Vauxhall Astra 1.6 - Key recognition

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Mon 25 Jul 2011 09:10
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 - Key recognition - vasilli1

Started the car one evening but when I tried to start it the next morning it appears not to recognize the key. Cannot unlock steering or start engine. Does anyone have a solution for tlhis problem.

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Tue 26 Jul 2011 02:54
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 - Key recognition - 1litregolfeater

Make sure you didn't lose the chip out of the key. It's very small.

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Tue 26 Jul 2011 12:42
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 - Key recognition - vasilli1

Where do I find the chip? If I remove it and replace will it reset the system?

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Tue 26 Jul 2011 08:59
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 - Key recognition - Victorbox

If you can't unlock steering lock I assume you mean you can't turn key to start position? If so then key or lock is so worn that it's jammed. No spare key I take it? You could try turning steering wheel slightly left or right to relieve pressure on steering lock and see if you can then turn key at same time.

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Tue 26 Jul 2011 12:40
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 - Key recognition - vasilli1

Tried that but no joy.

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Tue 26 Jul 2011 23:51
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 - Key recognition - Railroad.

If you can't turn the key in the lock then spray some WD40 into it and then try to be a bit aggressive with the key turning it back and forth. They will usually go. Obviously don't go silly and break the key, but I've had loads of these and by being a bit forceful with the key whilst pulling on the steering wheel at the same time usually does the trick. With the ignition on if the transponder chip is not recognised then the engine management lamp will flash on and off continuously.....

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