Really stupid situation with car key ... ideas?

[stuart-b]

My spare car (Astra) is used for winter and sits outside. Somehow, I managed to drop the key (it's not attached to anything), and forget about it (no spare either) - as it hasnt been snowing here, I've been using the BMW as much as possible. I noticed the key wasn't around yesterday, and just thought it must be in the house or at the office. A total clear out didn't reveal the key. I went outside to check the garage, and the hazards were on the Astra, and the car was locked. Someone must have found the key, opened the car, put on the hazards and locked it again. They haven't tried to contact anyone, haven't put the key through the letter box - nothing. Called police who aren't helpful till tomorrow, and lost and found for the city is closed.

New battery on it too - I'm guessing it will last another 6-12 hrs before it's totally shagged.

Any ideas how to open the bonnet (no alarm on car), or somehow get the hazards off? Not many 24/7 auto locksmiths around here - but even if there was, how can I get a new key sorted for it? Seems like it's going to be an expensive error regardless.

Pissed off.

Anyone got any ideas?

[stuart-b]

Left note on car - calling emergency car key locksmith. Still can't believe someone opened the car, turned on hazards, and left it with no note left.

[cossy400]

Put another note on car, thanking them for revealing themselves as the person who has the key, and inform them your just awaitin the police to blow the picture up from your cctv and they ll be caught.

But if they are willing to just post the key, it ll all be forgotten.

Or is it a mate playin a prank...

[stuart-b]

I had another idea, someone could have put the key in the car (can't see it, looked), but they may have put it in the glove box, then locked the passenger door, and closed, thinking I had a spare.

Locksmith is coming to open the car (no damage apparently) but he can't cut a new key. Will get to see if the key is in the car, and at least turn off the hazards and take the battery out.

Not a mate, living abroad.

[tagy]

Unless you dropped the key next the car, how would someone know what car the key is for?

Also I am not sure what the police can do, all you can tell them is that you have lost the key and the hazard lights are now on.

[stuart-b]

Seems I did, how else is the situation possible? I must have got out of the car, and somehow dropped the key between the car and the door (never happened before in my life, perhaps not helped by the fact that the key is not attached to my house keys.

The locksmith will arrive soon and open the car - he can't make a new key. If the key isn't in the car, I'll take everything out, turn off the hazards and take the battery out.

[DKS]

You sure its not the alarm? If it's mk4 or onwards with remote locking it's like to have one. Is there a red LED above the hazard light switch?

[stuart-b]

Nope, no alarm, 2002 model. Just had the lock smith out - he prized open the rear door a few mm with a windows suction pad and a couple of metal wedges, and then inserted some airbags, he then managed to get a good 5-8mm of the rear door open and used a hook to open the rear window (classic manual window winder), and then we were in!

Checked the whole car, no key That means someone really did find a key, open the car, turn on the hazards, and walk off. Strange people.

Need to order an original key from Opel now. Are these keys "coded" so the car can't be started? Or just basic key with remote ?

[DKS]

Pretty sure all Mk4s had a transponder immobiliser.
'Might' be easier/ cheaper to buy an ECU, reader ring and keys from eBay.
What engine, 1.6 16V?

[stuart-b]

I'm abroad in Croatia - car is here with me. Probably not cheaper with all the messing around tbh - BMW charge me £35 an hour labour here, I think Opel is even cheaper (£20), so all in I think I can just get it re-coded. I will get a quote tomorrow.

Mark 4, 8v - 1.6

[Mave]

Seems a bizarre thing to do. Has the hazard light switch actually been moved? No moisture in the relay or anything?

[stuart-b]

Mave said:

Seems a bizarre thing to do. Has the hazard light switch actually been moved? No moisture in the relay or anything?

I know it is very odd. The switch was physically switched on. It is impossible to come on by itself as it isn't a pressure switch or pad. It is an old school relay style on off.

[stuart-b]

Final update: No one returned the key. Had to get a mobile car key engineer to cut me two new keys using the barrel as a reference and re-program the ECU to remove all the other keys so the immobiliser will stop it starting if they try anything (of course nothing stopping them from re-programming it again if they have a key)

The spare key was found in the UK and shipped over - so I have remote working again, plus two spares!