Open a Vauxhall or Opel with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Vauxhall with a Dead Key Fob

This page holds all of the emergency open or back-up open procedures needed for Opel or Vauxhall vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the fob.

Open a Vauxhall or Opel

• First note that if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
• Second, for video help, click here.
• Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Retrieving the mechanical key

If the key fob or electronic key is not working, getting into your vehicle will require a mechanical key. Most Vauxhall and Opel models use a simple flip or fold out key fob. Push the button in the corner of the front of the fob (arrow, right) and the mechanical key will unfold.

It gets a little more complicated from there. There are four electronic key styles that have a mechanical key hiding inside. In the first three (right), the arrow points to a button or slide lever. Push the button or slide the lever and pull the key ring end to remove the mechanical key.

This fourth style is used exclusively in some Astra models and the mechanical key is hiding behind a cover. Press locking mechanism on back side and remove cap by pushing it gently forward. Push the mechanical  key towards the outside over the detent and pull it away.

Getting Inside

In most cases, a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. If this is the case, insert the mechanical key and turn, and you’re in. Many key holes are hidden…

Astra, Insignia, Grandland

In some Astra and Insignia models, the key hole is hiding behind a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle. Grandland models from Vauxhall also have this feature beginning in 2024. Look for a slot under the cap. Insert the mechanical key into the slot and again hold upward pressure. Then rotate the key upward until the cap comes away (right).

To replace the cap, insert it with the lower side in the recesses. Then rotate it upwards and push it until the cap engages at the upper side.

Remember, getting in the car is most important. If you have difficulty replacing the cap, don’t. Let your dealer do it when you get a new battery for your Key FOB!

Opel models examined include Adam, Agila, Antara, Astra, Combo, Corsa, Crossland, Grandland, GT, Insignia, Karl, Meriva, Mokka, Movano, Tigra, Vivaro, and Zafira. Vauxhall models examined include Adam, Agila, Ampera, Antara, Astra, Astravan, Cascada, Combo, Corsa, Crossland X, Grandland X, GTC, Insignia, Meriva, Mokka, Movano, Signum, Tigra, Vectra, Viva, Vivaro, and Zafira. Model years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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