locking problem ( not what you might think )

[VZ_commo91]

So I got home from work, with my normal key. Tried to lock the car ( which was locking perfectly all day I might add ) Tried to lock the car... Nothing, boot wouldn't work, unlock wouldn't work... So I started the car with the key let is sit, turned it off... Still nothing. So I grab the other key.
NOTHING! I'm getting quite pissed now...

Went for a drive with the original key, get home, and BOTH keys work... I might also add the Engine fuse was also really hot. where as the rest were the same temp...

So now its locking fine again, I always thought it was the key, But now I'm thinking it could be more.
Any help ? suggestions ? something I can do to fix it ?

[Macca87]

Where you holding your tounge the right way LOL? Are both your keys in good condition the rubber button bit specifically? Also i have found that sometimes if i don't point the key at the car it doesn't quite work properly

[Deltak]

Hi,

Sometimes the Key signal is being drowned out by something broardcasting on close frequency, i.e. say a fluro light breaking down or similar. I have had my key not work in a public car park in a particular spot. Elsewere in the carpark - no problems.

Just a thought.

[CRUSTIN]

Ive heard that all vz's have a key problem, sometimes it just doesn't work.

Drives ya mad when you cant open the car, then you have to use the key and suffer the alarm at the most inconvenient time.

[CapriciousWL]

I've seen dry joints in the pcb inside the keys. Sounds dumb, but if the key isn't working stick it in the freezer for a few hours. That was the advice from RACQ to one of the guys I work with.

The final solution was a new key - blanks can be purchased on line and programmed by Holden or other key places.

[VZ_commo91]

I've seen dry joints in the pcb inside the keys. Sounds dumb, but if the key isn't working stick it in the freezer for a few hours. That was the advice from RACQ to one of the guys I work with.

The final solution was a new key - blanks can be purchased on line and programmed by Holden or other key places.

But the problem is both keys wouldn't work, then all of a sudden they Both would after a drive... I'm beginning to think it's something to do with the car NOT the key.

[Little Red VZ Go-Kart]

Most likely the battery in the key transponder on the way out. Not user-serviceable; take it in for servicing.
High frequency broadcasting apparatus, like TV/radio transmitters, can block signals to and from immobilisers e.g. the tower on Mount Wellington in Hobart Tasmania will play havoc with remotes. Best to manually lock the car up there or risk an inconveniencing call-out to RACT.

Digital set top boxes for TVs have also been speculated as culprits though we have three in our large house and no evidence they are interfering.

[Brenah]

Ive heard that all vz's have a key problem, sometimes it just doesn't work.

Drives ya mad when you cant open the car, then you have to use the key and suffer the alarm at the most inconvenient time.

I'll + 1 on that.
My VZ does it on average once every 2 months or so.
And can be anywhere to do. Even in the middle of nowhere.

Even better when you have to use the key and the alarm goes off at 3am

[VZ_commo91]

Most likely the battery in the key transponder on the way out. Not user-serviceable; take it in for servicing.
High frequency broadcasting apparatus, like TV/radio transmitters, can block signals to and from immobilisers e.g. the tower on Mount Wellington in Hobart Tasmania will play havoc with remotes. Best to manually lock the car up there or risk an inconveniencing call-out to RACT.

Digital set top boxes for TVs have also been speculated as culprits though we have three in our large house and no evidence they are interfering.

It has done it when I used to live in the sticks where I was on full solar power, with little to no service with mobile/TV.
Could it be something in the car that could do it ? Perhaps it has never been the key, but been the car the whole time ?

[richardpalinkas]

mine does it occasionally, and btw, the keys are serviceable, pry it open, change the battery and super glue it back together, just make sure you put a blob of blue tack against the connection and battery, so it is a solid connection. done it before with a lazy key and it fixed it. but just make sure you have a spare, because i take no responsibility in what others do

[johncaprice]

i had this problem the other night in the rain and tried the spare key as well. Neither would work and the centre dash lights would not trun off. This would suggest that this is not a key problem rather an electrical problem. In my frustration so the battery doesnt die overnight, i disconnected the battery terminals so i can start the car up in the morning. i re attahced them to see if there was any change and the keys suddenly worked.

[VZ_commo91]

i had this problem the other night in the rain and tried the spare key as well. Neither would work and the centre dash lights would not trun off. This would suggest that this is not a key problem rather an electrical problem. In my frustration so the battery doesnt die overnight, i disconnected the battery terminals so i can start the car up in the morning. i re attahced them to see if there was any change and the keys suddenly worked.

Awesome feature with the VZ, If say the radio, or interior light is left on for 1 hour with out touching anything with the car, it will shut off everything in order to save power... I leave mine on all the time by accident, and its always off by the time I get back to the car. But the switch is in the on position.

An update on this... My keys have not done it since that day....

[VYMAD]

Yes the keys are self servicable, as stated above. Follow the guide in the How-To section on VS key.
All this info that has been posted doesn't solve the very hot engine fuse issue, I wonder what would be causing that.