Experiencing issues with your Range Rover key fob? It’s a common frustration for owners. You might be wondering why your vehicle sometimes starts even when the key fob seems unresponsive. This article delves into the intricacies of your Range Rover’s security system to explain this behavior and highlight why fixing a malfunctioning key fob is crucial.
Early Range Rover models, particularly those with passive immobilisation (standard in European markets), have a specific security sequence. If your car is equipped with this system and was last locked using the key fob, unlocking it manually with the key in the door lock disarms the immobiliser. You then have a short window, around 30 seconds, to start the engine. If you exceed this time, the passive immobilisation reactivates. In such cases, the message center will prompt you to “press remote or enter EKA code.” If your remote isn’t working, you’d need to physically unlock the door again with the key to reset the timer.
Later Range Rover models incorporate a more user-friendly system. They feature a coil around the ignition switch that automatically prompts the key fob to transmit a signal when you insert the key. This signal disarms the immobiliser seamlessly.
Now, back to the question of why your Range Rover might start even with a seemingly dead key fob. If you own an older model and consistently find that your car starts without fob interaction even after some time, it suggests that passive immobilisation might be disabled in your BeCM (Body Control Module). Alternatively, you might be habitually unlocking the car and starting the engine within that crucial 30-second window without realizing it. A simple test to check for passive immobilisation is to unlock your Range Rover, wait for a few minutes, and then attempt to start the engine. If it starts without issue, passive immobilisation is likely turned off.
While it might seem convenient to bypass the key fob temporarily, relying solely on the mechanical key as a long-term solution is risky. The mechanical key system is designed as a backup, not a primary access method. Several factors can compromise its reliability. The mechanical linkages within the door lock mechanism are not built for constant use and can break. Furthermore, the microswitches within the door latch, essential for signaling the car about key usage, are prone to failure, especially with age and temperature fluctuations. We’ve seen cases where these microswitches malfunction intermittently, particularly in hot weather, potentially due to thermal expansion affecting contact points.
The most concerning scenario arises when the microswitch responsible for key detection fails. In this situation, even when you mechanically unlock the car with the key, the vehicle might not recognize it as a valid disarming action. The central locking system might still function (as it relies on different microswitches), allowing you to enter the car. However, because the car doesn’t register the key unlock for security purposes, the alarm could sound, and, more importantly, the immobiliser will remain active, preventing you from starting the engine. This leaves you locked out of starting your car despite having physical access.
Therefore, while your Range Rover might currently start without a working key fob, addressing the issue is paramount. A functioning key fob is not just about convenience; it’s a critical component of your vehicle’s security and reliable operation. Ignoring a “Range Rover Key Fob Not Working” problem can lead to significant inconvenience and potential lockout situations. Getting your key fob repaired or replaced ensures you maintain full control and security of your Range Rover.
