Key Fob Failure Linked to Dashboard Error Messages

Having some experience working on cars, I dealt with a similar issue on my Volkswagen Passat 2019 last winter. Like yours, my key fob stopped responding despite replacing the fob battery. The dashboard was showing warning messages about the key not being detected. After trying several DIY fixes without success, I took it to a repair shop. Turns out the key fob itself had a faulty circuit board, it wasnt just a low battery problem. The repair cost me 37 Euro and completely resolved the issue. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Your vehicle make, model and year, Exact dashboard error messages youre seeing, Whether the physical key part still works in the door lock, If you have a spare key fob to test Sometimes these issues can be caused by: Water damage to the key fob, Damaged internal components, Problems with the cars key detection system, Interference from other electronic devices Let me know these details and I can provide more targeted advice based on your specific situation.

Thanks for the helpful suggestions. My 2002 Buick Century has 75451 KM and the physical key still works in the door lock. The dash shows Key Not Detected and Remote Entry System Fault messages. The electronic key completely died without warning. I already tried cleaning the key fob contacts and checking for obvious water damage but found nothing obvious. I have a spare auto key but it shows the same behavior, which makes me think the issue might be with the cars system rather than just a dead key. Would checking the central locking fuse or door lock actuators be worth trying before taking it to a shop? Starting to think its more than just a key battery problem.

Thanks for those extra details about your Buick Century. Since both key fobs are showing the same symptoms and you've already ruled out low battery issues, this definitely points toward a problem with the car's central locking system rather than the key fobs themselves. In my Passat case, I initially thought it was a similar system issue since both keys failed. Before heading to the shop, try these steps that helped diagnose my problem: 1. Check the central locking fuse, usually in the main fuse box under the dash 2. Listen for clicking sounds from the door actuators when pressing the key fob 3. Test each door's lock mechanism manually with the physical key If you hear no response from the actuators or find a blown fuse, that's likely your culprit. In my case, water had gotten into the main door control module, causing similar symptoms to what you're describing. Since both your key fobs are affected and the physical key still works, I'd focus troubleshooting on the car's receiver system before replacing any auto keys. A faulty door control module or damaged wiring harness could cause these exact symptoms.

Thanks for this detailed response. The fuse check and actuator test make sense as next steps. I just checked all the fuses in the underdash box and found the central locking fuse is intact. However, when pressing the key fob buttons, I notice no clicking sounds from any of the door actuators, which seems to confirm your suggestion about a possible receiver system issue. Since both my original and spare auto key show identical problems despite new fob batteries, I agree its likely not just a key-related low voltage problem. Going to try disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes to reset the system before taking it to a shop. At least knowing the physical keys still work in the door locks gives me a backup entry method while figuring this out. Will post an update once I determine if its the control module, wiring, or something else causing these remote entry system faults. Thanks again for helping narrow down the potential causes.