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Vauxhall Astra Central Locking Problems?

The central locking on my Vauxhall Astra won't work. I press the button on the key and it doesn't do anything.
The car starts ok.
When the key is removed from the ignition, the radio stays on (when it should go off) and when you open the drivers door there is a beeping sound like when you leave your lights on.
It's driving me mad. Please help!

Louisa, May 2009

home Fix label Vehicles label_important Cars category Vauxhalldone

how can i open boot on twin top when central locking defective

roy, January 2023

Hi I have had this problem with my astra. I ha e fixed it just now, I used all the tips in this thread and after the last one and some more pressing of the fob, the doors will open again. Thanks to the people that shared their advice over the years!

I did the following:

Key in ignition, turn once. Press key fobs open and closed etc and the way around..also pressed the lock and unlock doors button in the car with key turned like this..nothing

WD40 in the ignition and same actions as above. Nothing

Pulled all plugs out that were available in the fuse box in the boot - mine were in casing on the left hand side. Put back in. Closed boot. Messed around with the key fob a few times more and then it worked and opened all the doors.

So whichever of those above it was, probably the fuse box, worked for me. I hope this helps someone else.

Ps after all doors opened the fuel cap was still locked..I prized that open with the key and it just clicked in with the rest of the locking and unlocking mechanism and now works. Hopefully it all stays that way.

Mike, July 2021

Dw40 in the ignition it's prob just dry it's not recognised the key is out recently had this on sister car now working fine

Sarah, January 2019

central locking not workin , boot does not open,
if I press on the key nothing happens just seem to have gone dead all of a sudden

Ans, August 2018

Pull the plugs in the fusebox in the boot, leave them for a few seconds and then put them back in.. it resets the system.. works all the time.

Ian collins, July 2017

Just wondering why my centrol locking stopped working n now doesn't do nothing

Mark, June 2017

had the same issue went to my local mechanic hi fixed it with in minutes in the fuse box in the boot they is a few plugs move the catches and pull the out and put them back in it resets everything

roy 1970, June 2017

Tried to do the key thing car still wont open 3 doors or petrol cap what can I do I replaced fob battery but no response please help

Malcolm Carter, January 2017

Same problem radio not going off, alarm chiming tried a squirt of WD40 with a thin straw to no avail but then tried contact cleaner through a thin straw supplied deep into the lock and then a blast of air duster again through a thin straw deep into the lock all better now

CraigIeboy, December 2016

Put key in my vauxhall astra turned it twice then pressed the key fob open & close then the central locking problem solved when i got out, at a cost of NIL.Thank you so much for the info brill.

DARRAN HOLDFORTH, December 2016

i have a problem if i dissconnect the battery and re connect it the central locking works but as soon as i start the car then the central locking doesnt work can anybody help

daver, September 2016

After buying and fitting new key battery ... sit in the car with all the windows up and door shut .. turn the key til the ignition is on and press the central locking button to lock all the doors then simultaneously press the open and lock button on the key and problem solved !

Sedz4, August 2016

Same problem for me.
A new battery (cheap made in China one) fitted in the fob fixed the problem for a short time. A second quality brand name ( Duracell/ Panasonic) fitted and solved the problem.
Note each time the fob had to be synced to the car by: Turn key to on- red lights on, do not start. Depress the open (top) button on the fob. The doors will lock, then unlock. Job done.

John I, June 2016

Hi can anyone help
My central locking has stopped working
Can get in to the car with the key not the fob but can't get
In to the boot or petrol cap
Have tried the lock unlock thing but no joy

Tracy, May 2016

Disconnecting the battery sorted it for me, many thanks for those who suggested it.

Gary, April 2016

Having a problem with my 08 astra cabriolet, have keyless entry and keyless start. Problem is that the keyless entry started playing up it would lock and unlock when it felt like it, so I changed the battery in my fob 2 days ago seemed to be okay but now my boot won't close the mechanism keeps firing opening the boot constantly? Any ideas as to the problem and how can I fix it please?

astra pain, February 2016

I've got a similar problem that I need help with. I went shopping snd locked the car but when we came out about 30mins later the central locking wouldn't open, and now all the doors are locked apart from the drivers door which we can open with the key! Also every now and again for a while our radio stops working but if you open the back passenger door it would come back on!! The same rear passager door stopped locking a few days before the central locking problem......any ideas????

si83, January 2016

Hi all,

Key fobs not working and boot is permantly locked, new batteries in and still the same. Went to a garage type place and they told me it was a possible receiver transmission problem(think that was the terms used) will cost anything up from €100-€1000 to repair.....any help would be greatly appreciated to rectify this ......thanks

fraggle, November 2015

Just had this problem and fixed it by putting the key in the ignition, turning it to the first setting and then pressing lock and then unlock on the key fob. I then took the key out, got out the car and pressed lock and unlock on the fob a couple of times and the car then locked. All fixed and thank you to the people who suggested this.

