Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: twiglet on 21 August 2011, 22:47:44

Title: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: twiglet on 21 August 2011, 22:47:44
Just bought a Vectra C for the wife.

1 key works fine. The other one (which looks brand new) opens the car ok, and turns in the ignition barrel, but fails to start the car. It comes up with a message on the screen but I can't remember what it said now.

I'm assuming this just needs reprogramming following a flat key battery?

If so, can it be done with a tech2? I have the car pass, etc.

TIA  :y
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: dbug on 21 August 2011, 22:56:28
Sounds like a transponder chip issue mate - either needs programming or is missing/displaced.
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: zirk on 21 August 2011, 23:33:36
Does it start if you hold the working Key next to it? (may need to take out the non working key transponder to check this), have you tried doing a recycle on the non working key whilst in position 1 or 2 cant remember now. Is the transponder chip in the non working key or missing :(
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: twiglet on 22 August 2011, 08:39:11
Quote
Does it start if you hold the working Key next to it? (may need to take out the non working key transponder to check this), have you tried doing a recycle on the non working key whilst in position 1 or 2 cant remember now. Is the transponder chip in the non working key or missing :(

I haven't done anything yet Chris, as I wasn't sure if it was possible to fix this without a tech2. If I can do it myself, then some basic instructions on how to do it would be great!  :y
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: zirk on 22 August 2011, 09:01:02
Assuming both Keys are the same type, if you take the key apart, you will find a small black transponder chip towards the metal key bit, it slides out (sometimes falls out, so dont lose it).

Its not actually connected to anything in the fob, but talks to the Ing. barrel through the Transponder loop coil.

So in theory you can hold the chip next to the key to start the car, or put the know working chip in the spare key to check etc.

The position 1 / 2 thing is to recycle the Alarm / Central Locking Fob only, any Transponder issues will need a Tech 2 chat.

My money is on no / lost transponder in the spare key.

 ;)
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: twiglet on 22 August 2011, 09:26:28
Sounds like I'll be taking it apart and having a look tonight then.  ::)

Assuming that Chris is right and the transponder is missing, are they expensive to replace?

I've got a couple of keys with transponders in them from Omega's that have met their makers. Could I use one of them and get it reprogrammed?  :y
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: Martin_1962 on 22 August 2011, 09:43:05
pretty sure there is no seperate transponder chip on these
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: zirk on 22 August 2011, 10:12:05
Quote
pretty sure there is no seperate transponder chip on these

Actually, thinking about it, you might be right there Martin, didn't they change it with the Flip type keys to flashing the code on the main Fob pcb.  :-/

Chris.
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: twiglet on 22 August 2011, 10:14:51
If it helps, the Vectra keys look identical to the Omega keys...  :-/
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: zirk on 22 August 2011, 10:25:47
You may be lucky then James, think Vx started changing things like this on the Vectra's around 2003/4, or it may be if it looks the same as an Omega key, no transponder chip inside??.

Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: TheBoy on 22 August 2011, 17:44:25
Pre facelifted Vectra-C's use same keys as Omegas.
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: twiglet on 22 August 2011, 21:13:57
Ok the plot thickens...

I thought the spare key locked/unlocked the car but it doesn't  >:(

When trying to start the car, a little picture of a padlock appears under rev counter.

It's definately the right key as it fits all the locks, it's just the electronics part that's not playing ball.

TB, there is no panic, but is this something you can help me out with? I've got an ever growing list of things I need to discuss with you!  ::)
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: TheBoy on 22 August 2011, 21:22:12
Quote
Ok the plot thickens...

I thought the spare key locked/unlocked the car but it doesn't  >:(

When trying to start the car, a little picture of a padlock appears under rev counter.

It's definately the right key as it fits all the locks, it's just the electronics part that's not playing ball.

TB, there is no panic, but is this something you can help me out with? I've got an ever growing list of things I need to discuss with you!  ::)
If you have a carpass, and I get my CANdi lead back, then its doable.
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: twiglet on 22 August 2011, 21:28:15
Got the car pass here mate.  :y

Perhaps we can hook up next time you're over visiting LD, or at the next Essex meet if you're attending?  :y
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: TheBoy on 22 August 2011, 21:30:06
Quote
Got the car pass here mate.  :y

Perhaps we can hook up next time you're over visiting LD, or at the next Essex meet if you're attending?  :y
No idea what my plans are currently...
Title: Re: Spare key won't start car (Vectra C)
Post by: twiglet on 22 August 2011, 21:59:45
Well like I said, no panic.  :y