L322 2007 Vogue SE 3.6TDV8 Doesn't recognise key fob, can't turn key in ignition or turn off alarm!

Hi
New to the forum, have tried to search and read for days... but going around in circles.
2007 Vogue SE 3.6TDV8 Doesn't recognise key fob, can't turn key in ignition or turn off alarm!
One of the last things I saw on the dashboard was a "Key in ignition" warning AFTER taking out the key.
So now the fob can't open or lock the car, the key can't be turned in the ignition, alarm activates every time I reconnect the battery.
Any idea where to start?!

Ola66 said:

Hi
New to the forum, have tried to search and read for days... but going around in circles.
2007 Vogue SE 3.6TDV8 Doesn't recognise key fob, can't turn key in ignition or turn off alarm!
One of the last things I saw on the dashboard was a "Key in ignition" warning AFTER taking out the key.
So now the fob can't open or lock the car, the key can't be turned in the ignition, alarm activates every time I reconnect the battery.
Any idea where to start?!

Click to expand...

If it thinks the key is in the ignition when it's not, I would say the ignition switch and associated wiring is the place to start

I know these can have a problem where the key gets stuck in ignition, not heard of this. Maybe change battery in fob to start? I'll tag @Graculus in this, he'll see you right

Datatek said:

If it thinks the key is in the ignition when it's not, I would say the ignition switch and associated wiring is the place to start

Click to expand...

It was showing that message. I found a post saying there is a microswitch inside that can get stuck because of dirt, so I tried to spray to clean it. But it is strange that alarm is set off and that key can't be recognised or turned if it still thinks the key is in the ignition... right?

1988smithy said:

I know these can have a problem where the key gets stuck in ignition, not heard of this. Maybe change battery in fob to start? I'll tag @Graculus in this, he'll see you right

Click to expand...

Thanks! Getting kind of desperate here...

Yes, there is a switch at the back of the ignition switch, and yes, that can cause the behaviour you describe.
The reason is that the remote input is ignored if the key is in the ignition (to prevent lockout situations) and the alarm is activated on battery reconnect as it's not seeing a correct entry sequence, nor the key turning in the lock therefore creating a plausibility failure, and the alarm activation.
Spraying stuff into the lock will not help it'll just give any muck something to stick to and create a slurry in the lock, which is possibly why the key won't turn anymore...
The only fix is to remove the ignition lock assembly - being very careful to not damage the induction coil around the 'neck' of the lock and either clean using low pressure compressed air and a evaporating cleaner - possibly replacing the rear switch assemblies or the lock assembly which holds the key barrel or lubricating the key barrel and moving parts with a specific, low viscosity silicon lubricant - but not too much!

There's also the gearchange interlock cable to contend with on the back of the lock assembly.