Jo, November 2015

Mine was same problem as a few others ie central locking stopped working and the radio stayed on and door beep was going off.
Cleaned key groove with WD40 and squirted some into the ignition barrel. Thanks Gary from Dec 2009. As I use my combo for work, it would have been a pain not being able to use my side door (back door on separate security lock).

Dave G, January 2015

Thanks to garry for answer reset fob my central lockin works :o)

Ray, September 2014

Central locking no response, first error boot failed to open now nothing car wont lock down checked all fuses ok, ? Gubbed now.

rex, May 2014

i have a 1.4 astra life when im driving the interior light comes on and i have to open the passenger door and slam it to turn it off also the central locking wont work because of the passenger door

melvyn blanks, May 2014

My central locking on my 51 plate corsa 'key never worked but when i put my key in and put it to lock position they all lock which they should do' but when i turn key to open them it dosent open and is only opening the drivers door

Hope someone can help me please
07835063811 just text me please

It so annoying need it fixed

gary 'aprill, May 2014

I have tried everything that as been said on this forumn, still nothing. Do you lot suggest I go to the mechanics or there are other solutions?

He MAN, February 2014

just fixed mine now,the radio stayed on and door beep was going off. I took the barrel out and where the plunger,in the barrels sits,there was dirt that collects on the key blade and cleaned it out and works find now, I put it down to the plunger not locating fully when the key is taken out. if you look at the housing, and if you look down the housing you will see another plunger,this pushes the plunger in the barrel up,when the key is taken out

robbiehead, November 2013

The problem lies with your ignition barrel.This will need renewing as when you are taking the key out of the ignition the barrel thinks the key is still inside and so will not let you lock the doors with your remote key fob.This will cost around £120 including fitting and you will need your key code from your drivers handbook.

Dave H, November 2013

hi I have a Vauxhall corsa easy tronic,only the drivers side door and boot opens manually and the rest of the doors won't open. I have tried turning the key onto stage two n pressing the unlock fob button for a minute but this has not worked. Any one with any ideas? anyone knows which fuse controls the activates the central locking system. When the unlock button is pressed it clicks on the dash but doesn't open any doors. However, I notice the drivers side door locks one the ignition is turned on.

Stephen, September 2013

got a 1994 astra.central locking works when ignition is on.turn of ignition doors lock,then try to lock the doors manualy.and nothing.

craig wilshaw, August 2013

Hi ive got a mk5 astra 1.8 sri and the key fob/s is not locking it. It still licks all doors from the button ok the dash just not from the fob ive tried the turn to first ignition were instruments light up and its not worked any suggestions?

Ben, August 2013

I have a vauxhall astra 56 plate 5dr and the engine light stays on, so i got it checked out the garage guy said £100 to fix and its the engine m.a.p sensor and then the back door passenger side central locking on the key fob locks the car bar this door. Can anybody help please thanks

lucky22, July 2013

I have prob with my 97 astra,cental looking does not work.i cant find central loking packeg in my car.Can help me?

piro, July 2013

astra 57 plate central locking stopped working and radio stayed on ,turned key until ignition lights came on and pressed unlock, bingo all is now back to normal.many thanks

colin, May 2013

Hello! I've got a Vauxhall astra sxi mk5! My central locking and horn isn't working at all! I've tried a few things now and I'm having no luck! Some help would be very gratefull! Cheers

Tommy o'callaghan, March 2013

my central locking is not working,i opened the dorr using manual mode,please help.

justice, March 2013

We're is my central locking fuse on my 05 astra

Ryan barraclough, February 2013

same problem, so key in ignition, turn tofirst setting, press open button on key as mentioned above and yeahhhh worked for me.. thanks all.

neilscot, January 2013

I have had the same problem as Louise and after changing the battery on my fob still no joy radio not turning off, fob not working etc. I then scrolled down this page and followed instructions from Gary posted in Dec 2009 and yahoo problem solved thanks Gary

Alexis, January 2013

Already tried that. No reaction and no change. I am just wondering if reprogramming keys using Tech2 or Opcom could help...

