Experiencing issues with your Chevy Volt key fob can be frustrating. Imagine this: you approach your vehicle, press the unlock button, and the doors respond. However, upon opening the door, the car alarm unexpectedly starts chirping. You press unlock again, and thankfully, the chirping stops. But when you get inside and press the start button, a message flashes: “key not detected”. The center console directs you to place the key fob in the designated slot, but even then, the car fails to recognize it. This sporadic issue, while not frequent, can be quite perplexing for Chevy Volt owners.
One owner described this exact scenario, where the only temporary solution was to remove and reinsert the key fob battery. While this action seems to reset something and temporarily resolves the problem, it doesn’t address the underlying cause. It’s important to understand that a key fob has two types of technology: Radio Frequency (RF) for button commands like locking and unlocking, and Low Frequency (LF) for proximity detection, push-button start verification, and the backup key slot in the center console.
The problem might not actually be with the key fob itself, but rather with the car’s keyless receiver system. The fact that the fob successfully unlocks the doors and silences the alarm suggests the RF portion is functioning correctly. The issue seems to lie in the LF communication or the vehicle’s ability to sense the key’s presence for starting. It’s possible that the Body Control Module (BCM) software is experiencing a glitch, leading to this intermittent key detection failure.
Here are a few troubleshooting steps to consider if you encounter this “Chevy Volt Key Fob Not Working” situation:
- Try Resynchronization: Sometimes, the security code between the key fob and the car can become unsynchronized. Try pressing the “LOCK” button on your key fob multiple times in succession. This can sometimes re-establish the connection.
- Use Your Second Key Fob: If you have a second key fob, try using it for a while to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to one key fob or a more general vehicle issue.
- Battery Reset (Temporary Fix): As mentioned in the original scenario, removing and reinserting the key fob battery can temporarily resolve the problem. While not a permanent solution, it can get you going in a pinch.
While some might suspect the 12V battery’s state of charge, modern car electronics, including the Chevy Volt’s, are designed to operate within a voltage range (typically 9-16V). Therefore, it’s less likely that a slightly low 12V battery is the root cause of this specific key fob issue.
If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the “Chevy Volt key fob not working” problem, it’s advisable to consult a qualified mechanic or your Chevrolet dealer. They can diagnose potential issues with the keyless entry system, receiver, or BCM software and recommend appropriate repairs or updates.
