removing a key reader on a vectra

briggsmix · 03-08-2009, 00:29

i have a vauxhall vectra with a faulty ecu which need re-programming. i'm going to send it away but i also need to send the key reader from the ignition. anyone know how to get the darn thing off. seems to be held on by a collar round the barrel

Tuftus · 03-08-2009, 09:47

I would try over here mate -

http://www.vauxhallmechanics.co.uk

They will probably know.

budwieser · 04-08-2009, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by briggsmix

i have a vauxhall vectra with a faulty ecu which need re-programming. i'm going to send it away but i also need to send the key reader from the ignition. anyone know how to get the darn thing off. seems to be held on by a collar round the barrel

Try (Gently) Prising up the 4 `fingers`that hold the transducer to the ignition barrel pull it towards you and then unplug it.
Be warned that you will not be able to start the car when this is done.
Obviously you know you have to send the ECU and all proof of ownership documents etc blah blah blah.

briggsmix · 04-08-2009, 19:52

THANKS TO ALL WHO TRIED TO HELP, I HAVE FINALLY SUSSED IT. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS TAKE THE STEERING COLUMN COWLING OFF THEN UNCLIP THE WASHER ARM. DO NOT TRY TO UNSCREW THE NOTCHED COLLAR ROUND THE IGNITION BARREL AS IT IS ALUMINIUM AND YOU WILL DAMAGE IT. LOOK ON TOP OF THE BARREL CASING RIGHT BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL AND YOU WILL SEE A TINY LITTLE HOLE AND I MEAN TINY. PUT THE KEY IN AND TURN TO POSITION 2, THEN GET SOMETHING LIKE A 2mm DIA WELDING ROD AND BEND IT IN AN ARC. INSERT IT INTO THE HOLE AND PUSH. IN THEORY THE BARREL WILL THEN POP OUT COS ITS SPRING LOADED, THEN THE READER THEN EASILY UNCLIPS. PRACTICE IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT, IT TOOK ME SEVERAL TIMES TO CATCH THE BUTTON JUST RIGHT BUT PERSEVERANCE IS THE KEY. NOTE YOU HAVE TO LOOK REALLY HARD FOR THE HOLE BUT IT IS THERE AND THERE IS ONLY ONE. SPEAKING TO A VAUXHALL DEALER THEY SAID YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AND AIRBAG. MY WAY CAN BE FIDDLY BUT IT CAN'T BE AS BAD AS THEIR WAY. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP.....................MICK

05-08-2009, 13:56

Glad you got it sorted mate. Vauxhalls can be a right pain at times.