I am about to fit a new ignition barrel to my disco 300tdi.
I have searched and much of the info is about mot failiure if there is no steering lock.
I have read the Haynes manual and they say I have to remove the steering column to drill out the headless bolts and undo the steering lock.
I know a lot of you are not fans of the Haynes,and was wondering if this is nesasary.
Also will the original lock work with the new barrel,I am not to sure how it all works together.
Any help or ideas will be much appreciated,as I have to fix this problem in a train park and ride car park Thanks Steve...

Ham Salad said:

I am about to fit a new ignition barrel to my disco 300tdi.
I have searched and much of the info is about mot failiure if there is no steering lock.
I have read the Haynes manual and they say I have to remove the steering column to drill out the headless bolts and undo the steering lock.
I know a lot of you are not fans of the Haynes,and was wondering if this is nesasary.
Also will the original lock work with the new barrel,I am not to sure how it all works together.
Any help or ideas will be much appreciated,as I have to fix this problem in a train park and ride car park Thanks Steve...

Click to expand...

On most cars you can chang the barrel from one lock to another. I don't think this is the case with a disco 1 (althogh I'm not 100% sure).

pm coming your wat for security reasons.

Hi,

This is an easy job - you do not have to remove steering column.

If the car is stuck in a car park, remove the plastic covers above and below the steering column - undo screws and the two halves unclip.

To get the headless bolts off, use a long old screwdriver, or a small cold chisel - you will be able to knock the bolts round quite easily by tapping gently with a hammer to unscrew them.

Once lock is off, the electrical part of the switch is held on by a couple of screws. Remove that, and then by inserting a screwdriver into the oblong area that the key normally turns, you will be able to start the car. You can then get the car to somewhere more convenient to work.

You may need the key close to the ignition - I'm not sure if any of the 300Tdi's had a security system with a transponder in the key (the Disco 2's do have). Others may be better able to advise you.

I don't know how easy it is to replace the barrel - normally when the lock goes it needs a new lock mechanism. If you're not worried about matching the keys, theses are about £80. If you want to match the keys, you'll need to go to a dealer or a Landy expert who can get the lock direct from Land Rover.

Good Luck
Cheers!

The new unit will come with the lock attached, it is an easy job, I've just done it. Mine was about £35 for a pattern one but the key won't match any of the other locks. I used an old screwdriver as suggested on the shear bolts and there's about 3 multiplugs to plug in.
Job done!

Thanks for the replies waiting for replacement lock and barrel to arrive,have sharpened an old screwdriver ready,its sat under a security camera at the train station, get this job done then it's up for sale...

Hi,

Screwdriver doesnt need to be particularly sharp. What you will be doing is tapping the side of the head of the bolt - slightly on the right hand side. The bolts aren't that tight and start moving quite quickly, and then will undo easily.

This is one of the most common Discovery problems - my 300Tdi I had in Zimbabwe for 12 years and that was on it's third lock! My Disco 2 I have now has also had the lock replaced!

Cheers!

I changed mine in an 02 td5 today. Initially the bolts would not turn but a couple of good whacks (i disconected the battery and waited in case the air bag went off) and it started to move easily. 3 multi plugs and 10 minutes later and it is working perfectly!

A good long screwdriver appears to be the answer, I just tapped it gently 4 or 5 times to make a small dent and then gave it a good whack and it moved, after that it was easy

my later model disco 1 does have a transponder but its not in the key its in the key fob for alarm and c/locking. if yours is the same you will see a black plastic ring around the ignition barrel just behind the key hole. if your starting it with a screw driver be sure to keep your key fob close to that black plastic ring or it wont start.
cheers
jay