Vauxhall Astra Flip Key Stuck

[kate235]

Hi all,

My Vauxhall Astra flip key keeps sticking and the flip function isn't working properly. Is there an easy way of disassembling the key and checking/replacing the spring or will I be better off taking it to a locksmith? Would rather avoid the excessive cost if possible!

Thank you.

[marmitemania]

Sometimes flip key's get little bits of grit stuck in where they fold in. My Range Rover suffers from this if I have had the key in the pockets of one of my shooting jackets. If you can gently prise the key out whilst holding the release button, when it's open clean the area and the hinge part of the key and put a tiny drop of 3 in 1 oil on the hinge. If the keys are like the older Astra ones you can reprogram them by putting it in the ignition and holding down the locking button on the key whilst turning the ignition on full but not starting. If the programming has been successful the doors will lock and unlock.

[Nickyboy]

I bought a car with 2 keys but both were a bit manky so i bought 2 new ones from Ebay and swapped out the internals. Its a bit fiddly and if the original key is glued it can take a while to get it open. The key itself is mounted on a spring that you have to wind a couple of times to make it spring out

[Matt UK]

Grit can get into the hinge mechanism, I had this on our VW beater.

I used a can on compressed air and a drop of 3in1.