Key not working

[richardfrost]

The key only intermittently opens/locks the car. Going to try cleaning the fob and changing the battery.  My son has the car at work today so I can’t see what battery is in the fob. So I have a few questions please…

1) what battery do I need for the key fob in a Mk1 Jazz?
2) why would the key not unlock the car when turned in the door lock?
3) why is there not a key hole in the passenger door? Is it hidden or something?
4) is getting a replacement key a reality or will we have to replace all the locks if the key is FUBAR?

Thanks. Hoping it’s just the battery but the mechanism not working with the key in the lock is a worry.

[olduser1]

Most likely battery type 1616 I usually get Duracell, if you have the 2nd key then key shops eg Timpsons or local car accessory should've able to help.
From memory the mk 1 didn't have both fr doors with key hole.
Let's know how you get on.
If the key itself is mucky old etc I clean with silicone spray or vinegar.

[richardfrost]

Thanks k was intending to give the key a clean. I will get one of those batteries.

[Jocko]

Both my front doors, as well as the hatch, have keyholes. Mind you, my S does not have remote locking.
I use WD-40 44722 Specialist High-Performance Silicone Lubricant on my locks.

[Lord Voltermore]

with central locking its quite common to only have one keyhole  for emergency use. 

Hopefully  a quirt of wd 40 ,a bit of a clean up of the key  (the buttons can get a bit mucky) and a new battery will do the job. (but also check for any corrosion on the battery  contacts)

If the key is knackered I think they can sometimes reprogramme the new key to the same security code for the central locking vhf transmitter.  . There is also a transponder chip in the key. It doesnt need a battery.  When you use the key to switch on the ignition the car sends a radio  signal to the key  which acts like an antenna ,and returns a coded security response.      Just like security tags to enter buildings, credit cards etc.     This chip may be reprogrammable, or they might simply transfer the chip from the old key to the new one. 

[Jocko]

My car has central locking, it just doesn't have remote locking. And as culzean always pointed out. Don't use standard WD40 as it gets sticky. I use WD40 Silicone Lubricant. A totally different beast.

[richardfrost]

The central locking button inside the car works, but the key in the door lock doesn't. The mystery deepens.

[richardfrost]

Well it was simply the key in the fob. Hard to diagnose from my son's worried description of the issue. However, the door lock mechanism is definitely seized up. Will need to get that working really. Put some 3-in-1 oil in there but I think it will need more than that.

[olduser1]

Good news with the battery, take care with oil on locks,best to try silicone or at a push freeing oil plus gas. I favour silicone or graphite off a carpenter pencil.

[Jocko]

I have a tube of powdered graphite for locks but I have only used it on locks sheltered from the weather.