13 replies to this topic

[Phear]

Right, so my VX is tucked up for the winter atm, but I periodically go out and warm her up and move about a bit on the drive just to ensure that everything doesn't seize up. Went out this evening and well as u can guess the lock barrel was siezed. Freed the lock barrel with anti-freeze and although stiff managed to turn the key and get in. Put the key in ignition, turned it and snap. Either the ignition is siezed, or the stiff door barrel weakened the key. Anyway as she came with only 1 key, and no card with the code in it I am looking at a real nightmare So with all this in mind I have a few questions: 1) Can Vauxhall code a new key without the card with the code on it? 2) I'm going to need to get the ignition barrel out to try and remove the end of the key regardless of anything else (long nose pliers wouldn't work). How do I get the steering column shroud off, had a quick look, seemed straight forward until I noticed there are 2 screws behind the steering wheel which don't seem to be accesible without removing the steering wheel? 3) Can I bypass the ignition barrel to start the car, I have the fob end with the immobiliser in it, which should just need to be near the steering column, so if I can get to the back of the ignition barrel I presume I can hardwire the ignition so that I can start the car? However this still leave the issue of steering lock! Any suggestions? Not a good day Phil

[vocky]

a new lock set is £200 + vat from the dealer, it will come with two keys which will need programming. you will need to also order a code card from the dealer, you need the logbook and some other form of ID, this will enable the new keys to be programmed, use the old snapped keyfob to allow the car to run to the dealer, remember to have the old keys de-coded from the ecu when having the new keys coded. you will need to disconnect the battery and remove the airbag and steering wheel to access the steering lock

[Phear]

a new lock set is £200 + vat from the dealer, it will come with two keys which will need programming.

you will need to also order a code card from the dealer, you need the logbook and some other form of ID, this will enable the new keys to be programmed, use the old snapped keyfob to allow the car to run to the dealer, remember to have the old keys de-coded from the ecu when having the new keys coded.

you will need to disconnect the battery and remove the airbag and steering wheel to access the steering lock

Ok I presume that means you think i'll be able to get it started if I get access to the back of the ignition barrel? Do I really need a new lock set, if I can get the end of the key out of the barrel is there no way to get just replacement keys?

[Zoobeef]

Because the keys snapped in the barrel can you just get some pliers or a blade in the key hole to turn it?

[Phear]

Because the keys snapped in the barrel can you just get some pliers or a blade in the key hole to turn it?

Tried that

[theotherhalf]

Call an (auto) Locksmith, he will be able to get the key out and cut replacements & reprogramme.

[vocky]

is there no way to get just replacement keys?

you can order a new key once you have been shafted £30 for the code card

[Zoobeef]

Because the keys snapped in the barrel can you just get some pliers or a blade in the key hole to turn it?

Tried that

Didnt mean to try and get the bit out but to just start it as the key should be in pushing up the right bit,
If you've alredy tried that to, then im all out, sorry

[John Faulkner]

plenty of these cars trashed, i'd try the breakers yards for a full ecu, lock & key set as a first option....

[John Faulkner]

My local breaker has a full new lock set on ebay, if thats any good? Item number: 350150241007

[covert ops]

Can I just add Phear... If you manage to get the replacement keys etc sorted DO NOT got to vauxhall to sort out the alarm, reprogramming or anything like that. Have a search on the forum for Abacus and Meta alarms. They will be able to sort out the reprogramming stuff for ALOT cheaper. You'll also probably be able to upgrade to the system that is not affected by wireless doorbells. I had to have 2 new fobs reprogrammed and new security code from vauxhall....3 weeks and £650 later ...having spoken to the guy at meta said they would,ve done it for about £200. Good luck Andy

[davep24]

IFAIK the immobiliser is a proximity device i.e the key needs to be near the ignition barrel for the immobiliser to de-activate. So it may be possible to just get a new ignition barrel and door lock set from the breakers/ebay and then swap the transponder bits from the snapped key to the new key. Theres no need to mess about with the alarm fob or ECU

[techieboy]

BFOD! Not sure whether it's possible with our style of ignition barrel but, you might be able to rebuild the tumblers in a replacement ignition barrel to match the existing key/door locks. Certainly used to be able to do that with Ford locks of similar design. Would certainly be worth talking to the parts person at a Vauxhall dealer or better yet, a locksmith.

[simsy]

Step1 - Get the old key bit out! use a lock smith and/or ask auto electrical types... there must be a way of getting it out. Two small sharp picks, one each side, into the lock and spring the broken bit out.. Step2 - get your local key smith to mechanically copy the broken key and fit your existing transponded key chip to it. Best result Cost £5, and a trip into town for key to be ground.... Worst result New everything, weeks and £100's.... I think key chips can be cloned from your brocken original with no red card.... If you get a good mechanical key working but stuggle with the chip swop, then tape the old key head to it for now... Good luck....

Edited by simsy, 08 January 2009 - 10:29 AM.