Towbar key blocked and twisted

[Nathz]

Hello,
I'm very bothered because the little red towbar key is stuck in the lock and I can't remove it.
When I secure the towbar, there's a click, but the knob doesn't touch the towbar. It's also impossible to remove the key.
So, I'm not allowed to drive without the safety device in place.
It seems the key is bent because it's not in the center.
If I try to force the key out, the entire internal mechanism comes with it, and I don't dare go all the way for fear of making things worse.
I've attached three photos to explain the situation.
Could someone help me, or should I go to a garage?
Thanks in advance.
Nathz

 

[Corradobrit]

Don't you have to rotate the big black knob all the way in and then manipulate the key to get it to the lock position and extract it?

 

[Shadrack]

Hi,
Sorry to hear of your issue. I’m not sure with the key barrel not seated as that may be an issue itself now.
I have the same tow bar hitch as yourself which was little used.
It stuck once with me neither locked or unlocked. (First time use)
I gave the hand wheel part that you turn (NOT the key area) a a few light taps on the side with a small hammer. This freed something within and allowed me to then turn the wheel part to fully unlock.
It was as if a sticky centre shaft or bearing was stuck inside.
Once off, I fully lubricated with light oil and a grease spray. It’s ok now.
If this doesn’t work, (maybe other members have a solution) it would be a dealers or a replacement.

 

[lr67]

Hi, I would try the simple things first, and put a drop of light oil, or spray a bit of WD40 around the top of the lock mechanism, as it appears to be visible and also, as you have it on your bench, gravity will work the oil down. Then leave it for about 20 minutes and gently move the key both down and up.

 

[Nathz]

Thank you so much!
Had put some WD40, but did not work.
So I put some trumpet oil and a few light taps with a plastic hammer and it worked!!!
THANKS!

 

[mintstuff]

Also check for corrosion on the mating 'V' faces of the towbar and socket. The towbar doesn't look too bad, but the socket under the bumper may be worse. Rubbing off the rust will allow fuller engagement and help release the key.

 

[Norfolk Jim]

TRy forcing that ball bearing into the bar. Sometimes, if little used, this gets stuck.

I had this issue and after a gentle tap in with a bit of wood the key was able to be removed and all worked fine.

 

[Corradobrit]

FYI OP got it released with a gently tap with a mallet.

 

[Dill Tart]

Had a similar incident when I couldn’t remove the key, had jumped up and down on the tow bar and thought it was in place, headed out of the village at 20 MPH and became aware of something overtaking me on the inside, my own trailer! The tow ball had fallen out! Duh!

It’s the ball bearings on the tow ball shaft, they need to be oiled to move in and out freely, if they don’t pop out and locate in the housing as you insert it, then you can’t remove the key as it’s not locked in place.