Key Not Detected Problem
Dashboard saying 'Key Not Detected'? We diagnose and fix on-site, usually within the hour.
About this service
"Key Not Detected", "No Key", "Insert Key" or "Smart Key Not Found" warnings can have several causes — a flat fob battery, a failed antenna ring, a faulty key, or a corrupted ECU pairing. Our mobile auto locksmiths arrive with full diagnostic kit to identify the exact fault and resolve it on the spot, whether that means a new battery, a re-pair, or a brand-new key.
Common issues we fix
- Dashboard message: Key Not Detected / Key Not Recognised
- Smart key only works when held against start button
- Intermittent failures, especially in cold weather
- After a flat car battery or jump-start
How it works
On-site diagnostics
We connect to the ECU to read fault codes and isolate the cause.
Decision and quote
Battery? Antenna? New key? You get a fixed price before any work starts.
Fix and verify
We resolve the fault and test the key in all modes.
Frequently asked
Why does my car say 'Key Not Detected'?
Most often it's a flat fob battery. Other common causes are a worn antenna ring around the ignition, a damaged transponder chip, or a lost ECU pairing after a low-voltage event such as a flat car battery.
Can you fix it without replacing the key?
Often yes — many cases are resolved with a new battery, a re-pair, or an antenna ring replacement.
How long does this kind of repair take?
Most diagnoses are complete in 20 minutes, and most fixes are done within 60–90 minutes.