it to unlock.

I removed the trim this morning to have a quick look and theres nothing obviously broken/loose etc and if I tug on the bar shown in the pic below with the red clip on end I can manually trigger the lock to release. However if I use the key and try it it barely moves. Is there something inside that may be broken etc? As above the push button operates it fine but would like it work from key too.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock001.jpg

[mh007]

Sounds like the barrel/shaft is moving without the end piece (black plastic lever under the 'c' clip)

[JeffD]

Is that a case of pulling it apart or will something be broken?

This is how far it will turns clockwise....

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock002.jpg

And from inside it looks like this whilst the key is in its maximum turned state....

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock003.jpg

And this is how far it turns to the anti-clockwise (only very slightly)

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock004.jpg

Just wondering whether something has slipped/broken/become disconnected inside the key barrel etc????

[ROBBIE G]

If you find out its anything to do with the lock mechanism i have one available

[mh007]

I think you'll find that the centre of that black piece on the end wears & allows the shaft from the barrel to turn without it.

When you turn the key, can you see the shaft inside moving the same distance ?

If this part is worn, i'm not sure you can buy it on it's own so it may be a better option to buy a used one (Roggie G possibly ?) & swap the parts over to retain your barrel & key.

[ROBBIE G]

this is the part i have available which is the boot locking mechanism.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/donkidic/002-42.jpg

[JeffD]

Right - I tried holding the black plastic piece between my fingers and I can turn the key so the barrel moves but this stays still.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock005.jpg

I undid the 2 screws holding the lock in place and removed it from boot lid

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock007.jpg

I noticed a microswitch so tested that manually by first using a screwdriver to act as the lockj striker so I can have the catch closed without shutting boot

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock008.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock006.jpg

That works ok but after an examination it does look like when you turn the lock barrel with the key the black plastic piece doesnt come far enough round to trigger the microswitch.

Fetched the c-clip ioff th eend to have a look

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock010.jpg

A couple of tiny grey metal pieces fell out which look like pieces of the lock barrel to me.

My dilema now is that if I reassmble the lock minus the spring I can get it to turn and trigger microswitch but it then becomes difficult to extract key! or I can reassemble with spring but back to square one.

In conclusion it looks like I need a new barrel but rimmerbros quoted £104!!!! Just wondering whether to buy a 2nd hand one off ebay and take to locksmith to get it altered???? - Has anyone done this - all advice welcome as not sure what to do next

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/jeffreyduckworth/Rover%2075/Repairs/Boot%20Lock/BootLock011.jpg

[Teddy]

Hi, I had the same problem. I buyed a secondhand from scratch, with a broken key in the lock. That's no problem. It's the connection between the part where the key goes in and the part under the c-clip that is broken.you must get out the part where the key goes in but the key may not get out of the part. You do the same with the other lock. Then change the connection that is broken from your lock with the part from the secondhand.
After that put in your key wich is still in the part into your lock. So you have your own key and change only the broken part. It is an job for 10 minutes.
No need to go to a locksmith.
Succes. Teddy

[JeffD]

Hi Teddy - thanks for that - not 100% sure what you mean but sounds hopeful! LOL

Would this be what I need then?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rover-75-Mgzt-Boot-lock-and-key-j8-/320719921947?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aac65a31b#ht_685wt_1139

What do you reckon to price?

[Teddy]

Yes, thats what I mean. It is a good price, in the NL I payed €75 for the secondhand lock. A new costs about €180 in NL. Sorry if you don't understand my english. It's the best I can. If you will get out the key and the part where the key goes in, then you have to remove something on the broken site otherwise you cannot get out the key out of the lock. But let the key in the part, otherwise you have the problem that all the tiny parts fall off and to put it together is a hell of a job.

[JeffD]

I've just bought it - made an offer of £12.05 so with postage makes £15 delivered.

Once I get it I'll take some more photos and post them up and hopefully youll be able to advise me what part(s) to change. Many thanks! :-)

[mh007]

Well done with that, good price too !
At least you should be able to make one good barrel out of the two & retain your own key.

[JeffD]

I hope so - I'm just unsure about what parts I'm swapping but hopefully if I post some more pics up you lot can help me out! ;-')

[Teddy]

Now I remember the name of the part. It is the key with the cilinder you need to get out of the lock. And let the key in the cilinder. If the new buyed lock is ok, you just have to swop the cilinder with the key in it. That's all.

[Andy K]

in the mean time try turning the key the other way, a bit harder. That should open the boot via mechanical means.

If the alarm is on (car locked) it will set the alarm off though.

[JeffD]

I have tried turning the key the other way but it wont get much further than just past vertical and I'm worried about bending my key

[geofftl1000r]

Looks like I have the same problem..... off to Ebay I go.....

Thanks for all the pics, at least I have an idea what is broken.