2015 dodge journey key not detected

Dodge Journey Key Not Detected: Causes & Fixes

The “Key Not Detected” on your Dodge Journey is a warning sign often associated with issues with the key fob. It will normally pop up when the driver attempts to switch on the vehicle, and the computer system cannot pick up a signal from the key fob. 

The warning message will come if any factor disrupts the communication between the key fob and the ECM. Once the push-start button is pressed and the key’s signal is not detected, the vehicle will not come, and the error will come up. Many factors could stop the vehicle from picking up signals from the key fob. These factors include dead key battery, damaged receiver module, dead car battery, and more. 

We will examine what a “Key Not Detected” means in a Dodge Journey. Also, explore the causes of this issue and how it could be fixed.

Meaning of Dodge Journey Key Not Detected

A Dodge Journey “Key Not Detected” is a warning message showing that the vehicle cannot communicate with the key fob, especially when you try to start the car.

What is a key fob? If you are unfamiliar with the term, it is a device that opens and unlocks the vehicle. Its most important function is its ability to start the car through the push-to-start function. 

The Push-to-start function in the Dodge Journey uses low-frequency communication. Once the start button is pressed, the engine computer picks up a signal from the key fob, which should be in the car at the time. 

Once the computer picks up the signal, the ECM sends power to the engine for ignition.

Sometimes, the computer system does not pick up any signal from the key fob. Check the key fob and ensure it is in the vehicle; if it is, there is an issue with the device. 

Without the ECM picking up signals from the key fob, the engine will not start. 

Causes of Dodge Journey Key Not Detected 

Many factors could cause a “Key Not Detected” warning message on your Dodge Journey dashboard. In most cases, it is an issue with the key fob. However, other issues could be responsible for the warning message, like damaged receiver modules. 

Below are some of the major causes of “key Not Detected.”

Dead key fob battery 

A major cause of the warning message “key Not Detected” is a dead battery. The Key fob uses a small button-like battery that powers it; unfortunately, it is not designed to last forever. 

The key fob battery will weaken and must be replaced at a certain point. You will notice the need to change the battery when the range of the key reduces. Now, you must draw closer to the car to open or close the door or press the button multiple times. 

You could also get a notification of the low battery on the dashboard of your Dodge Journey. 

Receiver module issues or interference 

Another cause of the “key Not Detected” warning message is when the receiver module is not working as it should. 

What is the receiver module? A device inside the vehicle receives signals from the key fob. It then sends signals to other components depending on whether to open or lock the door or trunk and start the engine. 

Sometimes, the signal from the key fob may be interfered with by other radio waves that do not allow the module to pick up the right signals. In other cases, the module might be damaged and unable to pick up any frequency. 

Water damage to the key fob 

If you expose your key fob to water, it could cause serious damage. You need to understand that the key is an electrical device, and it is not designed to be waterproof and will get damaged if exposed to a certain amount of water. 

Dead vehicle battery 

A dead Dodge Journey battery will stop the receiver module from picking up the key fob signal. The module receives power from the battery to function. Once there is no power flowing to the module, it will not work. 

Until the battery is charged, you cannot access and switch on the vehicle using the keyfob. 

Worn-out key fob 

The key fob will get worn out after long usage due to exposure to dirt, moisture, and other working conditions. 

You will notice that the key fob is worn when the buttons are harder to press, and it takes longer for the vehicle to respond to the key’s command. 

Also, the battery contact may become worn out, loose, or corroded due to oxidation, vibration, and other factors. This will have the same effect as having a dead battery. 

How to fix Dodge Journey Key Not Detected

Once you realize the Dodge Journey “Key Not Detected” warning message, you need first to figure out what the cause of the problem is. You can do this by inspecting all the vehicle components that could be the source of the issue. 

Below are ways to fix a Dodge Journey “Key Not Detected.”

Replace the key fob battery 

When the battery of your Dodge Journey key fob is dead, you need to replace it immediately. To do this, follow the steps below. 

• Find the small notch at the side of the key fob and insert a screwdriver or any other tool that can fit in. 
• Slowly pry open the case and separate it into two. 
• Find buttons like batteries and take note of how they were placed. 
• Insert the new batteries the same way the old ones were placed. 
• Snap the separated key fob back together and test the key. 

Replace key fob 

In case of water damage or extreme wear conditions, you may need a new key fob compatible with your vehicle. You can get this in an authorized Dodge dealership. 

Charge or replace car battery 

If you are faced with a dead battery car battery, the easy fix is to charge the battery. Sometimes, the issue might not be a dead battery; it could be that the terminals are corroded. In this case, you may need to have them clean. Make a baking soda and water mixture, using the mixture and a rag to clean the battery. 

Fix module issue 

To fix the receiver module, you need first to locate it. The module is under that dashboard, just behind the glove box. Once located, check the connections, wiring antenna, and other components. 

Go ahead and replace damaged parts of the module if you can. A professional should do issues like software malfunction. 

Final Thought!

If you are faced with a “Key Not Detected”, it is important that you have the issue solved fast before the key fob becomes completely nonfunctional. Fortunately, problems with the key fob can easily be fixed, and you may not require professional help. Also, it will not cost much to have the issue fixed, even if you have to replace the key. 

