Keys and spinning barrels

[BigVtwin996]

Next issue....
Only have one key... think I have another spare somewhere...
but decided to get one cut just to be able to open it up and such while sorting bits...

Well the key looks fine..
but when you put it in the lock the barrel just spins!!
So  presume this is some sort of security feature of the locks...
preventing someone forcing them with a screwdriver like they did in the good old days...
So they key was cut by a local car cutting specialist... i am sure he will replace it but this could go on and on...
How can you be sure that a key can be cut correctly other pan giving a kidney to Citroen

[Gadgetman]

Ignition or door barrel?

I've never heard that Citroën have used that kind of security in their locks.
Actually, the main security for the M49 is 'That's old! Can't be seen joy-riding in THAT!'

[oilyrag]

Some years back, when I first got my 02 I thought I'd get an extra key cut but the man refused as he said that it wouldn't have the necessary built in chip to make anything work. I told him I just wanted it to work 'mechanically' as I had no central locking but he still refused !

[ffrenchie]

Some years back, when I first got my 02 I thought I'd get an extra key cut but the man refused as he said that it wouldn't have the necessary built in chip to make anything work. I told him I just wanted it to work 'mechanically' as I had no central locking but he still refused !

My M59 spare key only opened the door it would not start the car as it had no transponder in it. I had a key cut at Timpsons and programmed from my plip key which opens the doors manually and starts the car, cost me £70 but now I have a backup in case of loss. Your spinning barrel sounds like something wrong with the lock or key.

[pluggit1]

Mine spins on the drivers side but only when I put it in upside-down as in the plastic "kidney" shape pointing up in your hand. Down.. its fine. Mines just 163k worth of wear and tear in the barrel. probably the same with yours.

[cancunia]

There's a post on here somewhere about the barrels spinning. The test for the key will be to see if it works ok in another lock?

[Martinez]

I replaced my door locks and keys. If you don’t push the key in far enough the locks spin. So could be key not cut right ?

[BigVtwin996]

thanks for the replies... like someone said it was a spare cut just to get inside (I can get a new transponder if i can't find the spare)
It spins in all the doors, the original works perfectly.... No problem with the original what so ever (other than the blade is glued into the fob as the holding pin broke years ago
I can only think that there may be a slight anomaly in the new cut one...

I see pars of replacement locks on fleabay... but  am not one for several different keys..
Has anyone dismantled a lock to rebuild it?
I used to buy spare barrels for classics and use the bits to build a matching set...

A mate had his transit nicked....
When the Police contacted hm... it had been used to seals about £2 1/2k of fuel from various garages...
apparently you nick a van and have previously had another set of plates made of one that's not nicked so it is not reported as stolen...
then you can use it to drive away for about a day before they realise why....

Update...
the newly cut key...
will not open ether passenger door or ether sluing door.. barrels just spin...
the rear door it simply does not turn...
and nor does turn in the ignition...
However it does open the fuel filler!!

[Martinez]

Sounds like a poorly cut key to me

[pluggit1]

The way Im reading this is, you have a good key that opens everything, its your newly cut key that is the problem. So.. your newly cut key IS THE PROBLEM. I have to agree, I would suspect the quality/accuracy of the cut. You also have to bare in mind that there is differing levels of wear in the barrels. One may accept a slight imperfection in the cut and activate a pin/ball that another barrel wont. My drivers side barrel spins in a certain position but the passengers/barn-doors dont.
..and no, its not a security feature.
You need a solution and none of the options are easy or cheap.
If it was me I would swallow my pride, go to Citroen and get another. The other way is after-market barrel/keys and a fob full of keys. Its not an easy one to solve.