Vectra C 150. Will not start

[ian124]

Well it’s been a strange few days.
key fob stopped working and wouldn’t unlock the car. Unlocked with key and put key in ignition this turned off the alarm. But when I tried to start the car it wouldn’t even turn over.

The keys started working OK and I was able to lock and unlock the car but still will not start it.

Noticed that when I remove the key from the ignition and opened the door the car was beeping like the lights were on or the keys were in the ignition.

If i short out the starter motor the car runs and drives and seems fine.

I have removed ignition barrel and cleaned.

Ive found it hard to find people with the exact same issues any help would be great

[NickT]

Try your spare key in case your transponder is having issues. I'll assume you've already tried synchronising your key to the car as per the handbook

[ian124]

Tried with both keys have exactly the same issue, tried to resync but still won’t turn over.

I am able to use the car I have had to run cable direct to starter motor, I put the normal key in the ignition then use the direct cable to the starter motor to start the car.

[northpole]

I actually think your ignition is past it's best since the keys re-registered properly otherwise the car wouldn't start period... maybe you can get another ignition barrel that is set for your keys profile but i have no idea what that would cost.

[nikroc]

how 'easy' is it to replace the locks etc with a known working 2nd hand one?..

[Big Dave]

I'll assume you've already tried synchronising your key to the car as per the handbook

This procedure is for only operation of the remote central locking and alarm.

The immobiliser is dealt with by a transponder chip that communicates to/from the car via wireless induction. The fob battery can be completely flat and you should still be able to start the car.

[ian124]

I have wondered if something on the barrel may have worn down and is no longer making the proper contacts. I might look at replacing the barrel I hopefully might be able to get the barrel PIN numbers from my current barrel.

[wildchild]

Hi m8 my cousins astra suffered from something like this and we took the ignition barrel out and the is a plastic plunger in the end, i stripped it down and sprayed it all with electrical cleaner and it was quite gunked up as it should be free moving... and that seemed to work but i also at the same time found a fault code in the cim module so i cleared it with opcom and its been ok ever since hth