I'm Edmond Davis, an automotive expert with years of experience in vehicle repair, performance, and safety. I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Automotive Engineering and have worked with major companies like Ford, GM, and Chrysler. I'm a trusted source of information for anyone looking to learn more about cars or improve their driving experience.

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Key Not Detected Dodge Journey- 5 Ways to Fix it!

The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a smooth ride.

However, some owners may encounter a problem with their key fob not working properly.

This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you are in a hurry or in an unfamiliar place.

The key fob is a remote device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, open the trunk, and start the engine with a push of a button.

It uses radio waves to communicate with the receiver module inside your vehicle.

When the key fob is not detected by your vehicle, it means that there is an issue with the signal transmission or reception.

There are several possible causes of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey.

Some of them are easy to fix, while others may require professional assistance. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes and how to fix them.

Key Not Detected Dodge Journey: 5 Ways to FIX

1. dead battery in the key fob.

The most common cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is a dead battery.

The key fob uses a small button cell battery to power its functions. Over time, the battery will drain and need to be replaced.

Usually, there are signs of a weakening battery before it stops working completely. You may notice that the range of the key fob decreases, or that you need to press the buttons harder or multiple times to get a response.

You may also see a low battery warning light on your dashboard or instrument cluster.

To fix this problem, you need to replace the battery in your key fob. You can do this yourself by following these steps:

• Locate the small notch on the side of the key fob and insert a flathead screwdriver or a coin into it.
• Gently pry open the key fob case and separate the two halves.
• Remove the old battery and note its type and orientation.
• Insert a new battery of the same type and orientation into the battery holder.
• Snap the two halves of the key fob case back together and test the key fob.

Alternatively, you can take your key fob to a local auto parts store or a dealership and have them replace the battery for you.

2. Worn buttons or poor battery contact

The buttons on the key fob may wear out over time due to frequent use or exposure to dirt and moisture.

This can affect the electrical contact between the buttons and the circuit board inside the key fob.

Similarly, the battery contact may become loose or corroded due to vibration, shock or oxidation. This can prevent the battery from delivering enough power to the key fob.

To fix this problem, you need to clean and repair the buttons and the battery contact in your key fob. You can do this yourself by following these steps:

• Open the key fob case as described in the previous section.
• Remove the circuit board and inspect it for any signs of damage or corrosion.
• Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the buttons and the battery contact. You can also use fine sandpaper or a pencil eraser to remove any dirt or oxidation.
• Reinstall the circuit board and the battery and close the key fob case.
• Test the key fob and see if it works.

Alternatively, you can take your key fob to a local electronics repair shop or a dealership and have them clean and repair it for you.

3. Water damage or defective key fob

Another possible cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is water damage or a defective key fob.

The key fob is not waterproof and may get damaged if it gets wet or submerged in water. This can short-circuit the components inside the key fob and render it useless.

Similarly, the key fob may have a manufacturing defect or a faulty component that causes it to malfunction. This can happen due to poor quality control, improper handling, or accidental damage.

To fix this problem, you need to replace your key fob with a new one. You can do this yourself by following these steps:

• Purchase a new key fob that is compatible with your vehicle model and year. You can find one online or at a local auto parts store or dealership.
• Program the new key fob to your vehicle using the instructions provided with it. You may need another working key fob or your vehicle’s ignition key to do this.
• Test the new key fob and see if it works.

Alternatively, you can take your key fob and your vehicle to a local locksmith or a dealership and have them replace and program it for you.

4. Receiver module issues or signal interference

Another possible cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is receiver module issues or signal interference. The receiver module is a device that is located inside your vehicle and receives the signals from the key fob.

It then sends the commands to the appropriate systems, such as the door locks, the trunk, and the engine.

The receiver module may have a problem with its wiring, fuse, relay, antenna, or software that prevents it from functioning properly. This can cause the key fob not to be detected by your vehicle or to work intermittently.

Similarly, the signal from the key fob may be blocked or interfered with by other sources of radio waves, such as cell phones, radio stations, power lines, or other vehicles. This can reduce the range or effectiveness of the key fob.

To fix this problem, you need to check and repair the receiver module or avoid signal interference in your key fob. You can do this yourself by following these steps:

• Locate the receiver module in your vehicle. It is usually located under the dashboard, behind the glove box, or in the trunk.
• Check the wiring, fuse, relay, antenna, and software of the receiver module and see if they are in good condition and properly connected. You may need a multimeter, a wiring diagram, and a scan tool to do this.
• Replace or repair any faulty or damaged parts of the receiver module and test the key fob.
• Keep your key fob away from other sources of radio waves and see if it works better.

Alternatively, you can take your key fob and your vehicle to a local auto repair shop or a dealership and have them check and repair the receiver module or avoid signal interference for you.

5. Dead 12-volt battery or unpaired key

Another possible cause of the key fob not working in Dodge Journey is a dead 12-volt battery or an unpaired key. The 12-volt battery is the main battery that powers your vehicle’s electrical systems, such as the lights, the radio, and the ignition.

If the battery is dead or low on charge, it may not be able to provide enough power to the receiver module and other systems that are needed to detect and respond to the key fob.

