Ignition problems - Key/Battery related possibly

M

markmcgookin

Member
 Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ok,

So this has been happening more and more now, to the point where my car starting first time is actually quite rare!

Basically it unlocks fine, jump in, pop the keys in, turn to start and it just makes the starter noise without turning over. After a bit of investigation, I've found that the dash lights don't come on when this happens. The trip lights up, and the radio comes on, but that's about it. If I take the key out, and try again, usually within 3/4 tries all the lights flash on and it will start straight away.

If they come on first time, it starts no problem, but if the lights aren't on, I don't even bother trying to start it. I just turn it off, take the keys out, pop them back in and turn it to one before ignition, lights on go for it, lights not on, try again.

Anyone else had this? I can't help but think a little wiggle of the keys the other day seemed to kick it to life, but I haven't been able to recreate this, so it just seems like luck of the draw at the minute.

Does anyone have any ideas? Could it be the key? Or is it more likely the battery or the ignition?

It's getting progressively worse, and a tad dangerous as I stalled moving onto a roundabout the other day, and couldn't do a quick rolling start to zip off and had to just drift across lanes until I could pull over.

Any ideas or help would be amazing, thanks!

Mark
 
Sounds very like a worn ignition lock to me. Do you normally dangle a large/heavy bunch of keys from it?

Do you have a spare key that you could try? That could at least eliminate the key.
 
Yeah I have a spare key. I'll try that tomorrow.

No I don't, I have 2 other keys on it and no keyring. I just bought the car, and it's only been happening for about 2 weeks.
 
markmcgookin said:
No I don't, I have 2 other keys on it and no keyring. I just bought the car, and it's only been happening for about 2 weeks.
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My guess (and I could well be wrong) is that the previous owner had a heavy bunch of keys, which over time has worn the ignition lock to the point where you are having the problems that you describe. How old is the car? How many miles?
 
Erm... early 2006 - 60,000 ish miles.

I would surely have experienced this problem before now then wouldn't I? I've had the car for about 2 months, but this has been happening for only the last 2/3 weeks.
 
Sounds like the battery - most of the symptoms you describe occur when the battery is on its way out. Worth having it checked - how old is your battery?
 
I agree with Alan, start with the battery (its the cheapest option) most last on average 5years... no doubt someone will have one thats 50 years old but 5 to 6 is about average (its down to use as well)
 
Rather than the ignition lock, it could actually be the ignition switch that is connected to the lock. Surprisingly easy to change and not too expensive.

Not saying it's not the battery. Just sounds more like the switch to me.
 
The immobiliser part of the key is an independent chip that requires no battery power. The issue is with the lock somewhere I would say.
 
I didn't get a chance to try the new key today, but it had a troublesome start this morning, but worked first time every time today since.

I'll give the other key a shot asap, batteries are ballpark £50 aren't they? And if the ignition switch is a "cheap fix" that's two out of three possibilities that aren't too bad. (Knowing my luck it'll be some expensive other thing)
 
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