Thread: help pls it's driving me nutz! Key fob ignition

It could be the ignition barrel - and judging by the posts in the past it is fairly common, a good locksmith should be able to clean it up and/or repair. You could try it yourself with some graphite powder.

However before going down that route - just check one thing.

Is the lock set ridgid on the column - or does it move a little. I had a very similar problem as you described - and I found that the snap of bolts that hold the steering lock to the colunm were loose - this was causing the whole lock mechanism to move about, and the bit that locks the steering was stopping the lock from turning.

I am not saying it is that but it's an easy check.

If it is - it's also an easy fix, you need two snap off bolts, you need to use a centre punch to unscrew the old bolts, fit the new bolts with a little loctite - and tighten the new bolts until the head snap off (it's a security thingy)

Is the lock set ridgid on the column - or does it move a little.

Hi,
thx for the reply. I've just done a sanity check and confirm that it is rigid indeed, no 'play' there at all so it's prolly not that problem (would have been a cheaper alternative though *lol*), but worth while knowing about it. So thanks :-)

Originally Posted by landyprincess

Hi All,
I have an 01 D2 and 70% of the time the darn thing lets me get into the truck. The rest of the time, I can successfully open the truck with either the remote or the key in the door, and TURN OFF the alarm, but when I engage the key in the ignition - nothing. I can't even turn the key AND I have to go through an arduous process of pulling my hair out, settling the kids and trying to every conceivable trick with the remote, red light that flashes and timing it to get it to 'turn'.... *roll eyes*...

My hubby seems to think it may be the immobiliser. I know from where I read somewhere before that it is a common problem with the ignition barrel that needs replacing.

So my questions are to those that have either experienced and fixed this problem or those who just know and can offer some suggestions for my questions below:

1. I have a contact who services LR's and he quoted between $350/400 to have the barrel replaced, citing that it was a common problem with this model.

Is the price on par with what others have paid?


3. Would he actualy do the work or get a 3rd party (locksmith) to do the work?

I'm just wondering whether it may be best (cheaper) to get a locksmith that knows what their doing as obviously he would be putting some form of markup on that??

If a locksmith is ok, would anyone have any recommendations for someone who could do the work on the morning peninsula area of VIC?


4. Would replacing the battery in the key fob be of any value? (note - I took it to a place that specialises in keycutting/batteries etc and he attempted to open the back but couldn't do it and I didn't want him to break it as it's the only key/fob I have.

Or should I take it to an authorised LR dealer? What would they charge to do this?

5. When I bought the LR, it only came with one key and fob. Does anyone know whether it's possible to get a 'spare key' with fob or if I got another fob would it mean having to replace and get a new alarm system?

I'm kinda stressed to go out anywhere with the kids for fear of getting stuck and need to get this sorted.

Thanks very much for your help

Lp

btw - we have a gorgeous addition to the family now in addition to our 17 month old princess - a baby boy born on the 4th August 08 (Ethan James or EJ for short).

G'day LP

Congrats on the new addition to your family

Regarding your problem with the D2, seems it's contageous, mine is suffering a similar ailment for the last 2 days. Can't help with a solution yet but hope to find a solution soon, it's frustrating to say the least

Originally Posted by landyprincess

Hi All,
5. When I bought the LR, it only came with one key and fob. Does anyone know whether it's possible to get a 'spare key' with fob or if I got another fob would it mean having to replace and get a new alarm system?

Congratulations.

You can buy another key but they are about $400. I just bought one from a rover mechanic and they need the car for about 20 mins while they configure the two together. Dealer wanted $375 + $140 for labour so I rang round some mechanics which specialise in Rovers and they all kept one key in stock and charge the $400 installed.

I had the same problem in 01 D2, of key not turning in the barrel. Although your not supposed to use it, I sprayed the barrel with a bit of WD40 or similar. This fixed it straight away.
As posted earlier, spray some graphite powder around barrel should help.

Greg

Hi LP

I had the same sort of problem with my D1. I could get into the car but sometimes when I put the key in the ignition it refused to turn. I ended up getting a locksmith out who knew about Land Rovers and he pulled out my ignition, stripped it and gave it a good clean and its been as good as new since. Hope this helps.

Jodie

Hi All,
I think I shall go down the route of calling a few locksmiths to see who specialises in this type of thing and then worst case resort to the LR contact once i've done a 'price comparison'. Many thanks to all who have replied - much appreciated.

Cheers,
Lp

Hi Princess,


Happened to me too. I used lots of graphite and it improved things for about a year, and then it locked up solid and left me stranded. I suggest that for peace of mind it should be replaced. My first option was to order one from the UK with a 5 week delay for coding and delivery. The second option was to buy a D1 lock mechanism, have it redone by a locksmith to use the existing keys, marry it to the existing D2 electronic stuff, and have it all fixed in a day. I chose the latter. From memory, your quoted cost is about what mine cost, but I am away from home and can't give you an exact cost. Hope this helps.

Cheers