Similarly, the key fob may not be paired or programmed to your vehicle. This can happen if you have a new key fob if you have replaced the battery or the receiver module, or if you have reset the system.

In this case, the key fob and the vehicle will not recognize each other and will not communicate.

To fix this problem, you need to charge or replace the 12-volt battery or pair or program the key fob to your vehicle. You can do this yourself by following these steps:

• Check the 12-volt battery in your vehicle and see if it is dead or low on charge. You can use a voltmeter, a battery tester or a jump starter to do this.
• Charge or replace the 12-volt battery and test the key fob.
• Pair or program the key fob to your vehicle using the instructions provided with it. You may need another working key fob or your vehicle’s ignition key to do this.

Alternatively, you can take your key fob and your vehicle to a local auto repair shop or a dealership and have them charge or replace the 12-volt battery or pair or program the key fob for you.

The key fob is a convenient and useful device that allows you to control your Dodge Journey remotely.

However, it may stop working due to various reasons, such as the dead battery, worn buttons, water damage, defective key fob, receiver module issues, signal interference, dead 12-volt battery, or unpaired key.

To fix these problems, you need to replace the battery, clean and repair the buttons and the battery contact, replace the key fob, check and repair the receiver module, avoid signal interference, charge or replace the 12-volt battery, or pair or program the key fob.

Some of these fixes are easy and can be done by yourself, while others may require professional assistance. In any case, it is important to fix your key fob as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience or safety issues.

We hope this article has helped you understand why your Dodge Journey key fob is not working and how to fix it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

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Dodge Journey Key Fob Not Working: 5 Common Causes

If your Dodge Journey’s key fob is not working, the most common reason is a dead battery. Followed by water damage or fob failure. 

Below, we’ve listed everything you need to do to get your vehicle’s fob working again.

A dead battery is the most common reason a Dodge Journey’s key fob fails.

Table of Contents

• Dead Battery
• Out of Range
• Water Damage
• Reprogramming Required
• Key Fob Failure

1. Dead Battery

The most common reason a key fob isn’t working is that the battery has died and needs to be replaced . 

Some vehicles will display a warning message that the key fob battery is about to die.  Depending on your Dodge Journey’s model year, it may or may not warn you.

To replace your Journey’s key fob battery, you’ll have to pop it open. You can find battery replacement instructions on YouTube for almost any vehicle’s remote.  Otherwise, check the owner’s manual.

Once you open it, write down the key fob battery number and get a replacement.  The most common size is CR2032.

Starting a Push to Start Vehicle With a Dead Key Fob

Keyless entry systems have been around for a while, but the combination of a push-start button and no physical ignition key is still relatively new.  Even if your Dodge Journey’s key fob is not working, you can still start your push to start vehicle. Here’s how:

• You’ll need to gain access to your Journey if the doors are locked. Most keyless start vehicles have a physical key hidden in the key fob. 
• Look on the back of your fob for a button you can push to slide the fob out. The only tumbler to insert this key is likely the driver’s door.
• Hold the key fob close to the ignition button and press it until the vehicle starts. Try pressing the key into the push start button. The ring around it actively searches for the key fob and should pick it up.

Key Fob Not Working After a Battery Change

If you’ve changed your Dodge Journey’s key fob, and it’s still not working it’s likely that you have a damaged circuit board.  You may need to reprogram the key to work with your vehicle. 

Most vehicles’ key fobs work the same way.  Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on reprogramming the key fob.

This video is a fantastic resource on how to get most vehicles to recognize their key fob again after changing the battery.

2. Out of Range

The second reason your key fob might not work is that it’s out of range from your Journey. 

Key fobs generally have a range of about 30 feet, so if you’re too far away from your vehicle, it won’t respond.

Be sure to check that the key fob is close enough before trying to start your Dodge Journey.  If it works when you get close, it almost certainly has a low battery.

3. Water Damage

The third reason why your Dodge Journey’s key fob might not be working is that it’s been exposed to water. 

If your key fob has gotten wet, the circuits may have shorted out or corroded and will need to be replaced. 

Take your vehicle to a professional auto locksmith or a dealer who can program a new key fob for you.

4. Reprogramming Required

Your Journey’s keypad may need reprogramming.  This is usually the case if you’ve you’re using a fob that didn’t originally come with your vehicle. 

To reprogram your key fob, consult your car’s manual or contact a local mechanic to help.

5. Key Fob Failure

Another reason could be that there is a problem with the internal circuitry in your key fob, which can happen from wear and tear over time.

If this is the case, you will likely need to replace your Dodge Journey’s key fob.

If you have recently changed your vehicle’s battery or had the electronics in it serviced, then this could also be the cause of your key fob not working.

In this instance, you will need to reprogram your key fob with your car’s onboard computer. You should only suspect the computer needs reprogramming if BOTH key fobs don’t work.

Home » Troubleshooting » Dodge Journey key fob won’t lock or unlock the doors

Dodge Journey key fob won’t lock or unlock the doors

Dodge Journey is equipped with remote keyless entry system that allows the owners to conveniently lock and unlock the vehicle with the press of a button on the key fob. There are many reasons why the remote control of your Journey may not be working which we will discuss in this article.

