If your keep is totaled, you could attempt to open it up and clean/repair it. This is NOT for someone lacking experience, but if the fob is pretty beat up and has openings in the rubber than moisture could have caused corrosion. Proper cleaning *might* restore it.

 

The key case was replaced with a new one 2 years ago. So its pretty sealed and never even dropped or got wet. Every other functions work. Doors unlock/ lock and key turns to ON position. Just not starting.

 

Odd. Makes me think is not a key issue, but a module issue. This is why its nice to have a spare key from day one (not that I even have a second!). Instead of looking at the key, maybe look into the module that senses the key. I have never dug into that end, but fuses, etc. I dont know if the remote system is separate from starting, but I would bet they are. Which is why the other functions work. Just a guess though.

 

i was hoping it was something simple. The immobiliser light beeps when key is in on position which made me think it could be some issue with key. Like you said it could be a module too. Mechanic says only code is key not being detected so they cant go further without a proper key.

 

Have you had ANY electrical issues with the vehicle?

 

Nop. Never had dash lights or any issues. I had a small water leak from sunroof drains that i fixed and never had a problem.

 

So far I have read two cases where the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they did an ECU refresh and all was well again. So I would still not put all your energy into just he key being the issue. The key has two parts indeed from what I have read. The battery operates all the remote functions. The RDIF portion is nothing powered. So a totally dead key will still start the vehicle as several tested to be true.

Have you tried a slow start. Turn the key to II, what 10 seconds, then to start?

 

did you have similar symptoms which led to the ECU refresh? I did try the 10sec process as well. I reset the ecu by holding the terminals together but no luck.

 

I read about, I myself never the issue. I am just doing generally Google searching for answers on this. I am not sure which ECU was refreshed, there are more than one. My BMW has 200 ECUs and it was a selling point - more computers than a space shuttle. FYI doing a hard reset by connecting the leads does nothing at all and is silly. Not sure who started that one but I see it a lot.

 

Thanks for looking. 200 ECUs? thats crazy. Right now something simple like a 80s defender sounds pretty good. Ya i didn't have much hope on that ECU reset but figured ill try it anyway. Funny how this issue I'm having isn't common. I was expecting other issues but oh well haha.