Key Fob Not Working in North London
Key fob not working in North London? If your remote won’t lock or unlock, the car isn’t detecting the key, or your push-to-start won’t respond, our mobile auto locksmiths can diagnose and fix it quickly across the N postcode area. We repair and program key fobs, remotes, and smart/proximity keys for most makes and models, and we can replace or recode a faulty fob on your driveway or roadside.
Need an accurate price or a fast visit? Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote, or if you’re stuck right now, we can also help with safe, non-destructive vehicle entry where possible.
When Your Key Fob Stops Working
A failing or faulty car key fob can show up in several ways:
- Buttons don’t work at all, or only work intermittently
- Very short range or you have to press hard
- Car displays “Key Not Detected” or a key warning symbol on the dash
- Car unlocks but won’t start, or starts then immediately cuts out
- Central locking opens one door but not others
- The fob works after a battery change, then fails again
- The key blade turns but the immobiliser light keeps flashing
- Push-to-start won’t respond even with the key inside the vehicle
- Fob stopped working after a battery disconnect or jump start
- Water ingress after rain, a wash, or an accidental trip through the washing machine
If you’re locked out or the fob has died with the keys inside, we can help with non-destructive vehicle entry wherever possible, then repair or replace the fob and re-synchronise it to your car.
What Causes A Faulty Car Key Fob?
Key fobs are small electronics that talk to your car’s locking and immobiliser systems. Typical causes of failure include:
- Flat or weak fob battery, or the wrong battery type fitted
- Desynchronisation after the battery has been replaced or disconnected
- Worn or broken microswitches under the buttons
- Dry solder joints or cracked PCB from impact
- Water damage and corrosion on the circuit board
- Damaged or bent key blade, or a worn transponder chip housing
- RF interference or antenna/ring aerial issues in the car
- Faults in the car’s receiver, body control module, or central locking
- Immobiliser glitches or corrupted data that need reprogramming
- Low vehicle battery affecting remote and immobiliser performance
If “car won’t start – key symbol on dash” or “my car key is not detected” appears, it can be a transponder or antenna (ring aerial) issue rather than just the remote locking. We’ll pinpoint which part is at fault, so you only pay for the fix you need.
How We Fix A Key Fob That’s Not Working
We bring dealer-level diagnostics and specialist programming tools to you anywhere in North London, from Highgate and Crouch End to Barnet, Tottenham, Islington and beyond.
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Initial Checks
- Test the fob’s battery and replace with the correct high-quality cell
- Inspect the PCB, buttons, and solder joints for damage or corrosion
- Frequency and signal strength test to ensure the fob transmits correctly
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Vehicle Diagnostics
- Scan the vehicle via OBD2 to check immobiliser/central locking fault codes
- Test the receiver, aerial, and central locking actuators
- Confirm whether immobiliser data is intact and matched to your key
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Repair, Re-Sync, or Reprogram
- Microswitch replacement, contact cleaning, and PCB repair where viable
- Re-synchronisation procedure so the remote and car “remember” each other
- Remote key programming and transponder pairing (including spare keys)
- Smart key programming for keyless/proximity systems and push-to-start
- EEPROM/ECU immobiliser programming for advanced cases on certain models
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Replacement When Needed
- If repair isn’t economical or reliable, we supply and program a new fob
- We can cut a new key blade and clone or program a transponder chip
- We’ll test lock/unlock, boot release, and start, and provide a warranty
We prioritise non-destructive methods wherever possible and explain rare exceptions (for example, if a door lock is mechanically failed) before any work. All jobs are completed on-site by trained, DBS-checked technicians using professional tools.
Services We Offer For Faulty Key Fobs
- Key fob battery testing and replacement
- Key fob repair (microswitches, cases, and PCB-level fixes)
- Key fob programming service for remotes and smart/proximity keys
- Transponder key programming and immobiliser re-pairing
- Remote central locking repair and diagnostics
- Key blade cutting and shell replacement
- Spare car keys and additional remotes
- Emergency car unlock if the fob has failed with the vehicle locked
If the fault lies beyond the fob—such as central locking actuators, the ring aerial around the ignition, or the body control module—we’ll identify and explain your options clearly.
For programming and pairing issues, see our specialist Car Key Programming page. If your fob is beyond repair, we can supply a new remote on our Car Key Replacement North London service. If you cannot open the vehicle, our safe car unlock service in North London can help first.
Ford, VW, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Vauxhall And More
We work with most UK and European makes and models, including:
- Ford (Focus, Fiesta, Puma, Kuga, Transit)
- Volkswagen/VW (Golf, Polo, Passat, Tiguan)
- BMW (1/3/5 Series, X models)
- Mercedes-Benz (A/B/C/E Class, Sprinter)
- Audi (A1–A6, Q models)
- Vauxhall (Corsa, Astra, Insignia, Vivaro)
- Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, Volvo, Land Rover, and others
From traditional transponder keys to 2024/2025 keyless smart systems, we have dealer-level programming capability, OBD2 diagnostics, and EEPROM tools where manufacturer security requires it.