The most common cause of key fob not locking or unlocking the doors in Dodge Journey is dead coin battery inside the key fob. But the remote control can also stop working due to worn buttons, poor battery contact, water damage, receiver module issues, signal interference, dead 12 volt battery, unpaired key requiring reprogramming, or defective electronic chip.

1. Dead coin battery inside key fob

Dead coin battery is the leading cause of key fob not locking or unlocking the doors in Journey. Usually there are signs of weakening battery before it gives up. If the remote was working previously, but the range of the remote was gradually decreasing until it ceased to function, this indicates that the battery was wearing out.

Replace the battery

If the button cell battery in the key fob of Journey is replaced incorrectly or a battery is unsuitable, it can damage the vehicle key. Only replace drained batteries with new batteries in the same voltage, size, and specification. Make sure the battery is facing in the right direction when inserting it.

Recommended video

Key fob not working after replacing the battery

When purchasing a new battery for the key fob of your Journey, keep in mind that the battery may be sitting on the shelf for a long time. Therefore after replacement it may not work, or may not last that long. Try purchasing the battery from a store where stock moves fast. If you still can’t get the key fob to work after verifying that the battery is healthy, your key fob issues may not be due to bad battery.

How long does the key fob battery last?

Depending on how often you use the key fob or remote control of your Journey, the battery should last between two and four years. This is assuming the new battery you installed is healthy and its use by date is many years away.

Tip: You can try to lock/unlock your Journey with its spare key. It will rule out any other problem with the first key, for example, water damage.

2. Poor battery connection

The battery inside the key fob of Journey has metal retaining clips that hold the battery in position and completes the circuit. If the clips don’t have any tension, it can cause contact issues and the remote may not receive any power. Make sure the battery is firmly placed and does not move around when you shake the remote. Also make sure all the battery contacts are corrosion and dust free.

3. Water damage

If your Dodge Journey key fob has taken a bath in the soapy water of the washing machine after you forgot to take it out of your pants pocket, water damage is very likely.

Water resistant, not waterproof

Your Journey key has rubber seals which prevents the water from getting to the electronic chip inside. A splash of water or brief exposure to light rain should be fine, but exposure to excessive amount of water like submerging the key in the pool can cause the water to penetrate the seals and damage the chip. Submerging the key in ocean water at the beach can be much more damaging to key fob electronics due to highly conductive nature of salt water.

But my key fob survived water exposure?

If your Journey key fob survived a wash cycle, or a deep bath in the ocean or pool water, it doesn’t make the key fob waterproof, it means you got lucky. Exposure to excessive water increases the risk of water damage, so you shouldn’t make this a habit.

What to do in case of water damage?

If your Journey key fob stopping working after exposure to clean tap water or rain, immediately remove the battery and clean the electronic component with paper towel and let it dry fully before putting back the battery. In case of exposure to salt water, or soapy or dirty water, it is recommended to clean the chip with isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner. If the key fob still doesn’t work after cleaning and drying, the chip is probably fried and you will have to buy a new key.

4. Dead 12 volt battery

The remote keyless system and the central locking system in Journey require the 12 volt battery to be in healthy state to function properly. If the 12 volt battery is dead or if the electric current has been interrupted due to corrosion on the battery terminals or the ground connection, all on-board electronics will stop working.

In this case, you will have to manually unlock the door of your Journey with physical key. Also, the electrical accessories (e.g. headlights, fan, and infotainment system) will not function or may function poorly, and the engine will not start. Check the 12v battery and its connections.

5. Signal interference

Journey remote control signal can be disrupted by objects, poor weather conditions or transmitters on the same frequency band close to the vehicle. The remote key may work when you’re near the vehicle, but may not work from a distance. In case of severe interference, the remote may not work at all.

Interference signals can be caused not only by neighboring radio masts and towers, but also by unprofessionally installed satellite systems. A large part of the radio interference is caused by defects and aging effects in electrical devices and radio systems, which lead to unwanted emissions, radiation and repercussions on power and communication networks. Your Journey key fob should start working again when you leave the area of interference.

6. Reprogramming required

In rare cases, the remote key of Journey may stop working due to pairing issues. The key can be reprogrammed with an OBDII scanner. You may also be able to program a key by following a few steps, an original key is typically required for successful pairing. The instructions should be mentioned in the owners manual. If you fail to do it yourself, you may have to visit an authorized dealer for reprogramming of the key.

7. Defective key fob

If your Journey key fob stopped working after you dropped it on the floor, you may have damaged the internal chip. Or, if your key fob just stopped working one day out of the blue, in rare cases this could indicate a faulty key fob – assuming you have tried everything to fix the issue e.g. battery replacement, reprogramming and the spare key fob works.

8. Faulty receiver module

Dodge Journey has a remote keyless system receiver that receives radio frequency signals from the key fob. If none of your key fobs work, and and you can’t reprogram the keys, it is possible the receiver module has developed a fault.

You may have to perform further diagnostics to identify the faulty. The keyless entry antenna could be damaged, or the module is just not communicating with other modules on the vehicle. In these cases an OBDII scan tool can be used to verify if the commands are being transmitted and acted on by the security module.

Reset the system

If the key fob is not working due to a glitch in the keyless entry system, it may be possible to restore the functionality by resetting the keyless entry system in your Journey.

