Quick answer: start with the spare. If the spare works, the problem is the key: a flat remote battery, a worn blade, a cracked transponder chip or lost programming. If the spare doesn’t work either, the problem is the car: a flat car battery, the steering lock, or the immobiliser. Here’s how to tell which, and what fixes each.
“My car key isn’t working” covers three different problems, and they have three different fixes. Work out which one you’ve got before you spend anything.
The buttons don’t work, but the key still starts the car
Flat remote battery. The most common one. Range shrinks for a few weeks, then it stops. It’s a coin cell you can swap yourself in a minute, and the car keeps starting because the transponder chip doesn’t use the battery.
The remote has lost its pairing. Less common. Sometimes happens after the car battery goes flat or is disconnected. The remote has to be paired to the car again, which we do at the car. See remotes and smart keys.
The remote is damaged. Dropped, wet, or a worn button. If a new battery and re-pairing don’t fix it, the remote is replaced and programmed.
The key turns, but the engine won’t start
This is the transponder. The car isn’t recognising the chip in the key, so the immobiliser blocks the engine. Causes: a cracked chip from a drop, a copy that was cut but never programmed, or programming lost after electrical work. If your spare starts the car, the original key needs replacing and programming. If neither key starts it, the car’s battery or immobiliser is the likelier problem. Read transponder keys explained.
The key won’t turn at all
Steering lock. Turn the wheel gently side to side while turning the key.
Worn key or barrel. If the key has been getting harder to turn for months, the blade is worn. A fresh key cut to the lock, not a copy of the worn one, fixes it. If the barrel itself is worn out, that’s a mechanic’s job, and we’ll tell you.
Wrong key. It happens, especially with two similar cars in one household.
Nothing works at all
Dead dash, no lights, no click: the car’s battery is flat. Jump start it and try again before assuming the key is at fault.
What we can do at the car
Replace and program remotes, cut fresh keys to the lock, replace and program transponder keys, and make a complete new key if yours is lost, for all Japanese cars, Hyundai and Kia, and most American cars. We come to wherever the car is. What we don’t do is repair ignitions or door locks; if that’s the problem we’ll say so rather than charge you to find out.
Common questions
Do I need a new key or just a battery?
If the car still starts and only the buttons have stopped, try a battery first. If the car won’t start with that key but starts with the spare, you need the key replaced or reprogrammed.
Can you reprogram my existing key?
Often, yes, if the chip is intact. If the chip is cracked, the key is replaced.
Why did my key stop working after a jump start?
A voltage spike can make some cars forget a key or a remote. Re-pairing at the car usually fixes it.
Can you make a new key if I’ve lost all of them?
Yes, at the car, for the makes we cover. See lost all your car keys.
Key playing up?
Call 0427 580 823Send an enquiry
Service page: car locksmith. Northern suburbs: Greenwood.