Car says key not detected
Car Key Not DetectedMobile · 24/7 · Cars & vans
If your vehicle displays a “Key Not Detected” message or fails to recognise your key, we can diagnose the issue and assess the key, battery, remote and vehicle key-recognition system.
"Key not detected", "no key found", "insert key into slot" — all mean the car can't see the key's chip. Sometimes that's the key, sometimes the vehicle's receiver, sometimes just a flat fob battery. We diagnose at the vehicle rather than guessing over the phone.
Book this serviceWhat this covers
- Flat or failing fob battery
- Damaged transponder or remote board
- Key that has lost its programming
- Immobiliser or receiver faults
- Emergency start procedure for your model
How it works
- 1Call and describe the exact dashboard message
- 2Technician attends and tests the key and vehicle
- 3We explain what's actually wrong
- 4Repair, reprogram or replace as needed
Vehicle makes we cover
Where we cover
Mobile auto locksmith serving drivers across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Heathrow Corridor, West London, Surrey, Wiltshire, Hampshire — including SL, RG, TW, UB, HP, WD, GU, OX postcodes.
See every town we cover →Car Key Not Detected FAQs
- Can you tell me the cause over the phone?
- We can narrow it down, but we won't promise a diagnosis before seeing the vehicle.
- Push-start car says key not detected — can I still start it?
- Most keyless cars have an emergency start position. We'll talk you through yours.
Related services
Need this sorting now?
Have the registration handy — it tells us the key type and lets us price the job properly before we travel.
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