Adam, December 2012

turning the key in ignition till the lights come on dash and then pressing open button on key worked for me in my 2000 plate. Thanks for help people.

astra scrap box, December 2012

I have a problem with my central locking in Astra H (2006). Central locking is working fine when I use key or button on the dashboard however it doesn't work properly using fob. Lock button on the fob does not work at all. I can lock or unlock the car using the same button on the the fob - unlock button. Sometimes I need to press the unlock button few times or hold the button longer to to lock or unlock the car. I have two keys and the same problem on both of them. Batteries are replaced in both fobs. Did anybody has that kind of problem?I would be grateful for any suggestions.

Adam, December 2012

Disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes solved the problem for me. Huge thanks to those who suggested it!!

AussieJimBob, November 2012

"Happy Asta (I think he means Astra) Bloke" has the correct (no cost) answer. Here it is... Key in ignition; turn key to first stop; press 'open' button on key fob; remove key; get outside of car and lock car with the Central locking button, which now works!!! Thank you Happy Astra Bloke!

Katie, October 2012

I found this solution and it worked for me. It's a bit fiddly but it all becomes clear when you do it. A new lock will fix it but you can sometimes sort it by taking the offending bit of plastic out and cleaning it up. Undo the 2 screws behind the steering wheel for the top column shroud and pull in up. On top of the ignition lock housing there is a small hole ( approx 3 mm). Press a small punch or similar into the hole and turn the key. Just as the ignition lights go on the punch will drop and the lock will pull out. You will see the plastic bit at the end of the bit in your hand. You can take it off by squeezing the lugs in. DON'T TAKE THE KEY OUT THE LOCK. All your tumblers will fall out if you do.Clean/oil it and make sure nothing is stuck in the lock. When you refit it you don't need a punch as it just pushes in.
Hope this helps.

Justin Astra 1.4sxi 2006, October 2012

Tried the turn key once and unlock and it worked for me.very happy with it cheers.

Ste, September 2012

Hi, I tried all that about the Key.
I have even rest key to car, with key at second click on ignition, holding the lock button. Wait for eighteen flashes of the light. Thats the key/car reset.
Still the central locking don't work.
Any clues.

Keviny, September 2012

Key in and turn one or two clicks press buttons a load of rubbish - didn't re-set my key or central locking

Tim, August 2012

brilliant key in ignition turn to first click push open on fob bingo and bobs your uncle saved yet more money. i was told after switching battery in key fob that the car would have to be booked in to have a look at fault, always check forums first now also managed to sort a air bag light problem from internet forums new seatbelt pretensioner 25 quid and bingo another uncle called bob

happy asta bloke, July 2012

hi iv got a astra 1.8 sri 16v 2001 was runnin fine was parked up at shops the car was runnin then a ticking sound started and the car stopped runnin now the car will not start can anyone help me out plzzzzz

richard, June 2012

where is you can find the centre locking of vauxhall astra van 03 not to buy but to replace ? thank you

antonio, June 2012

I have the same problem. RC doesn't work, beeping when you open the doors and radio doesn't switch off. As below, best idea is that the barrel is worn and ball bearings not springing out so it thinks key still in ignition. Took plastic off, but barrel is completely sealed. Soaked with WD40 and gave it a tap and it worked ONCE! Next unique thing I found with the 05 Astra is that you cannot lock all the doors with just the key! You can lock the drivers door, but the others won't lock!!??
Trip to garage tomorrow for new barrel!!

Steve, February 2012

i took the washer fuse out then tryed to locke the car then the central locking didnt work so i did the same as james in 2011 took the battery leads of for about 10 mins reconnected and it works hope this helps

brian tattingham, February 2012

My boot would not open at all it was permanantly locked. I therefore changed the 10 amp fuse under the bonnet and it worked first time. All sorted so I bought a spare fuse just in case it happens again.

Carl Parkinson, February 2012

i accidently took the fuse out central locking of my vauxhull astra plate 55 i put the fuse back in but it wont work can u tell me any one wat i got to do

james, December 2011

I had a problem with my opel astra 1.6 5 door. I changed the fuse in the back bay of the car for the locking and then it did not work. I also tried the ignition on and then press the fob key but nothing. I disconnected the battery for at least 1 min and then reconnect. Put the key to the first possition and pressed the unlock and then the lock button and it works now. Hope this helps someone

Howie, December 2011

BOOT LOCK DONT OPERATE .Stand at rear of car and operate key fob to lock car and listen for boot lock operation , now unlock car with key and listen , there should be a noise heard each time . Now put key in boot lock and turn to the right (horizontal) position and repeat the same as above again or visa versa , as long as the boot lock is in the horizontal (cross ways ) position thats correct for central locking to operate system by key . Have a play ,it might right itself like mine did good luck .

