Insignia 2012 Auto Estate - Ignition Barrel issue need help please

[sbradish]

Hello, I’m a new member and had my 2012 Insignia Estate Auto for 6 years and wondering if you could help with the following issue.
I sprayed WD40 into the ignition barrel using the small red plastic straw that comes with the can, when I went to pull out the straw from the barrel it become stuck in the barrel cover, the cover closes off the entrance to the barrel, so I pulled it hard to get it out and the end of the straw sheared off and fell into the barrel. Long story short, I retrieved the small piece of straw from the barrel using a paper clip. When I now insert the key, the engine turns and everything seems ok but when I turn off the car and take out the key the radio stays on, central locking does not work, and lights stay on. I have diagnosed that I have damaged the cover inside the barrel as it can’t be seen when viewed from the front, see photo. I don’t know if its retracted in or been pulled out or permanently damaged, I can’t get this information anywhere, but it seems that this could be the reason for the car thinking that the key is still in the barrel and hence lights, locks and radio kept on, although this is my best guess.
I have checked my battery in the fob, sprayed oil into the barrel, poked around the barrel with tweezers and my bent paper clip, but no change.
I phoned the dealer and they quoted £100 to evaluate and then £350 to replace the barrel if needed, which is not in my budget.
I’m thinking of extracting the barrel to see if there’s anything I can do but have the following questions. 1) how do I get the top plastic steering cowl cover off to get access to the barrel, I believe there is a hidden hole underneath on the ignition that needs to have an allen key inserted to release the barrel, 2) does anyone know what could be the root cause so I stop investigating red herrings 3) if it’s the cover on the barrel that’s missing (see photo) is it possible that I broke it off or could it be stuck inside the barrel and can it be replaced, I have no idea what it looks like.
Any help or suggestion would be appreciated as I have this weekend to see if I can sort it out or at least know what the problem is.
Thanks in advance
Simon Bradish

[plasma]

Had this on a customers car the other day. theres some sort of final stage / key out signal when the key is retracted (you should here it, but must turn to position I or II first), which is why your radio is staying on, central locking not working as it doesnt know the key is out.
He opted for a 2nd hand barrel / steering lock assembly and change his barrel over.. That should only be in the region of £40-£50 i reckon.

there are 2 7mm screws, one each side. but you need to pop the top cover off first. turn the steering wheel and find the end point of the cowling where the steering wheel was hiding it.. Its the U (bottom of the U bit if you image, get a little flat blade driver under and gently pop it up.. turn the steering wheel the other way and get to the other one.. the top cover should now lift away.. theres also a 7mm under the bottom cowling. remove that then you can have some fun and games removing the bottom cowling as well

[sbradish]

Thats good to know, I went to Kwikfit and they told me to go to the dealer. So if its a new barrel and keys then would I just keep my original key for the drivers door in case of emergency?

Was it an original 2nd hand barrel or a replacement?

[plasma]

he was aimiing to fit his original barrel back into the new unit. Not had an update yet as to how he got on

[sbradish]

My problem is that I think my barrel is damaged with the cover missing or broken so this option would be no good for me.

[Daywalker]

As plasma said that would be the cheaper option for you but if it's not the option for you then the only other option you have is to go to the dealers and have a new one fitted.

[sbradish]

I've ordered a 2nd hand barrel/steering lock so will fit this the weekend and see how it goes, I give an update after I fit it