2006 STI - key button no longer works after a car wash
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From: Ashtead
2006 STI - key button no longer works after a car wash
Oddly enough, the day before I washed the car it didn't unlock first time like it normally would, but thought nothing of it.
After washing it, I locked the car with the key fob and it locked. Later on I went to move the car and my key fob no longer works. If i unlock the doors with the key, the alarm then sounds when i open the door. If i pop the bonnet, disconnect/reconnect the battery the alarm stops sounding (slight chirp from the alarm) until I open the doors again, at which point it sounds. If i put the key in the ignition, the dash lights up and seems AOK, but obviously I cannot start the car. I do not have the code for the SIGMA module in the car to test that either. Battery around 12.4v so don't think that's the problem? The key was in my pocket whilst i washed the car, but it never got wet. Checked the engine bay and no real water in there either, fuse box etc all clear...
Edit - I have replaced the battery in the fob for a new one too. No difference.
I now have a very shiny and clean car, that i cannot move!
After washing it, I locked the car with the key fob and it locked. Later on I went to move the car and my key fob no longer works. If i unlock the doors with the key, the alarm then sounds when i open the door. If i pop the bonnet, disconnect/reconnect the battery the alarm stops sounding (slight chirp from the alarm) until I open the doors again, at which point it sounds. If i put the key in the ignition, the dash lights up and seems AOK, but obviously I cannot start the car. I do not have the code for the SIGMA module in the car to test that either. Battery around 12.4v so don't think that's the problem? The key was in my pocket whilst i washed the car, but it never got wet. Checked the engine bay and no real water in there either, fuse box etc all clear...
Edit - I have replaced the battery in the fob for a new one too. No difference.
I now have a very shiny and clean car, that i cannot move!
Last edited by deanthomas88; Mar 26, 2025 at 01:55 PM.
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From: Harpenden
No code - no fix unless you find an autoelectrician with a suitable CP1 programmer to reset the PIN.
Shame you didn't change the PIN code when you had a working key.
To start the car you would need to bypass the security relay in the starter circuit.
Shame you didn't change the PIN code when you had a working key.
To start the car you would need to bypass the security relay in the starter circuit.
Last edited by Don Clark; Mar 27, 2025 at 07:30 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Ashtead
Hmmm this is starting to become a real problem. Spoke to a few auto locksmiths and they just keep shifting me around. Not really sure what to do. Does anyone have any recommended people?
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Ashtead
All good - managed to dig out the spare (which the case was broken on) and have bodged together a single key. Can get in now and re-code the Sigma unit and use the car again.
Currently sending off the broken key for repair, so if that works i'll send the other one off too. Phew. Thought this was going to be hella expensive.
Currently sending off the broken key for repair, so if that works i'll send the other one off too. Phew. Thought this was going to be hella expensive.
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