Ignition key replacement?

[ex-Chinese Dave]

I’ve noticed sometimes that when taking the key out of the ignition barrel, the very tip of it seems to be difficult to pull out. I’ve also had it a few times where when I’ve turned the key to start the car, it hasn’t turned in the barrel. It’s nothing to do with the steering lock as I know that you can relieve the pressure by turning the wheel a little. I’ve just read up on here and some people recommended the usual WD-40 or graphite powder put into the barrel, but with the age of the car I think it’s something that’s going to need replacing sooner or later. What are my options on this? It’s obvious that a new barrel will come with the key but does anything need to be coded to match the immobiliser and alarm also? Can you recommend what parts would be needed and the best place to buy them from, also?

This is a continuing theme on my car in that at almost 145k parts need replacing if you want to keep it alive. It’s turning into Trigger’s bleedin’ broom!

 

[Brigsy]

If you change the barrel, swap the new key blade into the original key, no coding required.

Door locks and fuel cap will need changing unless you have 2 separate keys.

 

[JamesBryan]

Seems like a bit of a f**k about.

Have you checked the blade for any burrs that could be lightly filed or sanded which are preventing a smooth in and out.

 

[ex-Chinese Dave]

I'm going to WD the barrel and see if any gunk comes out and i'll use a piece of 2000 grit on the edge of the key blade as I would say it's not 100% smooth.