Overview of Vauxhall keys
Vauxhall keys car keys are a tale of two halves…Traditionally they’ve been very good quality and simple design. The keys for models such as the Vauxhall Astra-G (1997-2004) Corsa C ( 2002-2006) and Vectra B (1997-2002) were all simple, two part keys. If one part broke, such as the remote control, it could be replaced. Likewise, if a blade snapped, it could be swapped for a new one.
Vauxhall car not starting? Is it the key that’s to blame? Click here to find out more
Both parts of the Vauxhall Astra G Key
A newer type of ‘flip’ key is supplied with the newer cars such as Vauxhall Astra H (2004-2009) Vectra C (2002-2008) and Corsa D (2006-2011). In our opinion, these keys are not as good quality and we’re starting to see lots of problems with them.
An even bigger problem is with the latest Astra J (2009 – ) and Insignia (2008 – ) Car keys. These are truly terrible. Find out more below.
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Problems with Vauxhall Car keys
The most common problems affect the following models
Astra J and Insignia
This style of flip key have two three basic faults.
Firstly, the rubbers are very soft, which mean they wear quickly, just like the one in the photo.
The second problem is more serious. The design of the silver flip part of the key, the hinge that holds in the key is very weak. We see many that crack and the blade drops out without you knowing. Then when you go to use your car next, you notice the missing blade, so you can’t use the car.
The very last problem is just as bad. The design of the electronics, mean that a common problem is that the components go faulty. If this happens, the car will not start. This will be the subject of a more detailed blog post, so look out for it, but basically, it’s not uncommon for you go to the car one day and it won’t even crank, let alone start. If this happens there will be a symbol of a padlock on the dashboard.
The Solution
Problem 1 – Worn rubbers
These can be sorted out easily, by replacing the case and swapping the parts. However, here is a quick warning if you are thinking about doing this yourself.
Ebay sell a range of cases. Some are great, some are terrible. So firstly look for good feedback.
To get these keys apart is not that easy, and we do them all the time. It takes alot of force and in doing so, lots of customers break the expensive electronic part inside.
The next problem with doing it yourself is that when people change the blade, reusing it, they cause damage to the new case, making the hinge weak straight away. Therefore, we would recommend you find a local Auto Locksmith to do the whole job for you. Here in Lincon we charge £45 for the whole service.
Problem 2 – Broken key hinge
This can be sorted out easily as long as you have both parts of the key. The electronics can be put into a new case, as described above.
Problem 3 – Chip not detected by the car.
This problem requires a brand new key. All good Auto Locksmiths can do this, but some will need the security code. Here at the Car Key Man, we can do the whole job without the code and will also give you the code free of charge if you don’t have it.
Vauxhall Astra H 2004 -2011
There are two types of key available for these cars. One type has a blade that flicks out and is the most common, the other type has a blade that is static.
The common key with the flick blade has two problems
Problem 1 – The blades get very ‘floppy’ due to the hinge mechanism and then eventually the case splits and the blade can fall out.
Problem 2 – The design of the keys electronics, mean that a common problem is that the components go faulty and if this happens, the car will not start. This is the subject if a more detailed blog post, so look out for it, but basically, it’s not uncommon for you go to the car one day and it won’t even crank, let alone start. If this happens it will show a symbol of a padlock on the dashboard or a flashing engine light.
The Solution
Problem 1 – Wobbly Blade
This can be sorted out easily. The electronics can be put into a new case, as described above.
Problem 2 – Chip not detected by the car.
This problem requires a brand new key. All good Auto Locksmiths can do this, but some will need the security code. Here at the Car Key Man, we can do the whole job without the code and will also give you the code free of charge if you don’t have it.
Corsa C 2002 – 2006
To be honest, these keys are really good, but just get worn out. The only real problem we see are worn out rubbers.
The Solution
Depending on how bad the key is worn, these can either have new switches and a case, or a whole new remote.
This video will help you with the latest Vauxhall Flip style keys
Our review of your Vauxhall keys
Vauxhall Astra 2004 – 2009 Click Here ,
Insignia Click Here
Vectra 2002 – 2008 Click Here
Corsa 2002 – 2006 Click here
Corsa 2007- 2015 Click Here
You may also find help at the Vauxhall Owners club below
http://www.vauxhallownersclub.com/
If you have any questions, just call us or pop into see us. If your not local, look up your local Auto Locksmith who will always be pleased to help.
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