There should be a four digit security code with the car. Stick key in driver's door. Turn key to "lock" n times, back to "unlock" n times, etc. So for a code of "1234", you'd go lock, unlock, unlock, lock, lock, lock, unlock, unlock, unlock, unlock.

That's the usual manual override drill for Rover vehicles of that time and it should be in the handbook. I suspect that either the fob's U/S or it's not programmed to the car, in which case the manual override is the only way of disarming it.

>>Unfortunately the door is either locked or unlocked, there is no resistance point beyond >>which the key can be turned in either direction.

I never said there was. Key vertical, turn to lock, key springs back to vertical, turn to lock, etc. If it's a factory immobiliser / alarm, there should have been a security code with it. Used to be supplied on a card.

Edit: Just had a quick Google and it would appear that, if the fob is paired to the car, the drill to reset it after inserting new batteries is to stand next to the thing and press the "unlock" button on the fob four times in succession. Worth a punt....

Edit2: See also here: http://www.rac.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?7418-Rover-214-Immobiliser-wont-turn-off!/page2&s=a5926225ac9c4e9848a28feaa317f2bc Sounds much the same as your situation.

Edited by TeeCee on 01/02/2013 at 15:01

Hmm, that's interesting.

All the Rover fobs I've seen are two-button. Sounds like you may have an aftermarket system there, in which case I have no idea how to proceed as all the information pertaining to the factory-fitted system will be irrelevant.

This is like the fob I have.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROVER-METRO-100-DISCOVERY-REMOT...6

The first Rover Metro's did have a factory fitted alarm/immobiliser system that came with the single button key fob. This was the fore-runner to the more common two button fob. This early system did not have the 'door lock' procedure override so don't look for a code that doesn't exist.

If the system goes wrong such as this one then if I remember correctly then you either need to get the car plugged in to a diagnostic machine and get it resync'd/repaired or I think it is possible to send the cars ECU away and have the immobiliser circuit taken out.

There is unlikely to be a cheap fix unless you can get the fob to burst into life again.

This outfit may also be able to help: www.remotekey.co.uk/cars/rover/default.asp