There isn’t any button or option to reset the keyless entry system in Journey, but you can reboot all the on-board computers by disconnecting the 12 volt battery for a few minutes. Remove the cable from the negative terminal of the battery first, then from the positive terminal. With the battery disconnected, press the horn button a few times and turn on the headlights to drain out all the residual electricity from the system. After about 15 minutes, reconnect the battery in reverse order: positive cable first, then negative cable.

Use OBD2 scanner for diagnosis

Since Dodge Journey is equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can provide initial indications of where the malfunction is located. This method will be especially useful when diagnosing a faulty remote keyless system receiver module.

To begin troubleshooting, you must first connect the diagnostic tool to your Journey. The OBDII connector is usually located under the dashboard. With the tool connected, turn on the ignition. Most diagnostic devices then ask for some information about the vehicle. It is important that you enter this 100% correctly, otherwise the result of the search may be inaccurate. In addition to the vehicle make, model, and engine type, you usually also have to type in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Since some OBD codes are manufacturer-specific, the scanner will be able to give you more accurate information if you enter more details about your Journey.

Conclusion:

There are many reasons why your Dodge Journey key fob is not locking or unlocking the doors. When looking for the reason, you should start with the most obvious cause that is easy to diagnose: dead coin battery, which you can replace in a few minutes.

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Dodge Journey: Start The Engine With Dead Key Fob

Key fobs are beneficial as they allow you to lock and unlock your Dodge Journey with the click of a button. However, if the battery goes dead, how do you start your vehicle? No worries, we got you covered. Follow these steps below to enter and start your Dodge Journey with a dead key fob.

2020 Models

2011 – 2019 models.

• Turn the fob over to reveal the latch located at the TOP BACK of the fob.
• Use the key to UNLOCK the vehicle door.
• Place the key fob on the START button, PUSH in, and press the BRAKE to start the vehicle.

*Although the battery in the fob is dead, the vehicle will, in fact, recognize the fob.

• The  fob battery is low or dead if the engine does not start when pushing the button.
• Place the  nose side of the Fob (opposite end from the emergency key) against the Start/Stop  button.
• Push the  Start/Stop button.

**NOTE : If you are unable to enter and start the vehicle with the dead key fob on the first try, REPEAT the steps. If you are still unsuccessful, contact the dealership for assistance or consult your vehicle user’s manual. 

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Key FoB not detected on a 2015

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Well, lets see if I can make this short and sweet. My rig had started beeping at me with a message "Key FOB not detected" but this time it beeped and wouldn't start AT ALL not even with all the little tricks. Had it towed to Dodge Dealer, mind you this is all at 3am. They stated that the problem was the Module Node under the start stop button and possibly the antenna in the back drivers side back bumper. Well no such luck, but 1006.00$ later, I was told that it was now the key fob, for 425.00 more...... oh no I'm sorry "NOT". So long story short, had a Auto Locksmith come program new key all for 150.00, un fortunately this is not the issue either. HELP please I have no way to get to work, does anyone know what I should do???? Or how to fix it.....PLEASE and THANK YOU  

In our town both my teuck my fathers my wife’s former Durango have all had this problem certain places. Some frequency blocks it  

The only time my vehicles ever do this is when the fob battery is low or dead....you can still start the vehicle by pressing the fob into the start button...  

I have tried it all, Nothing seems to work, pressing tip of fob on start-stop nadda, I guess even switching the RFH module wont work, next option is fuse then battery.  

I agree with low battery, cheap fix if that’s the issue  

Thanks Ivory but that was my first course of action.  

I know this is an old thread but I did find a TSB regarding keyfob not being detected on 2015 durangos. Might help someone who is searching for a solution?  

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Had that notification " NO FOB DETECTED" on my 2016 Durango RT last weekend for the first time. New to me, first changed the FOB battery even that it measured 2.97v, nothing. Checked the car battery, 12V, put the battery maintainer on it, nothing, brought the second FOB nothing, good battery. Disconnected the car battery for about 15 minutes, nothing, pulled fuse #15, nothing. Well, started it by pushing the START button with the FOB, but no door, liftgate, remote start, nothing. The one thing left is an appointment at the dealership. The day before the appointment, I said, one thing I did not try. Taking the batteries out of the fobs for about 15 minutes. Voila, what a miracle, both FOBS work like nothing happened. Could it be just LUCK? Not sure but something reset.  

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• Alarms, Keyless Entry, Key Fobs, Locks & Remote Start

No Key Detected

By shegre January 27, 2014 in Alarms, Keyless Entry, Key Fobs, Locks & Remote Start

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I have a 2011 Journey and today when I got out of my vehicle and pushed the button on the driver handle to lock the vehicle, it did not respond. I tried using my FOB and it did not respond. I then opened the door and used the power door lock and it locked the doors. I went on to do my errand and then when I came back, I tried opening the door by the door handle and it didn't respond. I tried my key FOB and it didn't respond. I used the emergency key to unlock it and then when I opened the door the alarm went off and I could not start the vehicle. The message said "Key Not Detected". I thought maybe it was the battery in the FOB, although I have not seen a low battery message. I went into the store and bought a new battery, still didn't work. I had to get my vehicle towed to the dealership. Any ideas what the cause may be?

