I have a 91 XSJ 12 Classic Collection convertible. After changing the battery, the ignition key will not turn past postition 1. I can turn the wheel but no help. I have tried it in nuetral and park both with the hand brake on and off. The key turns freely to this first position only. Don't know where to start on this one. Any one have an idea?

 

XJS

 

When you changed the battery was there a beeping sound that required you to press the key fob several times to stop the beep?

 

Hi Florida Sailor

Can you always turn the Wheel no matter what position the Key is in?

As you could be having a problem with either the Steering Lock or the Gear Shifter Solenoid underneath the Ski Slope

 

No Mac, no beeping during install. Thanks

 

Orange Blossom I can turn the wheel in key off key out and position 1. Thanks

 

Hi FS

If you can Turn the Wheel with the Key out, then it could be a Steering Lock problem

But it could and much more likely be that you need to push the Brake Pedal down before you Turn the Key and also move the Shifter up and down the Gate a few times before trying to Start Her in either Park or Neutral

As I can remember having a very Similar Problem

 

Just to clarify, do you mean the key won't physically rotate to position II and/or start position, or do you mean nothing happens when you go to position II and start?

 

Further to Mac Allan's post above, there should be no battery connection, electrical, gear position or brake pedal position reasons why you can't turn the key from Position O to the other positions. If you just can't turn the key, then it sounds like a ignition barrel problem and just coincidental that you've changed the battery.

Paul

 

Allan the key will rotate to position 1, If the door is open there is an alarm. The key will not turn past position 1 at all. Brake pedal applied, emergency brake on and off, fiddle with the Nuetral to Park. and in any position of the steering wheel included the lock position.
Paul I appreciate the thought, but golly, how many times have we ever seen a cylinder go bad?

 

FloridaSailor,

None of the systems in the car prevent the key being turned to Pos II. It is only a mechanical function of the steering lock barrel. That's where the problem lies.

Good luck

Paul