Another KEY issue - maybe

[Rusty]

Hey guys,

I have a VS Ute that is having starting issues. I've narrowed it down to either the metal ball on the end of the key fob thingo or the actual ring that it makes contact with.

The issue is that it won't always start. I will put the key in, turn it and wait for fuel pump to prime etc and then turn it again resulting in nothing. I have to take the key in and out a million times, swap it upside down etc before it starts. Occasionally it will start first time but pretty rarely.

The vehicle is a column shift auto and I removed the steering column surrounds not long ago. The plastic holding the metal ring on the ignition barrel is fairly loose and can be spun around a bit by hand. I did find a sweet spot for a while in which it was working fairly reliably.

The battery and alternator are new.

I guess my question is.... Do you guys think it is wiring to the back of the metal ring on the ignition barrel? Should i spin it around in a certain direction to tighten it? Any other suggestions?

Thanks guys. I didn't want to start pulling apart ignition bits without checking first!

 

[_R_J_K_]

Do you have a second key to test?

 

[Rusty]

I do, same issue with both keys.

It also has an aftermarket immobiliser but fairly certain that isn;t the issue

 

[Rusty]

any suggestions appreciated thanks guys

 

[Rusty]

still looking for help, thanks guys

 

[Super_Low 91]

remove the aftermarket immobilizer it wont be helping any. Could also be the key heads going flat, How old are the keys?

 

[Nut Kracker]

Key fob batteries don't effect the starting of the car.
Their purpose is only to lock/unlock the doors.

I'd be looking at the wiring at the back of the metal ring.

 

[Super_Low 91]

Sure they do. I'm not getting into this crap again,. Its not like i don't know what im talking having worked in the key industry for last 8 years.

 

[Nut Kracker]

Neither am I.....
But my key fob battery was flat for 6 months and never effected the starting of the engine.
The key reader on the ignition takes coded information from the chip(s) inside the fob.
It was just an inconvenience not being able to remotely open the doors and boot.

I don't think Holden engineers would have thought to leave you and your car stranded somewhere, just because the key battery went flat.
Do a search and you will get the same answer.

 

[VS_Pete]

Rusty I put a new VT full ring key reader in the vs it wasn`t as bad as yours but does start every time now.