car thinks key still in ignition

[duderduderini]

And then the car is superlocked and I'm beached.
This happens when I'm at least 100 k's from home. Did it at Pinaroo and then again today.
Even though I could hear door solenoids blinkers did not light as expected and car non responsive to key fobs (at leasst for 5 minutes)
I finally get drivers door open to find the message key still in ignition which I might add wasnt there when I alighted.
This is a real nuiscance not to mention one annoyed partners and upset 3 year old
What is the fix for this. Car is RRS but I find I get more answers here on this forum and I believe its the same part anyway.
Thanks
Nick

[Graeme]

Probably not the cause but perhaps fit a new fob battery just in case. If you have a 2nd key then perhaps try that one for a while.

[Russrobe]

Guessing you don't have a BT IID tool to scan for faults?

[duderduderini]

I have recently (last 4 days) changed battery in one key fob. The other looks like new, so new in fact, I think its a genuine replacement. The seller did remark never to lose the fob..
The IId tool is on its way
I have had this happen with either key fob (the key still in ignition message).
I thinks it a sticking plunger or some such ailment much like the p38 RR suffered ie the plunger that signals key is out of barrel
Thanks for input
Nick

[discorevy]

Squirt of graphite powder or silicone spray in the barrel and put the key in and out a few times should sort it

[cjc_td5]

Just because the battery looks new doesn't mean it is in good condition. I have used one of my fobs since new (3 years) and it recently started the Low Battery warning. I swapped to a fob that has been unused, sitting inside in a filing cabinet, and it has started the same warning. I suppose sitting "idle" for a period of time does take up some charge as the fob continually looks for the vehicle to communicate with?

[BMKal]

Just because the battery looks new doesn't mean it is in good condition. I have used one of my fobs since new (3 years) and it recently started the Low Battery warning. I swapped to a fob that has been unused, sitting inside in a filing cabinet, and it has started the same warning. I suppose sitting "idle" for a period of time does take up some charge as the fob continually looks for the vehicle to communicate with?

Spot on Chris. [wink11]

Even "new" batteries, recently purchased and still in their packaging can be flat or duds. I recently installed a "new" battery (purchased that day) into one of my key fobs after receiving the warnings. After only a few days of use, I started getting the warning again. So I purchased and installed another "new" battery from a different shop, and have had no further problems (for about two months now). [biggrin]

[duderduderini]

The older of the keys had a new battery from element 14 (formerly Farnell) but I dont feel its the fobs. This problem occurred before I changed the battery in Fob 1 (the outer case was damaged so i replaced case and put in new 3v lithium battery) Fob 2 was a new replacement for the other fob.
I have had the key in ignition message come up many times since I got the car and I would put key back in turn switch and then back off and pull key out and it would be ok.
Its the times that it doesnt say it (key in ignition that is) and I then get the problem as described.
Im thinking new ignition switch with keys. I believe that you keep the immobilizer module or get new barrel keyed to your keys
Hopefully someone with this same problem will read this
Thanks for all the help and suggestions so far
Nick

[DiscoMick]

I'm not familiar with the RRS system, and I guess a physical cause is most likely, but I also wonder if it could be a software glitch needing a reset. Has your battery been disconnected any time recently?
Maybe you should get a dealer to do a diagnosis.

[duderduderini]

Then Ill see what gives Im not keen to go to dealer as yet as the one in Albury is quite expensive but will consider it afetr I see what the iid says
Thanks again
Nick

[Mumfy1973]

its the electrical gubbings on the back of the ignition, it will be gummed up with crap needs cleaning with electrical connector spray. I had it on my old D2a

[duderduderini]

And I was amazed at the gunge tat came out. I noticed that the cleaner comes out of the cover where the steering wheel height adjuster is .. no doubt from the back of the ignition lock assembly.
If you do this place a rag to soak that up on the floor matt. The advice is to then use powdered graphite on key and work it over a few times but i used a pencil (2B) to coat ket front and back sides cause I was worried about too much graphite getting into the tumblers etc.
It seems to have helped because key comes out a lot better now.
Its essentially the same fix for the p38 ignition lock i found on rangerovers.net
I hope this might be of assistance to someone and thanks to all posters
Nick