Suspected electrical fault on Vauxhall Astra

prettypennies

Help.

I have gone to open my car today (L reg Vauxhall Astra TD CD) and key wouldn't turn in lock. Managed to get through boot but the Alarm (factory fitted one that sets horn off and indicators) Tried to turn key in lock and engine is dead (can just hear clicking noise) Any ideas what has gone wrong?
When I parked it up last night everything was fine!

Whits

Sounds like either the starter motor or alternator.

Try turning the key and getting someone to hit the starter motor with a plastic mallet. If it starts then you have an answer.

It could be the battery. That age of Vauxhall are susceptible to problems. Try and get a battery from a diesel as these have more kick for starting.

HTH

prettypennies

The car does have a diesel battery on. The lights are working so not battery I don't reckon. Tried the hammer thing and it has sparked to life as yet.

prettypennies

Have reconnected the battery. Had to disconnect last night to make the indicators go off. When batter was reconnect the indicators started flashing again (double time as before) but no horn this time. The car doors will still not unlock (had to climb through boot). I am sure there is some clever chappie out there that can give me a clue as to what as happened to her.

northern_munky

Has the car got an immobiliser as well as the alarm, is the light flashing on the dash? Does your keyfob have a button on it which you have to press? Have you tried a spare key?

prettypennies

Central locking is just operated by the key in lock (not remote central locking). I have tried the spare key but that doesn't work either. When I turn the key in the ignition no light come on on the dashboard. I would guess the car has the ffactory fitted imobiliser which normal de-mobilises when the key is turned in the lock/iginition.

northern_munky

I think the locks on these activate the alarm/immobiliser and without unlocking it thats why the car won't start. Try spraying some WD40 in the lock and try turning the key in both directions. Has the key been stiffer to turn recently?

prettypennies

Yeah must admit the drivers lock has been a bit stiff. tried key in passenger side however and it turns fine but doesn't open the lock.

northern_munky

From what I have heard there is something on the back of the lock that can break off, also don't rule out the battery apparently the deadlocking is electrically operated so if the battery has gone the locks won't open.

prettypennies

Somehow managed to open drivers door but lock still in down position. Tried key in ignition again but still no joy. If door lock is broken would this make the immobiliser stay on even if key in ignition?
How to I reset the immobiliser?

I'd invest in a newer car if I didn't have to negotiate over 200 road bumps a week going to and from work!!!

northern_munky

If you are certain the battery is ok I would try and get the door card off the inside, just 2 or 3 big philips screws on the door handle and then pop off the plastic clips around the edge and lift it off. You'll then be able to see if theres anything broken off the lock at the back but if its stiff I reckon it could be the barrel. Good luck with it