Mike the Tinkerer, August 2011

if your central locking is not working do as below put key in ignision and turn to first line, then press unlock button, key will reset itself, brilliant thank you very much, rod

rod, July 2011

my petrol cap wont open, but the doors do, any suggestions please

natreay, June 2011

my daughter has a 55 plate astra and the boot is jammed.i checked 10 amp fuse under bonnet that was ok checked fuses in boot fuse box(by crawling thru rear seats) like a mug i pulled central locking fuse out. replaced it but remote not locking car.decided to remove battery for 10 mins, replaced connection....bingo, central locking bang tidy but boot still won't open, prob more sinister than a blown fuse

rick shirran, March 2011

hello there i have bought a vauxhall astra copue 2004 plate but i took out the car radio and installed my CD player but since ive done that my central locking has stopped working what could have cause this to happen as all i done was change the radio please help me out with this if you can thanks?

phils, March 2011

My central locking broke when I clicked key to unlock the van, and my passenger pulled the handle at the same time, after that it wouldn't work. I have to lock/unlock manually. Left it a while and didn't bother trying to fix. Now got a new battery so light on key works, but turning key one click and clicking unlock/lock doesn't work, any suggestions?

Kerry, February 2011

Hi, I had a same problem, radio on & beeping sound indicating key still in ignition when it wasn't. Sprayed a bit of contact spray down the ignition barrel solved the problem. You can also open the barrel & clean it. The central locing won't work as the ECU thinks that the key is still in the ignition and prevents the key being lcked inside the car.
Read here http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/showthread.php?t=220531

Viper01, November 2010

Hi im not sure if this will help but it could be your barrel sticking once you have removed the key the barrel isnt clicking out, i had this problem on my astra and the radio used to stay on and i had the bleeping as if id left the key in ignition so i just make sure the steering lock is on then radio is off and no bleeping. As for your fob prob cant help there. Good luck.

O-dog1970, September 2010

I have a 1.4 astra 04 and my passenger side door doesnt lock at all. When I use the key to lock the car all the other doors are lock but this passenger door. Ive tried the reset thing but that has no affect. Any help would be appreicated.

Thanks

Steve, August 2010

"The answer from ASTRA 1.4 was SPOT ON! Put key in ignition, turned key 1 click, pressed lock/unlock on key fob - key reset!! Thanks astra 1.4

chris
September 2009"

Perfect! Cheers, m8

Jericho, March 2010

I have a 1.6 16v 2001 astra, I had a problem with the key fob not locking or unlocking the central locking. Just like to say thanks for the advice; first ignition click press lock then unlock, this works! this has saved me unnecessary garage costs! thanks again.

Mick, March 2010

im having the same prob with my astra is sumtimes locks and sumtimes dnt iv had the bat is the key chaned even went back to the shop and he tested it with the wee device thing he says the key is reading 100 percent any 1 got any clue why ???

david, January 2010

You need to lubricate the ignition barrel. When you remove the key the tumblers do not fully disengage so the car behaves as if the key is still in the ignition and will not allow the car to be centrally locked. Another symptom is the radio stays on. Jiggling the key and removing it will give a temporary fix, but give it a squirt of WD40 and it will be fine.

gary, December 2009

iv got tha same problem tried the key reset still nothing!! any suggestions on wot to do next??

dean, September 2009

Ooops! i ment bully's answer (not astra 1.4)!! cheers bully

chris, September 2009

The answer from ASTRA 1.4 was SPOT ON! Put key in ignition, turned key 1 click, pressed lock/unlock on key fob - key reset!! Thanks astra 1.4

chris, September 2009

hi i have an mk4 3dr atsra.. i wanted to know if any1 had any idea of why my door unlocks itself sometimes.. even tough i double check to and see its locked before i leave it.

astra 1.4, August 2009

try this, put the key in the ignition turn one click press to lock then press unlock and key will reset it self

bully, August 2009

I have a 1.8 astra coupe, only had it a week and the central locking has stopped working i put a new battery in the key but still didnt work got the spare key and that was fine till yesterday it stopped. now both keys dont work yet when i press the button the key fob flashes as tho its working but the car is completely locked up. I need help and being a girl taking it to the garage there just going to rip me off, ive already paid one garage for them to tell me they dont know!!!!
Need some help please

Katy, June 2009

I had same prob with my MK4 Astra after fitting new cd player. The two live wires behind your cd player unit need switching over, common Vauxhall prob. Causes these symptoms your suffering from, I changed the keyfob battery, door striker switches. In the end found out from a good auto electrician.

George., May 2009

link Click here to see other fixes for Vauxhall Astra.