Strange fix for Corsa ignition problems?

Chevens · 21 May 2013 at 11:18

Hi all,

Maybe someone has an opinion on the following!
My wife's car (2005 1.2ltr Corsa) developed a fault just after pulling into a garage for fuel. The car wouldn't start. The key seemed loose in the ignition and nothing happened when turning the key to start the car.
The central locking stopped working and the pre ignition warning lights were on even when the key was removed from the car.
We towed to a local independant garage recommended by my father in law. Got a call this morning from the mechanic asking if we had a spare key, as he had to use the one we had given him as part of the fix.
He elaborated to say that he had embedded our spare key on the inside of the dash to "fool the cars brain" - his words), and that the car couldn't be started any other way.
I'm no mechanic but this sounds really strange. He still hasn't told me a price as he used second hand parts. I believe he has replaced the barrel.

To be honest I was expecting a call telling me the fault he'd found and the cost of a fix and if I'd like to proceed. Was thrown when he started asking about second keys!

TheVoice · 21 May 2013 at 11:22

It sounds like he's essentially overriding the immobiliser using the spare key, which doesn't seem like a particularly great idea really.

Nomisf · 21 May 2013 at 11:26

As TheVoice said, its a fairly common way of essentially "removing" the immobilizer, the wireless chip will have been taken out of the first key and taped or glued to the reader ring in the steering column. I see it a lot on older (90s) cars with only 1 key.

Your insurance won't like it if they find out either, as it makes hot-wiring the car old fashion style very possible.

ChocolateStarfishRammer · 21 May 2013 at 11:57

Indeed.. Sounds to me like the Ignition Barrel was probably warn so your key couldn't turn it. The Mechanic has replaced the Barrel and/or whole steering column.. So you will have a new key to start the car.

However, the new key doesn't have the same transponder to link up with your immobiliser to disarm it. So, hes tucked the Immobiliser Ring behind the dash and cello-taped your old key through the middle of it. Thus, your immobiliser is always disarmed and your new key can start the car.

Chevens · 21 May 2013 at 12:11

Thanks guys,

So the proper fix would be a new immobiliser/key combo?
Not sure I should be paying for this now. I wasn't consulted prior to any work and am not happy with the 'solution'.

Cheers,

TheVoice · 21 May 2013 at 12:16

It sounds like a botch-job really. My Astra is nearly 11 years old and if a mechanic did that (without even asking), I'd go mental.

ChocolateStarfishRammer · 21 May 2013 at 14:01

Without asking.. Yeah its abit cheeky.

But, for a cheap fix, botch maybe, but it works.

Bromhead · 21 May 2013 at 17:55

I did this with my old Corsa, maybe it's not the perfect solution but it fixes the problem straight away and I imagine is a lot cheaper than the alternative.

All in all, it's what I would have done.