How frustrating!

So I bought my first RRS a few weeks back and it has a detachable tow bar. It didn't have a key so I ordered a replacement cut to the code on the lock. I prepared the lock with wd40 put the key in and turned it clockwise. It would only turn 1/4 of a turn. I'm not sure how far it should turn but I turned it 1/4 turn and tried to get the tow bar off. The green handle pulled outwards but wouldn't pull down. I assumed that the key wasn't turned enough so I tried to turn it and low and behold it snapped in the lock. I managed to get the broken key out but I'm still stuck with the tow bar that I'll never use.

Any ideas how I can remove it now I have a broken key?

Remove everything under car including mounts possibly? That's all I have done on previous cars. John

RRS MY12 SDV6 HSE. Sumatra Black/Ebony & Walnut + Dynamic Pack, + Cold Climate Pack + Memory Pack, Digital TV/DVD, Premium Leather, Cornering Lights, Cooler/Fridge Box, & most Options.

If the detachable row hook has been left in the receiver for a long time then it is possibly corroded in place and will require "persuading" either with a big hammer or heat............. many owners never bother to remove them defeating the purpose of a removable hitch! For starters you could spray all the surfaces with plenty of WD40. I know someone who only got their tow hook off the car with a lot of heat and a Chainblock to put it out it was so well corroded in..... Before you remove the hook though, do you still have the plastic plate that filled wth cutout in the bumper? The car might look better with the towhook in place rather than with no bumper cover. 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

hi,
which side of Nottingham are you ? if your not far away can lend a hand hammer

I think my problem lies within the lock. My guess is that it has seized because I can only turn the key 1/4 of a turn clockwise. It feels like it could turn more which is when I snapped the key.

My next approach is to squirt wd40 into the key hole twice a day for the next few days until a replacement key arrives. Hopefully by then the lock will have freed up a bit and the key will turn more than 1/4 of a turn.

The green handle pulls out fine it's just that I can't turn it downwards backing up the fact I don't think it's fully unlocked with the key.

You want to try a penetrating oil, WD40 is actually for water displacement.
Its one of the most misused things.
You need something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/English-Abrasives...B0001P02RK
Or as already mentioned heat, probably the simplest and best.

I've purchased some Graphite Powder today which is also supposed to be great at freeing up a seized lock. I haven't used it yet but I will if I get no luck with the wd40.

Out of interest, for all of those that have a detachable tow bar, how much do you need to turn the key to allow the green lever to turn downwards? As mentioned I can only currently turn it a max of 1/4 of a turn clockwise...

The KEY only moves half a turn
Clockwise to unlock 61 AB 5.0 supercharged rocket
07 HSE TDV8 with lots of toys EGR removed BAS remap
56 HSE WAS FULL OF PROBLEMS

Hi,
I would recommend buying a new lock rather than just a cut key, peace of mind you get two keys with it and no seized issues, it could well work out cheaper in the long run

ps. have removed and stripped all 3 of the towbars I have owned, two of which attached to the cars I bought came with out keys and helped remove another 2, all with just a tap in the right place.

(although my middle name is Lucky )

So for the past week I have been squirting WD40 into the lock twice a day. The replacement key arrived today and the key still won't turn more than 1/4 turn and I can't shift the green lever down once pulled outwards.
I may try this graphite Powder now but I don't want it to clump following all the wd40 I've been spraying into the lock.

It sounds like it could be the lock assembly now as you've tried 3 sets of keys and they all only turn 1/4 of a turn. It might be a goer to drench it in the new stuff you've bought but it might be prudent just to go for a new complete lock as you' ll know for definite that all is well with it.

New lock T'is easier T'woz cheaper
.