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• Journey_SeXT

With a little research I have found that other Chrysler products with the "No Key Detected" have also had this issue as well. There is a TSB for those vehicles that involves flash reprogramming the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) with new software. I'm not sure if the Journey also has a TSB for this issue but i'm guessing that would correct the problem.

Strange occurrence as I think it has been posted once before,

I appreciate not everyone is capable of doing this but my first

effort in this case would be disconnecting the negative(-) cable

from the battery boost point for about 5-10 minutes in an effort

to reset the TIPM as it may save a tow/dealer cost.

You might have a dead car battery.

This car has a funny way of saying key not detected when it can't detect a good car battery. Lol.

• 5 months later...

This just happened to me with my new 2014 Journey. "No key detected". I actually parked, turned off the engine, came out and no response with pressing the door lock. I first though that my passenger may not have locked his door properly but it was. So I got back in the car to restart it and that's when I got the "no key detected". I called my sister to bring my second key and got the same response. So I called the dealer (car is only a month old) and they had no answer since both keys were tried. I called Chrysler Roadside assistance and arranged a tow. Unfortunately I was parked on the 5th floor so it limited the size of tow truck available. After 3 hours an appropriate sized tow arrived, lifted it up from the rear (I was parked forward), pulled it out a few feet, went inside to lock the steering wheel and it just started. Yet I had tried several times over the 3 hr wait and the tow truck driver also tried on first arrival.

I drove it to the dealer and nothing found, specifically no codes found. A mystery!

It happens to me randomly! After i parked my vehicle i went out and when i come back nothing is working. Touching door handle to unlock wont work, even pressing unlock on my remote didnt work also! The solution is unlocking the door manuallywith key in the fob. It alarm like hell. Getting inside car press ignition with nose of fob and it starts!

Ridiculous thing is i brought it to dealer but cant duplicate the issue. Im driving it every day and it happens atleast twice every month!

I don't know how different the ignition interlock system is on the DJ

but my previous Dodge Caliber had an interlock cable from gearshifter

to steering wheel assy.

To make a long story short reports quite similar were remedied by

rotating the steering wheel against the locking mechanism.

In several instances the cable required adjustment when this was

happening often.

I don't know how different the ignition interlock system is on the DJ but my previous Dodge Caliber had an interlock cable from gearshifter to steering wheel assy. To make a long story short reports quite similar were remedied by rotating the steering wheel against the locking mechanism. In several instances the cable required adjustment when this was happening often.

You might be right since mine started once the tow truck driver rotated the steering wheel to lock it.

Thank you for the tip.

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DodgeCACares

It happens to me randomly! After i parked my vehicle i went out and when i come back nothing is working. Touching door handle to unlock wont work, even pressing unlock on my remote didnt work also! The solution is unlocking the door manuallywith key in the fob. It alarm like hell. Getting inside car press ignition with nose of fob and it starts! Ridiculous thing is i brought it to dealer but cant duplicate the issue. Im driving it every day and it happens atleast twice every month!

I understand the frustrations when it comes to an issue that is intermittent.

Your dealer will do what they can however it's so important they see the issue happening to ensure the proper repairs take place.

Hopefully they'll have the chance to see it happen in order to resolve accordingly.

• 2 months later...

lboettcher29

I have a 2013 Dodge Journey and I've now had the "key not detected" problem twice resulting in my having to leave the car at work and get a ride home. I now carry both key fobs in case one works, but last night neither did. The dealer wasn't helpful the first time and had no idea what could be wrong. The tech I spoke with said to tap the fob on a hard surface to get it to work. I've changed the battery in the main fob with no sucess. The strange thing is the fob worked the next morning both times. I'll call the local dealer again, but now that it's working I have a feeling they won't be able to do anything for me. This is ridiculous for a one year old vehicle.

redtomatoman

I have not had this situation on my 2011, but the first thing I would try is to unhook the battery for 15 minutes to reset the system. If it occurs again I would try the steering wheel rotation suggested above. Next time it occurs whip out your camera and document it. Heck film it with your camera. Show that to your dealer. Good Luck.

Next time that happens, you can press the start button with the rounded end of the fob and it ought to start. I've had a bit of trouble with my fob lately as well.

Is your vehicle under warranty complete with roadside assistance? If so, have road side assistance come and get the vehicle started and if they can't have it towed to the dealer where the dealer is now forced to fix your issue. If that dealer can't fix it then have them tow it to another dealership that can. It's silly that you have to bring two fobs with you when you shouldn't have to.

I agree with SeXT, but if you don't want the dealership to have you DJ forever or have multiple failed repair attempts, I'd definitely try to find a way to either remedy (not fix) the problem or reproduce the problem before taking for service. A little detective work on your end will likely be invaluable to the tech. Good luck.

Did you have your keys next to your cell phone or a speed pass? Sometimes this may cause interference with the key fob.

This happens to me from time to time as I keep my keys and cell phone in the same pocket in my laptop backpack...

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have an appointment for Wednesday at the dealership. One of the key fobs has stopped working entirely, so maybe it was contributing to the situation. I am concerned, though, that if at least one fob is working, the dealership won't be able to troubleshoot the problem. If they can't find anything, I'll call roadside assistance and have it towed when it does this again.

