I've searched the forums and couldn't find an answer to this problem. My SKS (smart key with silver logo) works fine for unlocking and starting the car while in my pocket. The problem: the key does not start the car when inserted into the slot! I've tried inserting the key different ways, pressing my foot on the brake pedal different ways, and pressing the "key" button under the steering wheel, but nothing seems to work. The remote has a new battery and it works great other than not working while in the slot. My car starts and drives fine, so I'm assuming the 12v battery is in good condition. The dash lights sometimes go out which I heard it is a bad "combination meter". It looks like the plastic planeling around the key slot is loose, so I was able to easily open it up and access the wires going to the key slot. I unplugged both connectors and re-plugged them in, but that did not help. The yellow lights on the keys slot will light up as soon as I enter the car and upon turning the car off with my smart key, but they will not light up when the key is in the slot. What is the problem???
Is the key fob plastic body original? Many times the buttons get worn out and people purchase a new outer shell. They take the old key apart and put the electronics into the new plastic body. Unfortunately, many don't realize there is also a small metal transponder chip that is separate from the electronics. that chip is what the car recognizes when you use the key slot. If this chip doesn't also get transferred to the new plastic body, then guess what? Exactly what is happening to you.
Thanks for your response TMR, I'll definitely check that out and get back to you. Seems like a good possibility even though the buttons are super worn out.
I do not know if the key fob is original. I opened my remote and the small chip IS in fact there. It has a number: B – 05489 The circuit board has a white box on it with the following numbers: 485-0 and E90 The battery hatch has numbers as well: MODEL: 831EG FCC ID: M0ZB31EG IC: 2584A-B31EG TOKAI RIKA Co., LTD. Since the chip is intact, what should I look for now?
I need to get my key to work while plugged into the slot so that I can program a spare key. I bought a used key online that I hope will work...
That's probably true, but is there a way to test that theory? I'm not really sure where to proceed from here. Should I take it to a locksmith/AAA/dealership?
i would start with locksmith's, cheaper than dealer if you can find one qualified. not sure what aaa would have to offer, and it's worth getting a price from dealer for comparison. they would probably replace the ecu and add 2 fobs or something.
Most likely, the key fob case has been replaced at some point and the RFID chip that was inside the original was not transferred to the new case. The slot ONLY works by detecting the RFID chip inside the fob.
