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UweMey

Land Rover Defender Key Fob Acting Erratic, Help Needed!

Hey all! Having trouble with my 2021 Land Rover Defender (gas engine, 60k km). The key fob's acting up, sometimes it won't lock or unlock the doors. Was wondering if anyone else has dealt with similar access system problems on their Defender? My last mechanic visit wasn't great, so I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences and maybe recommendations for fixing this issue. Thanks in advance for any help!

4 comment(s)

ErikSpeedster

I've faced a similar issue with my 2018 Land Rover Discovery (P300). The comfort access system started acting weird last month, unusual failures to detect the key fob and inconsistent door locking/unlocking. Took it to the dealer's workshop, turned out the door handle sensors were failing, and there was some interference with the key fob signal. They had to replace the driver's side door handle assembly and reprogram the key fob. Wasn't really a major mechanical issue, more of an electronic gremlin that needed sorting out. The repair took about half a day, and it's been working perfectly since then. These systems can be a bit finicky, but it's usually fixable. Would definitely recommend getting it checked at a Land Rover specialist rather than a general mechanic, as they have the right diagnostic tools for these specific electronic issues.

UweMey (Author)

Thanks for sharing your Discovery experience! That sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with on my Defender. Good to know it was just the door handle sensors and key fob needing some attention. Do you remember roughly how much the repair set you back? Also, any other electrical quirks pop up since they fixed it? I'm trying to figure out if I should expect any other related issues down the road.

ErikSpeedster

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up about the costs, I paid 390€ to get the door handle for the comfort access system replaced. Since the fix, everything's been working like a charm! The whole locking/unlocking drama is completely sorted, and I haven't had a single problem with the access system. It's such a relief not having to deal with those unusual moments when the car wouldn't recognize the key fob anymore. Trust me, getting it fixed by a proper Land Rover specialist was totally worth it. They really knew what they were doing with these electronic systems. And to answer your question about other electrical issues, nope, nothing else has popped up since then. It's been smooth sailing with the comfort access system, and all the other electronics are working just fine. Seems like it was really just that faulty door handle causing all the trouble. The repair might seem a bit pricey, but considering how much these modern access systems get used every day, I'd say it's a worthwhile investment!

UweMey (Author)

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Just wanted to update you all on my Defender situation. Finally took it to a different mechanic who specializes in Land Rovers. Turns out my issue was pretty similar, faulty door sensors and some key fob reprogramming needed. The whole thing cost around $450, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The repair went smoothly, only took about four hours. The mechanic was super professional, actually showed me the worn-out components and explained everything. Such a different experience from my last mechanic visit! The best part is, the car's working perfectly now. No more standing in the parking lot looking silly while repeatedly pressing the key fob! Feel much better having this sorted by someone who knows these systems inside out. If anyone else runs into similar issues, definitely go straight to a specialist, saves time and headaches in the long run. Really appreciate all the advice you guys shared!

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