hi all
anyone else able to remove ignition key while engine running?
lucklily the steering lock doesnt come into play ;-()..

nope

I could do this on a Ford Escort years ago!
I also got strange effects like the headlights coming on when I pressed the brake pedal, and being unable to stop the engine when the brakes were on.
Traced it to a poor earth in one of the rear light clusters. Sounds like a similar situation that you've got, although not necessarily in the lighting circuit.
Auto electrician, methinks.
Alcazar

hmmm

the bit about running at first sounds like a wiring fault but with you saying steering lock doesnt come into play im a bit concerned.

do you mean the wheel doesn't lock at all?
if so has it always been like that?

how do you stop the engine ?

are there any dash lights on when key is removed and engine is running / not running ?

unless the lock has always not worked id be very carefull. it could be youve got wear or a breakage which is allowing you to turn key in barrel without it turning the lock and ignition switch


just a thought do you mean you can just pull the key out or do you have to turn it back first ? if you can just pull it its the lock barrel thats faulty

sorry folks
i didnt explain myself very well
i can remove the key while engine running but it doesnt lock the steering..which is just as well!!! i just turn the key to switch off as normal.
i am going to my main dealer tomorrow....i rang them today and they will look at it under the warranty
i will let you know how i get on

Been able to do that for the last three years that I've owned the MY94 that I have. Only ever heard of a few others who could too (tends to be 94's so far).

The ignition key can be pulled out only when fully on or off but not in any of the stages in between. Handy for warming the car up in the winter time, you come out, start it up, lock it up and go back in teh house ;)

I've actually done that a few times and then forgot to put the key back in the ignition and driven all the way to work to suddenly find when going to turn it off that the keys were in my pocket. Would have been handy if I'd stalled at the lights ;)

Not a problem as far as I'm concerned, just something extra on the earlier ones.

thanks for the info
it is being sorted by tileys in bristol next week,,under warranty!!
never thought of warming the car up that way!!!
but at 83p a litre i will wear a coat for a few mins...lol
thanks again
andy