1536Z4 wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 9:42 am
raymond.harper wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 7:14 am
There are auto electricians who will come out and look at the car
As said I think this would be your best option and could save you hours of trying to find the fault and spending money on bits you didn`t actually need . Where are you based there maybe someone on the forum that is electrical savvy or has a code reader that could help you diagnose issue
Rockhopper wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 10:13 am
Dead starter motor is the most likely thing. They fail without any warning. They putting 12 volts directly into the back of it. Or giving it a hit sometimes works.
Pondrew wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 11:28 am
Sounds like an immobiliser or alarm issue to me as the central locking won't work.
Have you changed the batteries in the key/ remote fob? Always good to start simple.
Usel wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 11:33 am
Are the batteries in the keys flat?
Seems like the Immobiliser isn't being activated by the key button presses so you can't start the car.
P.s got distracted and took too long to respond .... so what the above poster says
Rockhopper wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 11:40 am
The immobilizer chip in the key doesn't need the key battery to work. Its a grain of rice sized thig that just sits inside the key shell and the car detects it when the key is close enough to the antenna which is wrapped around the ignition barrel. It sounds like the key has just gone flat with is why the central locking doesn't work.
Usel wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 12:24 pm
Rockhopper wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 11:40 am
The immobilizer chip in the key doesn't need the key battery to work. Its a grain of rice sized thig that just sits inside the key shell and the car detects it when the key is close enough to the antenna which is wrapped around the ignition barrel. It sounds like the key has just gone flat with is why the central locking doesn't work.
You are correct.
With a stuck starter motor you would still expect a click though wouldn't you upon trying to start?
j3nks79 wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 1:10 pm
You don’t always get a click with a stuck starter motor.
The other thing to check would be the earth strap. They corrode away.
enuff_zed wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 1:41 pm
Don’t discount separate issues.
I’d look at the starter first.
You may then find the key issues are a different fault.
Possibly dead batteries or maybe they just need pairing to the GM5 again.
raymond.harper wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 7:14 am
Electrical gremlins are the Zeds Achille's Heel causing no end of problems. Try using the second key then look at common problems such as the ignition switch, next would be the starter/solenoid. There are auto electricians who will come out and look at the car. Find one on Facebook.
First of all thanks for all of your replies @j3nks79 @enuff_zed @usel @Rockhopper @Pondrew @1536Z4 @raymond.harper
![👍](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f44d.svg)
I'm going to list my experience today and ask a couple of questions if that's OK. Thanks in advance.
1. Tried the electric tooth brush method to recharge the keys (diamond type) then tried to sync them with the car by holding down the unlock key and pressing the logo button 3 times. It didn't work with either key. Both keys having the same battery issue at the same time seems very unlikely.
2. The red light on the rear view mirror no longer flashes when the car is locked.
3. The central locking still works. The remote central locking does not.
4. All other electrics seem to work (as far as I've tested).
5. The first time I turn the key I can hear an audible "click" from under the bonnet. The next time I try it, it's completely silent.
So a few questions....
A) How do I test the starter motor? I know people say put 12v to the back and hit it with a hammer etc, but what does this actually mean to a layman?? Is there an actual guide to this as I'm not a mechanic by any stretch and it took me about an hour to work out where the started motor even was! I also have big hands so if it's a finicky job I'll probably have to do it the long way.
B) How do I get the alarm/immobiliser situation sorted out and should I do this AFTER I've tested/replaced the starter motor.
C) I'm somewhat handy (I've replaced the electric steering motor myself etc) so is the above work something I can do myself, or is it a proper mechanics job?
I'll leave it at that for now and await further advice.
Again, thanks so much guys. Its a real testament to your characters that you're willing to help a stranger out. Hopefully others can benefit from this information also. Might be worth changing the thread title to something more specific once I get somewhere with these problems.
All the best.
Paul.