24 replies to this topic

[jonathansouth]

Ok, so I don't feel like I own a car, it's more like I'm living in a vehicle-based version in the Crystal Maze. I'll explain the more recent faults to the car in case they may in some random way be relevant, but the main problem now is that I can't even get into the damn thing! I've read tonnes of articles on here about the door locks and central locking problems but none help with getting into the car - although I do suspect the central locking module (CLM) is at fault. The car is locked at the moment, I can disarm the alarm by pressing the button on the key fob - the indicators flash once and the red light on the dashboard goes off. However the door pins/buttons (silver stalks then stick up through the door inside the car) do not move up or down. A few days back the drivers side stalk was struggling to come up and I had to enter the car through the passenger side - I thought it might be the mechanism getting stuck due to the recent cold weather and thought no more about it; particularly as it only happened 2-3 times in the morning. I've tried pushing the secret button but nothing happens. It doesn't feel very positive when pressing the button - I wonder whether it's seized in position and I need to hit the button hard to depress it? Reluctant to hit anything if I don't have to. Please feel free to PM me a "procedure" for getting into the car - I would be very appreciative. OK, so the recent problems, just in case they are relevant; - Tuesday: head lights fuse blew in the morning on the drive to work, replaced it and it blew again on the drive home from work. Friday (this morning): tried to start the engine, turned over but didn't want to catch a spark. Felt a bit like the battery was weak as the dash lights were fading as the starter motor turned over the engine. My plan for this evening was to check for water in the coil pack and plugs (non-starting issue) and remove the headlights and look for a short or corrosion (fuse blowing fault). However all I've done is spend 45 minutes trying to get into the car and over an hour reading threads about breaking into the car, which rightly so are mostly censored. Cheers, A very fed-up VX owner

Edited by jonathansouth, 12 December 2014 - 08:13 PM.

[Bumblebee]

Sorry to hear about your troubles I had the same prob trying to get in to my car earlier in the year I've Pm'd you

[jonathansouth]

Thanks Bumblebee - got your PM, I'll apply the Urigellar technique tomorrow in daylight. Incidentally, was the cause of your problem the Central Locking Module failure or something else?

[Bumblebee]

Yeah it was the CLM

[jonathansouth]

Thanks again.

[Wolfstone]

Check if you actually have door key locks. They are often covered over by black stickers on central locking turbos. Remove the black stickers and your key should work in the door lock. Also sounds like your central locking back up battery in the boot is dead. Ten minute job to replace. Most have failed by now.

[jonathansouth]

Check if you actually have door key locks. They are often covered over by black stickers on central locking turbos. Remove the black stickers and your key should work in the door lock. Also sounds like your central locking back up battery in the boot is dead. Ten minute job to replace. Most have failed by now.

I've read about the hidden locks beneath stickers. My car has a black handle (that all passengers try to pull up like it will open the door ) and a metal barrel that I can insert the key into and individually locks the doors. Are the hidden locks you're referring to on my car?

Regarding the central locking spare battery, I wouldn't be surprised if that had failed given my car is a decade old. However if it wasn't flat would I be able to use the secret button to open the door(s) if the Central Locking Module had failed?

Edited by jonathansouth, 12 December 2014 - 11:24 PM.

[Potatoes]

FWIW it's a lovely looking car... hope you get into it soon JS

[jonathansouth]

Thanks. It's just as well it's looking good from the outside because that's the view I'm restricted to at the moment. :/ On a serious note though, the reference to the black stickers over locks, is that something that above and beyond the regular key lock barrels i.e. like the secret button? I just want to make sure I've exhausted all options before I break into the car.

[techieboy]

No, if you've got a regular key hole in the lock barrel, then you either never had some silly sticker covering it or they've gone walkies over the years.

[jonathansouth]

Ok, thanks mate. Off to get the crystal now

[Nev]

I will send you PM on how to get into your car. Don't publish it publically please.

[jonathansouth]

Fiddly, but got in there in the end. Thanks all.

[Claws]

Now don't lock it. Done.

[firehawk]

I have just gone to unlock the car and I am guessing the battery is flat. Tried the button but nothing, ant tips on how to get in? Cheers for any help

[G-Bob]

Am I right in thinking that your central locking didn't work and you didn't think to stick the key in the lock and turn it?

[hairy]

Doesn't always work Bob - mine can't be unlocked with the key.

[jonathansouth]

Mine neither

[G-Bob]

It has a lock where you put a key in it, and it doesn't unlock the door? Is it broken?

[jonathansouth]

A "design feature" with the remote central locking. The central locking and door locks operated by the key are independent.