Major Ignition Issue

I have an 04 Range Rover, and I am having some major trouble with it. It all started about 2 weeks ago, when my dog chewed on my only key. I found it on the ground, covered in spit, and unable to function. I went down to my car and proceeded to drive away. I was able to make a quick couple mile errand, and then return. When I returned I locked the car by means of the outside door handle locks. Next morning, I unlocked the car from the handle and tried to start it, but the key would not turn in the ignition. Immediately I thought it was the key malfunctioning, since it was chewed a day before by my dog; however, when I spoke with the dealership they mentioned it was more likely my battery being dead. I then brought my battery in, and when the tester verified it would not even take a charge, I replaced it. Again, the key would not turn in the ignition though.

I am unsure what to do. I have read that this could be a problem with the key. Being that is was chewed, and the microchip was essentially fried, it could be unable to emit the small code to the car allowing the ignition to fire. Although, I have heard that if it were not receiving the code, it would simply allow the key to turn infinitely in the ignition with no results instead of not allowing it to even move.

I also have heard that when changing the battery, the security system can go through a series of procedures resulting in a lockout of sorts. I have heard that unless you have a working remote that can transmit to the car, you may be locked out of your land rover after changing the battery. The only remedy I have heard for this is an "EKA" code, which is attainable from dealers. The only problem is that my dealer won't give it to me because he does not think the security system needs to be over-ridden to fix the problem.

My only other option is a bad ignition switch. I have heard that the range rover sports have this problem in 06, but have not heard too much about it with full bodied rovers. I have also been told that this would be at least 600-700 in parts and labor.

If anyone has any help or knowledge to offer, please let me know.

1. Could it be the battery replacement?
2. Could it be the chewed key?
3. Could it be the ignition switch?
4. Could it be both in combination?
5. What is an 04 Range Rover's EKA code?
6. What does a key being unable to even just move in the ignition usually mean?

Thanks all

tell the dealer get his head from up his backside and do his job the law states that you have the right to repair your own vehicle and they can not legaly refuse to give you the code but they are allowed to charge for it and you will have to take log book and i.d with you if they refuse again ring land rover themselves and yes it will be the key thats causing the problem so you will have to get a new one any way as you dont want to be putting the code in every time you want to start it .the EKA may not take the steering lock off though

some dealers are more likely to give the code to a 'garage' i.e if your 'friend' was a mechanic, he inadvertantly locked the car out and needs to get in running before the customer gets back!!!

also the code should be in the info pack that comes with the car. i assume though that the code and info pack is not with you as you wouldn't be asking for it!!!

the landy expert i use for parts and diagnostics told me to give him a call if they don't tip the code up, as it happens the exhaust guy(i was picking it up) got me the code!!

hth

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Ian,

The steering lock is already off, surprisingly, so that will not present any problems. If it is the security system not allowing the key to work, the dealer said, "the key would be able to fully rotate in the ignition, just would not be able to start the vehicle." The key will not even turn at all though, does it still seem as though it would be the key?

Gav,

Where would it be in the pack, as I have looked through everything I have and cannot find it? Would it be possible to have a "back yard" mechanic call in for his "customer" or would they have to give some sort of extensive verification?

Thanks for all the help. They are amazing performance vehicles, but they are equally as complicated.

i don't know exactly but its the radio codes too that should be there, maybe on a card. the backyard guy should be able to get the code, or even ring yrself and just tell em yr from joe bloggs and you need the code. if all else fails contact the dealer that first sold the car, if you have that info, and ask them.

i got mine pretty easy so all i can say is that its not hard to get but maybe cos mines a 96 plate its not worth much so they may just not care after a certain age!!!

hth

check the new battery isn't flat. Just cos it'd new it doesn't mean it hasn't sat on a shelf for ages. It sounds like flat battery to me.

The vehicle comes with a card that you can put the codes on and keep i your wallet, not much use in the hand book in a locked vehicle that you cant get into, similarly not much point in having the Radio code in the handbook in the vehicle, where to tow rag nicking your radio can nick your hand book with the number in.
L322 radios are not coded, they are none standard and built in to the vehicle, so near impossible to nick, and even harder to install in another vehicle.
A dealer should be able to sort it out, although they will want to satisfy themselves that you have a right to know it. If you've just bought the vehicle you'd have thought it was in their interests to be helpful, in the hopes of gaining your custom for servicing.

Thanks all,

I am in the process of recovering the vehicles codes from the original dealer, as the local one is unwilling to admit that might fix it. Luckily the original owner is very close to me and I got a lot of material and documentation from her, although the codes were never written on the security cards.

Once I do get the EKA code, how do I enter it? It seems slightly confusing and I just wanted to double check the procedure for any updates. I saw on rangerovers.net a procedure that requires 4 turns to the lock position in order to signal the start of the code, followed by the first # turning to unlock, then the second # turning to lock, third # turning to unlock, and fourth # turning to lock, followed by one turn to unlock to disarm the system and finish the sequence. Is this correct?

Thanks again.

sequence is correct but for the last turn i think, i cant remember doing that but obviously if the final digit is entered by locking then you would need to unlock to get in!!!!

also once the car runs etc. lock or unlock the car and press the button on the fob to sync the car and fob!!

also you will need to make sure all doors and windows are closed and set. to set the windows, wind them all the way down then all the way up. same with sunroof. the car will not accept the code until this process is done!!!!

Thanks Gav,

You have been incredibly helpful, more so than land rover themselves. I first called the original dealer that sold the vehicle, and was told that there was no information in the dwd? and that I would have to contact Land Rover directly. I then called Land Rover as not only myself, but also as a mechanic and was unable to squeeze any sort of code out of them. The dealer did not have even just the radio code, and Land Rover was unhelpful at best.

After doing more research, which seems to only lead to even more research, I found that there is a "dummy" code of 1515. Has anyone heard of this?

that code is for north american vehicles only!!!

ok ring this dealer. tell them you are from kilnhurst tyres in kilnhurst and you have just had to change a battery for a customer from (insert your town) who is most distressed as he cannot get home untill the car is re enabled. tell them you have the chasis number, and need the EKA code. you are aware of how to input the code and just the code will do thanks.

use your mobile phone when calling them and they won't see the area code!!!

0844 470 9983, stratstone landrover, doncaster. if you fail. i can attempt to get the code for ya if you want. pm me the details. cheers.