Ignition problem

[PeugeotJohn]

I have a 2001 1.6
For a while now whenever I have started the car the key would not automatically spring back so I had to turn the key back slightly in the ignition. Now it appears completely dead when I try and start. There are no sounds, no clicking, no turning over, nothing. Any advice appreciated. Thank you.

[Capncol]

I think the 2 things aren't neccessarily related. Start with the obvious. Is the battery flat? Any blown fuses?

[PeugeotJohn]

Engine was running fine, I switched off the ignition, got out and realised I wanted to move the car slightly closer to the kerb so got back in, put key back in ignition, lights all came on but when I turned to start there was nothing.

[IanL]

If the contact mechanism in the key socket is the problem, the whole socket unit will have to be replaced. Some locksmiths can alter the replacement to match your original key.

[Artermis]

Yeh it sounds like the switch in the ignition barrel may have failed. you could get an electrical tester on it and work out for certain if you were that way inclined.

As alluded to by Ian, that would indicate the ignition barrel would need replacing. You could investigate the possibility of having a push button start fitted instead. Not everyone's cup of tea i know but possibly a cheaper solution if that's your motivation. The key would still need to go in the ignition and you'd need to turn the ignition on - so the immobilizer is still fully functional. The difference is the final twist of the key is instead done by a button. Used to be the rage on the modified car scene when the honda S2000 first came out with it. That's assuming the Peugeot wiring is accepting of such a modification but I'm sure i've seen it done before.

[IanL]

With the ignition turned to ON, you have to connect Pin 3 in the 3 pin connector to Pin 1 to operate the starter.

[PeugeotJohn]

Thanks for your replies. I've seen relatively cheap ignition switches on ebay. If I can replace the ignition switch, can I keep the metal barrel or does this need to be replaced as well? I'd like to keep the original key instead of needing a new one if possible.

[IanL]

I think the tumblers (little metal pins which line up along the length of the key) can be swapped in some cases - in others the casing of the barrel is more or less sealed with the switching inside. I've done it on a 1972 SAAB, but I don't know what applies here.

If you post on the http://www.peugeotforums.com site, there's a very active member "TrustMe" who is a professional locksmith - he should be able to advise, and perhaps do the job, if you send him the barrels and key. If it can't be done, and you have to adopt the two key solution, you should be ok just swapping the "new" key blade into the old key, and putting the old blade into the other case to act as a non-remote fallback for doors and boot.

However, I do suggest you try "hot wiring" the starter first - it may be something else. e.g. if the car is automatic, it could be the starter inhibit relay, which prevents starting in other than P and N.

[Capncol]

Have you tried *flashing* 12v+ across the starter trigger terminal to prove/disprove ign switch?
I wouldn't be surprised if the starters burnt out given that with the problem with the switch, you may have driven it with the stater running.