Vauxhall Astra Key Replacement: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly How to Find Your Vauxhall Spare Key

There are several situations where you may need to get your Vauxhall spare key - like the case of a damaged or broken key or if someone in your family has lost the sole key.

Direct Car Keys can make duplicate keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, and at only a fraction of the cost you think. We'll also guide you on the type of keys that fit your vehicle providing you with the best cost option.

Lost Keys

Losing or misplacing objects is a common occurrence in life. However, it can feel difficult if you've lost your keys. There are a variety of ways to find your keys and get on the right track.

First, make note of where your keys are. If you're not certain where your keys went then try retracing the steps and then look up where you left them the last time. If your keys were left in your car on your journey to work, for example, you might be able to find them by returning and checking in the car.

If you own smartphones, you can download a key finder application for your phone that will help you locate your keys. These apps are available for a variety of models of cars and include Mercedes, Vauxhall, and BMW. They are simple to use and can save you lots of time and frustration in the long run.

In the past, losing your car key meant that you had contact your local dealer or garage to request the replacement. The dealership would then need take your vehicle to the store, obtain the proof of ownership documents and then program a new computer chip into your key.

A good locksmith will be able to program your Vauxhall spare keys without having to do it. It's much quicker and less expensive.

A professional locksmith will be able program your Vauxhall spare keys with the same technology as your doors and immobiliser. This means that your car will be able to recognize the new key and will be able to start again.

A professional locksmith can also make duplicates of your keys. They may charge a small cost to do this, but it's worth it in the long in the long run. They should also be able to provide you with a backup key to ensure that you can have a spare in the event of an accident or lockout.

Transponder Chips

Transponder chips are a very vital component of any car's security system. They make it more difficult for anyone to steal your vehicle by preventing "hot wiring" and making the ignition lock ineffective.

They can also stop the key from being copied without the manufacturer's own tool. If you require the replacement chip key it is essential to contact an authorized dealer.

Transponder chips are found in a variety of keys, and they are becoming common on modern cars. They are a great method to ensure that you always have spare keys.

Transponder chips can be a wonderful security feature as well as a good source for car owners who wish to save money on the cost of replacing parts. You can buy them from many places online and in stores for auto parts and car accessory stores.

These chips can be purchased at local auto shops and locksmiths. It is important to inquire at the shop or locksmith about their procedure to remove these chips, and whether they are compatible with your particular model.

Some locksmiths are able to recycle the chip and then program it for you. It is usually simple and will not damage your vehicle.

Other chips are however difficult to program and will require an authorized dealership to do so. This is particularly true for those that are not programmed into your car by the manufacturer.

These kinds of chips can be extracted from a key blank using the use of a head transponder made of plastic. Some of these blanks feature an opening of a rectangular shape in the bow that can accept an ampoule of glass or chip transponder.

The blanks can be made from a variety including brass and aluminum. Some are molded to a specific head shape, which means they can be identified easily.

There are a variety of ways to collect chips, such as using a PVC (plastic) ratcheting pipe cutter and wire wheel. You can also use a device such as a key ring to pry the key and then remove the chip.

Immobiliser Boxes

Immobiliser boxes are part of every vehicle and they are designed to prevent your car from being started without the correct key. This is done by coding a serial number onto a microchip that is embedded in the car key and checking it against the immobiliser code.

Depending on the model and age of your vehicle there could be a different style of immobiliser box. It may be a separate box or integrated into the ECU unit.

The Vauxhall immobiliser is a complex yet effective method to prevent your car from starting without the correct key. It's a tiny black box that has an embedded microchip and this chip will be linked to the code on the car key that was supplied when you bought the car.

The transponder on your key will communicate with an engine control unit (engine control unit) each when you start your car. The ECU will read the key's code and then match it with the immobiliser code.

After this, the engine will stop and you will not be able to turn the ignition off until the immobiliser has been reset. This is done by a special tool that has to be inserted into the immobiliser box and the chip on the key will be synchronised to this.

A key can have two different security codes within it. The first is a code that is permanent that the engine cannot accept , and the second is a rolling/changing code that is continuously changing at every start of the engine. In BMW cars the first code is used to verify ownership and it is stored in the key, the second code, which is changing or rolling, is then transmitted by the key to the engine management ECU so that it can be programmed each time the key is used to start the car.

This system is extremely secure. Only the owner of the vehicle can reprogram the chip on their key to their immobiliser box. This isn't an easy task as the blade of the key needs to be cut, and the blades need be reprogrammed.

Remotes

There are a variety of remotes that can be used on Vauxhall vehicles. They range from standard manual keys to remote locking remotes. Our locksmiths can program these keys to unlock your car's doors and start the engine.


A transponder chip allows a remote key to be encoded to the vehicle. The chips could be lost or damaged if the remote is lost, which is why it is important that you always have spares.

It could be a major problem if your remote is lost. It can be time-consuming and difficult to locate the remote so it's important to get it back as soon as possible.

Before you begin any remote procedure, it's essential to take note of where the buttons on the remote control are located so that you can locate them later. This is especially useful when you have a large number of buttons on your remote.

It is a good idea for buttons that have stopped working to be repainted. They can be found in an repair kit for keypads. They work well with a variety of remotes.

The conductive paint will aid the remote to communicate with the circuit board. It can also help to cleanse the electrical contacts in the battery chamber.

You can use foil in place of paint that is conductive if you prefer, but the electric contact inside the battery chamber is likely to still need a little cleaning. To get vauxhall key replacement of stubborn corrosion spots on the circuit board, you can make a mix of baking soda and water.

After you've cleaned the remote, it's a good idea apply a layer of conductive paint over the keypad and electric contacts. This will allow the keypad to communicate with the circuit board again and also help make it more robust.

Although this should be easy and fast, it is best to do it in a safe and secure area. You do not want to accidentally damage your remote while trying to fix it. Be sure that the space you're working in is equipped with sufficient ventilation to stop corrosion from spreading to other areas in your home or at work.