When I turn the key in the ignition there is no noise but battery works

Tiny
JUSTOTC66
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 OPEL MERIVA
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 120,000 MILES
Hi, when I turn the key in the ignition of my car, all the lights come on but the car won't make any noise whatsoever. It seems like whatever used to happen when I turned the key is no longer connected. There is no resistance when I turn the key at all. Even if I remove the key from the ignition, all the lights and vents are still on. When I open the hood, I can hear a clicking noise. Also, the key-less entry fob doesn't work. This is the second time this happened. The first time, my mechanic said I had to tow it to the Opel dealership because it had to do with the cylinder lock or something. I ended up having it towed to the second hand store I just bought it from, and they said the "fixed everything." That was three weeks ago. I just want to know where to tow it, and what to tell them. Thank you!
Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

Do you mean there is no resistance in the key itself when you turn it? Does it feel disconnected? I have to be honest, this vehicle isn't offered in the US, so my technical information is extremely limited. However, it sounds like the key lock assembly is detached from the actual switch. On some vehicles, they actually have a linkage arm to connect the two. Others connect directly together.

Are you able to remove the cover on the steering column to inspect the switch? You may find that something is simply disconnected. I'm sorry I don't have specific directions, but it really shouldn't be too hard.

As far as a location, I'm not sure where you are located. I suspect you are in a different country. If it was once fixed by the Opel dealer, I would go back to them and explain they already did it once and hopefully they will discount the repairs. That would also be a good time to ask if there is a common problem with the vehicle type.

Please feel free to let me know if I can help. I do feel somewhat limited, but I'll do my best to help.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
JUSTOTC66
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks so much for your help. I will tell the dealership, and you are correct; I am in Spain.

Thanks,

Justin
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Thursday, January 9th, 2020 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
You are very welcome, Justin. I had a feeling you were far away. LOL

If you have the chance, let me know how things turn out for you. I really like hearing the causes and I can assure you, it will end up helping another person.

Take care and please feel free to let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, January 9th, 2020 AT 6:56 PM

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