I've just bought myself a 1999 Vauxhall Tigra, 1.4 Chequers version. I
seem to be having problems with the key/ignition/electronics, and would
appreciate some advice.

When I unlock the door (no problem), get in the car and put the key in
the ignition it won't immediately turn. I fiddle about for perhaps half
a minute before it finally does. On other occasions a similar thing
happens when I try to unlock the boot. Is this normal? Am I doing
something wrong? And what is the beeps I hear just after switching off
the engine and removing the key -- is it the immobiliser coming into
play?

I did contact the seller, an ebay trader, but he reckons that he had no
such troubles (yes, well he would anyway I guess...).

I do have two keys but I get the same result with both. I'd appreciate
any help and advice.

"Bill" wrote in message
...
I've just bought myself a 1999 Vauxhall Tigra, 1.4 Chequers version. I
seem to be having problems with the key/ignition/electronics, and would
appreciate some advice.

When I unlock the door (no problem), get in the car and put the key in
the ignition it won't immediately turn. I fiddle about for perhaps half
a minute before it finally does. On other occasions a similar thing
happens when I try to unlock the boot. Is this normal? Am I doing
something wrong? And what is the beeps I hear just after switching off
the engine and removing the key -- is it the immobiliser coming into
play?

I did contact the seller, an ebay trader, but he reckons that he had no
such troubles (yes, well he would anyway I guess...).

I do have two keys but I get the same result with both. I'd appreciate
any help and advice.

Sometimes I turn the key in our Multipla and the keycode light stays on. It
can take numerous attempts to get started.
We recently bought a Clio, there is a flashing light on the dash which goes
out when you turn the key except rarely it doesn't, I had to walk to work
one morning convinced it was knackered but when er indoors tried it later it
was fine, it hasn't displayed a problem since but it is always in the back
of my mind when I get in it.

I guess it is a symptom of living in a society where the average scrote
isn't at all afraid of nicking our cars.

Bill wrote:
I've just bought myself a 1999 Vauxhall Tigra, 1.4 Chequers version. I
seem to be having problems with the key/ignition/electronics, and
would appreciate some advice.

When I unlock the door (no problem), get in the car and put the key in
the ignition it won't immediately turn. I fiddle about for perhaps
half a minute before it finally does. On other occasions a similar
thing happens when I try to unlock the boot. Is this normal? Am I
doing something wrong? And what is the beeps I hear just after
switching off the engine and removing the key -- is it the
immobiliser coming into play?

I did contact the seller, an ebay trader, but he reckons that he had
no such troubles (yes, well he would anyway I guess...).

I do have two keys but I get the same result with both. I'd appreciate
any help and advice.

It sounds like you just need to get used to the operation of the switch (and
the boot lock), are you trying to wiggle the wheel a little while trying to
turn the key? that can often help. I jumped in a late micra the other day,
the way the key turned was not immediately intuitive, you had to turn the
keybit to the first click, release the pressure then turn to the next.
After a few tries it seemed natural, but not at first.

The beeps after turning the key off are usually either to remind you to take
the front off the radio or take the key out of the ignition

In article ,
says...

It sounds like you just need to get used to the operation of the switch (and
the boot lock), are you trying to wiggle the wheel a little while trying to
turn the key? that can often help. I jumped in a late micra the other day,
the way the key turned was not immediately intuitive, you had to turn the
keybit to the first click, release the pressure then turn to the next.
After a few tries it seemed natural, but not at first.

The beeps after turning the key off are usually either to remind you to take
the front off the radio or take the key out of the ignition


You may well be right about getting used to the operation of the switch. I've
tried putting the key in the ignition and then waiting a few seconds before
turning. So far it has been successful! Not quite so easy with the boot lock
though, I still need to fiddle about before it unlocks.

I doubt that the beeps are a reminder to remove the key from the ignition
as it only sounds after removing it. So perhaps the radio reminder,
although someone else suggested it might signal a faulty alarm. Thanks for your
ideas.