Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

HELP PLEASE.... I have an L300 which has been getting more and more tricky to unlock the ignition key and start the van. I haven't been able to find a mechanic in Baguio Philippines who can correct the problem without ending up with a different ignition key than door key... not a fun set up.

Can anyone tell me what is the secret mechanism inside of the ignition switch that both locks the steering and prevents you from turning the key? I have played the linkage game, turn the wheel game, push the shifter way forward towards bumper game... and it was sometimes successful but nothing that was consistent. I finally figured out too late that it is indeed the ignition switch (I think) but now it won't turn ever....

HALP!!!!!!

Is there a drawing of the internal mechanism and perhaps a special prayer and place to bang the switch with a ball peen hammer that will disable the lock mechanism? I really don't care if it never locks again as long as I can keep my keys and unlock the beast.

If you are sure its not the Park/Brake interlock relay/switch then you could try lock lubricant.

Do you have access to Brakeclean? Its a good solvent for cleaning dirt, crud from small parts inside locks. Insert the spraying straw into the keyhole and spray a little at a time. Have a rag to catch the drips as this stuff can stain plastic if allowed to soak to long. This will dissolve the dirt.

Allow to dry for 20 mins.

There is a product locksmiths use called Powdered Graphite. Its great for lubricating locks ands because its not an oil it won't gum up with dirt and new crud. This usually helps when I have sticky locks.

Your key might be worn down....A good lock smith can make you a new key with proper height cuts.
The ignition switch internals might be worn out....you may have no choice but to get a new switch.