Why North London Drivers Choose Us
- Local and Mobile: Based in North London with full coverage across all N postcodes
- 10+ Years’ Experience: Specialist auto locksmiths trained on the latest systems
- Dealer-Level Equipment: Professional OBD2, remote programming, and EEPROM tools
- Insured and Vetted: Public liability insurance; DBS-checked technicians
- Non-Destructive Entry: Wherever possible, with clear explanations of any exception
- All Makes and Models: From Ford and VW to BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and more
- Warranties: On workmanship and new keys/fobs supplied
- Clear Quotes: No guesswork—fair, transparent pricing before we begin
Want to compare your options? Learn more about our approach on auto locksmith prices in North London, then get a tailored quote.
Our Simple Process
- Contact Us
- Tell us your vehicle, year, and symptoms. Send a photo of the fob if you can.
- Rapid Dispatch
- We’re fully mobile and cover North London efficiently, including Highbury, Finchley, Muswell Hill, Tottenham, Islington, Wood Green, Barnet, and Enfield.
- On-Site Diagnostics
- We test the fob, scan your car with OBD2 tools, and confirm the root cause.
- Repair or Replacement
- We repair, re-sync, or program a new fob on the spot. If required, we’ll cut a blade and pair the transponder to the immobiliser.
- Final Testing and Handover
- We test lock/unlock, boot, and start functions, answer your questions, and provide aftercare tips and warranty details.
Coverage Across The N Postcode Area
We come to you anywhere in North London, including but not limited to: Archway, Holloway, Highgate, Crouch End, Finsbury Park, Highbury, Islington, Stoke Newington, Dalston, Tottenham (Hale, Green), Wood Green, Muswell Hill, East Finchley, North Finchley, Whetstone, Barnet, Enfield, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, and Alexandra Palace. Explore the full list of neighbourhoods we cover on our areas we cover across N postcodes hub.
Related Services And Next Steps
- If your fob works but the car still won’t start, you may need immobiliser or transponder pairing—see car key programming.
- If the fob is damaged or missing, we can supply a new one via our car key replacement North London service.
- Locked out because the fob has died? Our car unlock service North London uses non-destructive methods wherever possible.
- Curious about costs? Read our guide to auto locksmith prices in North London and then contact our North London team for a precise quote.
FAQs: Key Fob Not Working
Why has my car key fob stopped working suddenly?
Most commonly, the battery is flat or the fob has lost synchronisation with the car after a battery change or jump start. Less often, a microswitch fails, the PCB cracks after a drop, or the car’s antenna/receiver has a fault. We test both the fob and the vehicle to pinpoint the issue.
I’ve changed the key fob battery but it still doesn’t work—what next?
Battery replacement often needs a re-sync. If re-syncing doesn’t help, the fob’s internal components or the car’s receiver/immobiliser may be at fault. We can reprogram the fob, repair the PCB, or pair a replacement if required.
My car says “Key Not Detected.” What should I do?
Hold the fob near the steering column or a marked area in the console (varies by model) and try again—some cars have a backup reader. If it still fails, the transponder chip or ring aerial may be at fault. We can diagnose and perform transponder key programming and ring aerial checks on-site.
Can you program a used car key fob?
Sometimes. Many brands lock a fob to the original car, making reuse unreliable. In other cases, we can “unlock” and reprogram with EEPROM/ECU methods. We’ll advise what’s safe and cost-effective for your vehicle.
How long does key fob programming take?
Simple remote programming can be 20–40 minutes. Smart/proximity keys or immobiliser resets can take longer, especially if EEPROM or ECU work is needed. We’ll give you an honest estimate after initial diagnostics.
How much does a locksmith charge to program a key fob?
Costs depend on the vehicle brand, year, key type (remote vs smart), and whether repair or replacement is needed. Visit our overview of auto locksmith prices in North London and then contact us for a free, accurate quote.
Central locking works on one door only—can you help?
Yes. That’s often a door actuator or central locking module issue rather than the fob. We’ll test the fob, scan for fault codes, and advise on the most sensible repair.
Will you damage my car?
We use non-destructive entry and programming methods wherever possible. On the rare occasions a destructive method is the only safe option (e.g., a failed lock barrel), we’ll explain it first and get your approval.
Trusted Local Specialists In North London
- 10+ years specialising in car keys and immobilisers
- Fully mobile coverage of the N postcode area
- Dealer-level diagnostics and programming (OBD2, remote, and EEPROM)
- Public liability insured, DBS-checked technicians
- Warranties on workmanship and new keys/fobs
If your key fob is not responding, don’t leave it until you’re stranded. We’ll get you sorted quickly and affordably, with clear advice and guaranteed work.
Need help now? Call 020 4572 8654 or Email us.
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