Key barrel replacement – 2005 Honda CRV

[Chris]

Hi all,

In a bit of a sticky situation here (pardon the pun). I’ve got a stuck key barrel on my 05 CRV – 250,000 Km, the key will not go into the ignition. I’ve tried lightly hammering the key into the ignition with a rubber mallet which only achieved getting the key stuck in there (a lot of yanking and swearing later managed to get the key back out), silicone grease in the ignition did jack squat either. So at this point I’m certain the barrel needs to be replaced. Getting Honda to do it is out of the question as Honda want nearly $900 for the part alone (which they can’t get in for another 3 weeks.) plus 3 Hrs labor and a tow truck to get it in. I’m looking at picking up a 2nd hand barrel with keys along with the immobiliser to match. So the question is, can I tackle this job on my own and if so is there any little tips and tricks I should know when changing over the barrel?

Cheers.

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

See if these help.

[Mike]

Are you 100% sure the problem lies with the ignition switch and not the key itself? In my experience, the fit becomes looser with wear, not tighter.

Does the key work properly in the door locks? Do you have a less-used/less-worn spare key you could try?

If you are committed to swapping out the existing ignition switch and key combo, I would go for a brand-new unit, with new door lock cylinders to match the new key. Not much sense, other than saving a few bucks, in replacing one used unit with another, and ending up with two different worn keys for the ignition and door locks.

[zero]

You’re going to need to order special ‘break-away bolts’ from the dealer that hold the cylinder onto the column, ideally.

Remove the assembly and take it into your local locksmith. It’s surprising how they can fix mechanical issues with them. It’s cheap when compared to replacing units. They might also be able to rekey a used cylinder to your existing keys if need be. But you would have to talk to them about that.

And in lock cylinders you want to use dry graphite lubricant.

[Chris]

I did noticed those headless bolts, a Dremmel made quick work of them. I’m going get a pair sized up at my local hardware store.

That’s interesting, I’ll have to take it around now the assembly is out of the car, I did consider that at first however when I did the ring arounds, a lot of locksmiths were um and ah about it. Worth a shot now that its out of the car.

Noted 😉

[Chris]

[quote=”Evil-i” post=162152]Are you 100% sure the problem lies with the ignition switch and not the key itself? In my experience, the fit becomes looser with wear, not tighter.

Does the key work properly in the door locks? Do you have a less-used/less-worn spare key you could try?

If you are committed to swapping out the existing ignition switch and key combo, I would go for a brand-new unit, with new door lock cylinders to match the new key. Not much sense, other than saving a few bucks, in replacing one used unit with another, and ending up with two different worn keys for the ignition and door locks.[/quote]

100% certain that its the barrel, both the master and the spare will unlock the front door locks without drama but both get stuck in the ignition all the same. I apologise if I didn’t explain further.

Now that the assembly is out of the vehicle, I’m going to try as DaFirnz suggested and take it in to a locksmith and see they can repair it. But if worst comes to worst I will have to replace it myself. I am absolutely not buying a new assembly, $900 is outrageous for a key cylinder (which they can’t get in for 3 weeks, this is a daily car too keep in mind) + the 3 hrs worth of labor that the dealer wants to charge + the 100km tow so if you add that all up, that’s a very expensive ignition job. In other words I am quite happy to take my chances with a 2nd hand part.

[zero]

Maybe try finding a mobile locksmith, they might be more willing to, or have experience with, automotive related locks. You would then have to deal with a service call fee, but it would still be cheaper than replacing everything.

I do have an inquisitive question though. How many keys are on your wife’s key chain? Tumblers aren’t designed to carry any extra weight so even a small excess over time can wear out components from the constant vibrations.

[Chris]

[quote=”DaFirnz” post=162174]Maybe try finding a mobile locksmith, they might be more willing to, or have experience with, automotive related locks. You would then have to deal with a service call fee, but it would still be cheaper than replacing everything.

I do have an inquisitive question though. How many keys are on your wife’s key chain? Tumblers aren’t designed to carry any extra weight so even a small excess over time can wear out components from the constant vibrations.[/quote]

Sounds like a plan, I’ll do the ring arounds and keep you guys updated.

We’ve only ever had 3 small house keys on chain, could definitely been have a contributer but it is an 11 year old car and 11 years of constant key in-out, I reckon, would wear the tumblers out just as quickly. Surprised it didn’t go earlier, I’ve already replaced 4 barrels in my Landcruiser.

[Chris]

Hi all,

I apologise for not getting back sooner, internet has been a hit and miss here of late. Anyways I managed to extract the key barrel / ignition switch assembly from the column easy enough and took it in to a local locksmith, he found that a couple of the wafers in the barrel were shot so he replaced the whole lot and got them re-keyed for $50 and some change. Reinstalled the assembly back in the car with a pair of new bolts I got sized up at the local hardware store, plugged it all back in and wallah! Works good as new.

[Author]

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