[ladydebs]

Hi all, we've got a really weird problem with our astra twintop 1.9cdti, 57 plate, (which is totally keyless).

The alarm kept going off randomly for the last few days, so yesterday, my husband opened the car with his keyless fob (that worked), and tried to start it. Nothing happened except the open&start system fault light (little padlock) stayed on for 10 secs. No other dashboard lights came on and the steering lock didn't release.

He changed the battery (seemed like a good place to start as the car has been sitting for 3 weeks) and tried again. Same happened.

Our biggest issue is that because the car has frameless door windows, every time you open the door, the window pops down about 10mm to clear the roof. But since the battery was changed, they're not popping back up again and there's no power to operate them (because the ignition won't switch on). The door has been opened enough times now that the window is stuck all the way down! Checked fuses, changed fob battery and tried de-energising the system, but it's made no difference. The central locking and radio are still working. So our car is out on the road with a black plastic bag covering the open driver's side window and we can't move it onto our drive because the steering lock is engaged.

We don't mind waiting for it to be looked at until after this crazy virus crisis, but could do with moving it to a safe place or at least securing it while we wait. Any quick fixes/ideas would be very gratefully received?

 

[Stickman]

PEPS can be a pain when it stops working!
The padlock light can come on if the steering lock is a bit sticky - try wobbling the wheel a bit to unload it and pressing the start stop button.
Failing that, hold the fob by the padlock sign on the column (where the barrel would be if it had one) and try the start button. That's a short range override of the main detection system.

 

[ladydebs]

[/QUOTE

PEPS can be a pain when it stops working!
The padlock light can come on if the steering lock is a bit sticky - try wobbling the wheel a bit to unload it and pressing the start stop button.
Failing that, hold the fob by the padlock sign on the column (where the barrel would be if it had one) and try the start button. That's a short range override of the main detection system.

Husband tried both - no joy. There are NO lights at all coming on and no movement or sound.

Weird how central locking is working but not the windows? Usually, we'd hold the lock button on the fob and all windows would close, but even that's not working. ??

 

[Stickman]

So is it locking/unlocking on the fob, or does it just recognise the fob from outside to let you open the door and let you lock it by touching the handle?
I presume you've tried both fobs?
I know it queries the fob again to put the ignition on so could be something to do with the aerial inside.

 

[Stickman]

Actually just had another thought too, it should close the windows if you lock it by touching the handle and keeping your finger there (like it does off the fob).

 

[ladydebs]

We think the fob is recognised inside and outside by the central locking system, as we've been able to lock/unlock the car from both. Husband tried the finger on the handle thing and sadly it didn't work. It's as if the windows aren't receiving any communication apart from to dip when the door opens? The radio lights and courtesy lights come on when you open the door, you can switch internal lights on and off, the radio on and off, seat heaters work, but nothing else. But because the ignition won't work, I guess that makes sense because the ignition process powers everything else. The open&start light is the only one lit on the dash.

 

[Stickman]

Well the windows are controlled by the REC, but I suspect the thing to make them drop is the Open and Start unit which is just next to it. Might be worth a check to make sure all connections are made properly. In the boot on the left. There are some fuses that serve the Open and Start unit too which it wouldn't hurt to check, 16 and 33 in the REC, and 16 in the UEC.
I think you're right, fix the ignition problem and everything else will follow.

 

[ladydebs]

Husband checked all fuses last night and very nearly checked them again with a hammer...lol. That was when realisation dawned that we'd have to tape the bin bag on and walk calmly away!! ??

 

[Stickman]

?? The Clarkson method of electrical engineering.

The windows probably aren't going back up after dropping to open as they've lost their home setting. Once you get it sorted you'll need to reset them by holding the button down at the top and bottom of transit.
Doesn't help with getting it to recognise the key though to get the ignition on.

 

[ladydebs]

Appreciate it, will do. Just really curious about why the car recognises the key, except on ignition. Grrrr...another bin bag night. ? Good job we're on lockdown, or we'd be quite worried (we live in the burbs of Brum) ?

 

[nick5682]

Hi, I have exactly the same problem to the letter. Did you manage to get this resolved.

 

[RoydsW]

Hi, I have exactly the same problem to the letter. Did you manage to get this resolved.

I will have to ask you the same question? As I am in the same position

 

[royson]

Appreciate it, will do. Just really curious about why the car recognises the key, except on ignition. Grrrr...another bin bag night. ? Good job we're on lockdown, or we'd be quite worried (we live in the burbs of Brum) ?

I will have to ask you the same question? As I am in the same position

i sit in it , some times it will the ignition comes on, and it starts. others times i can be trying all sorts of positions with the fob, for 15 mins.. some times give up. same with switching it off. I have found if i keep my finger on the button , it will show lock and ding ,but switches off.. pain init

 

[royson]

[/QUOTE


Husband tried both - no joy. There are NO lights at all coming on and no movement or sound.

Weird how central locking is working but not the windows? Usually, we'd hold the lock button on the fob and all windows would close, but even that's not working. ??

yes me too, windows somtimes stay down abit not sure if the steering lock is a head thing / I do the riddling and pressure off, but if it wants to work, it snatches it off whatever,, be nice too here if others have the same probs !!!!