My keys are kept in a separate part of my purse from my phone so I don't think interference is the issue.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have an appointment for Wednesday at the dealership. One of the key fobs has stopped working entirely, so maybe it was contributing to the situation. I am concerned, though, that if at least one fob is working, the dealership won't be able to troubleshoot the problem. If they can't find anything, I'll call roadside assistance and have it towed when it does this again. My keys are kept in a separate part of my purse from my phone so I don't think interference is the issue.

Let us posted after dealer inspection.

This happened to me with my 2014 Journey but it corrected itself once it was hooked up to a tow truck (3 hrs later). The car suddenly recognized the key when the steering wheel was locked for towing. I then read another thread that a Durango owner felt it was also related to an unlocked steering wheel when the car is parked and off.

Then a few weeks ago it happened to my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's 4 years old and I never experienced this with the Jeep. Again, I had just parked, turned off the car, got out, but the door lock would not work. Going back into the car I saw the "key fob not detected". Learning from my Journey experience, I rocked the steering wheel and immediately the key was recognized.

Hope this helps.

I will give the steering wheel thing a try. The dealer found no problems with the car.

The idea that the steering wheel lock affecting the start process isn't unknown. Have you ever experienced starting a keyed car and the key would not turn if the steering wheel was not in the right locked position? Then by slightly rotating the steering wheel it allows the key to turn and start the engine.

Keep us updated as to whether the steering wheel trick works.

• 1 month later...

My problem is while w orking with my friend, I leave my key fob and wallet in his truck all day. Now that it is winter I am unable to unlock the Journey. I pull the handle, press the key fob to unlock and nothing happen. I guess the key fob is too cold.! I have to warm it up (keep it in my hands for 5 mins) and than it will unlock the Journey. I notice that if I go in the back of the Journey and press the button to unlock the back door it will open it. I do not know what to get out of this problem. But the next morning I have to problem open the door has it was in the house all night. Is that strange or what. Anyone else have this problem. May be it is too cold in Quebec for the Journey. Lol

I would think that unless you're working naked that

you must have a pocket to stick just the fob into

during the day.

• 2 weeks later...

Time to replace the battery in the fob if you haven't already

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• Dodge Charger Models (2011 - Up)
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Key Not Detected - Key Fob Issues

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About a year ago, I got the notice that the battery in my keyfob was low, so I replaced it with a brand new #2032 battery. Ever since then, then proximity entry stopped working. In order to unlock the car, I would have to press the unlock button on the fob about 30 times before it finally worked. When I would try to start the car, I would always get the 'Key Fob Not Detected' message. The only way I could start the car was with direct contact between the key and ignition button. When I finally got around to bringing it to the dealership, they told me that there was an issue with the module in the car. They didn't quote me a price, but I knew it was an expensive fix, so I didn't bother doing it right away because I was getting by okay.. I had been doing it for months. Last week however, I replaced the battery again, out of curiosity, and it was working flawlessly. The key was always being detected - until today. I have a hard time believing it is an issue with the car, because changing the battery in the key caused it to work perfectly for a certain amount of time. Has anybody had an issue like this? I've tried to do research about it, and have come up empty handed! I found this video, which experienced a similar problem, and intend to try this method to fix it. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Any help is greatly appreciated!! Thanks, Gator  

My Charger pulls the "key not detected" nonsense when I wear blue jeans on dress down Fridays...very annoying.  

Well- Just an update. Took the car to the dealership today.... or should I say, 'Limped' the car to the dealership today. I had the alternator issues. 'Battery Saver Mode', Lights on the Dash, Radio Shut Off. Luckily I was 5 minutes away from a dealership so I managed to get it there. Unfortunately it was closed, so I will have to wait until Monday. I called the Chrysler Recall hotline, and the P60 recall for Alternators isn't going start until December 5. I love this car. I hate these problems./  

Please let us know what the dealer diagnoses.  

Update: Dealership diagnosed faulty alternator.. It needs to be replaced. The fix in the recall has not been released though. The dealership quoted me $1,019 for the replacement. That is a lot.......... What I need to find out now, is if I can replace the part myself for much cheaper, and then receive some form of reimbursement from the Recall. Update 2: Called Chrysler, a case was opened and it is being escalated because my car is currently off of the road. Things are starting to look okay!  

I replaced it myself it was very easy alternator comes outs throught the bottom. I paid 375 for the alternator and had to wait a week for it. Remy remanufactured alternator part #11069 I got mine from ebay and works great.  

Got a call from Chrysler Rep today. It will be no cost to me, and since my vehicle is off road still they are looking into getting me a rental. They are going to follow up as soon as they get more information.  

Good job Chrysler (Dodge)! Also I have replaced 2032 batteries that are dead or almost dead from their new package. I think some of them are 5+ years old when you get them.  

Got the car back Wednesday, with no cost to me! I was extremely happy with the way things turned out!  

i may have to look into this too! i have had those issues a little more here recently.  

I am having the exact same issue. I had the alternator replaced as part of the recall but my car continues to do this. I even had my key fob replaced. :S Today I was driving down the road 80 km/hr and suddenly my car said the key was not detected. Just wondering if you are having any issues now that your alternator has been replaced? Thanks, Brittany  

Just recently started having problems with my key also. I have a 2014 Dodge Charger. I have already replaced the battery and seemed to be working just fine until a couple of weeks ago. I keep getting the "Key not detected message" when I get in to start the car also having problems locking & unlocking. PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP!! The dealership is telling me it will be over $200 to replace the KEY!!!  

The keys are actually around $20, it's the fob that cost around $200 including programming. I'm assuming your out of warranty. With that said make sure you cell phone isn't to close to your key fob because I've heard it causes interruption in the signal. I've actually had that happen with my car. My phone was in the same pocket as my key fob and I got the message "key not detected" message. I removed my phone and it worked just as it should. I'm not 100% sure that was the problem, but I keep my phone away from the fob now and haven't had the issue return yet.  

Hankjr Keyfob Not Dected problem solved. Go to "you Tube" and enter the same question. There are a lot of makes and models that explain how to reprogram your key fob. Explains how to re-program your key fob.  

Yes, my car is doing it now. IT wouldn't start. I had it towed and then it started at the dealer. They had me take it home and then in the morning it wouldn't start again. I took it back to the dealer and they have had it for 4 days and state that they have no diagnosis and that it didn't throw any codes and they can't find anything wrong with it. Dodge is being really obnoxious and will not help me. They also won't release the zone reps number. The dealer said to call Chrysler and Chrysler said to call the dealer.  

Hi Griff000, We would like to look into this situation further for you and see if there is any opportunity to assist. Please feel free to send our team a private message with additional details. Julie Dodge Social Care Specialist  

My car is doing this now. I have the 2012 Dodge Charger I bought it last summer. I got the message key fob battery low. I took it to the dealer they put in new key fobs. I parked it went to work for the week. Just got home at 1:30am from my week of work went to unlock the car and I saw the headlights flicker. Got into the car and saw the key fob not detected when I went to start it then all the lights started flickering. I got out tried to use the remote start that locked the doors but that’s it. So now the car is sitting here in the parking lot with it’s taillights flickering and I’m unable to unlock any door. Key is no where near a phone or any other electronic.  

Atlasdeimos said: I took it to the dealer they put in new key fobs. Click to expand...

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Key Fob Not Detected-Simple Fix

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This morning, the message appeared when I tried to start my 2009 SRT with about 18000 miles. I retrieved the spare fob from the keybox and it, too, would not work. After popping the start button and using the fob like a key, I drove to work thinking the Entry Module failed. Why not? I have a 13 year old Neon with the original remote battery...the batteries must last forever. Not so. I tested one fob battery and it was a 2.4v; replaced it with a new one (3.4v) and everything worked. It seems a coincidence that the batteries failed in both fobs despite one never being used. But that wasn't the only coincidence today. Driving home on I-85, I came up on another black Challenger and we pushed the left lane for all traffic would tolerate for about 5 miles. At the next to last exit for me, a third black Challenger joined us. How often does one see three black Challengers in a row on an Interstate highway? Got to be a good omen.  

For keyless go cars, I believe the fob is always sending out a signal, hense their battery can run down even though they haven't been used...I think...  

You have to be correct or how would the doors unlock or the car start without pressing a fob button?  

If you leave the key fob in the car I think the ignition and the key fob constantly "talk" to each other draining the battery. That's how range rovers are.  

If they are constantly pinging each other when the fob is within range, could we extend battery life by putting the keys in a steel container (Faraday cage) instead of on the dresser or key hook? :scratchhead:  

The "key" is distance. If you leave the keys in the house instead of your pocket when working on your Challenger, it's too far to send a signal anywhere and the remote won't attempt to communicte at all. I found the same with BMW remotes, keeping them away from the vehicles kept the cars from "waking up" and having unnecessary electronics and electrical systems come into play when they were not needed. Keeping the key fobs close always places those systems in the ready mode. So, now we leave the keys on hooks at the back door about 30 feet away from the car and yes, the panic alarm will still work, but you can't lock or unlock with the door handles, as nothing is communicating. You can still press the buttons to lock and unlock the car on the remote and they too will work IF you have fresh batteries in the remotes. But again, no automatic or two-way communications with the modules in the vehicle. If you need the keys when you're working on the car, carry them, if not, put them on the rack. Finally, I change the batteries in the remotes every 6 months or less on the Keyless Enter and Go or Keyless / Convenience Entry ones.Probably once a year is fine on the regular remotes without the Keyless Enter and Go feature, unless you use your remote a lot. Cheap enough insurance against problems. The CR2032 Sony or Panasonic or Maxell that I consider good brands are available on eBay for about 50C each if you buy ten at a time (some other models cost two bucks for the imported cars, but still less than the dealer, or even if warranteed, a trip to the dealer) And much less than a lockout! Even though you are told those lithium batteries will last 8 years in your watch, how many watches have you had that they actually make it the full 8 years? And doesn't the watch usually quit just when you really needed to know the exact time? Just like the remotes!  

As long as the key is more than five feet from the car it is out of range.  

How the heck do you switch the key fob battery?  

Pry it apart with the emergency door key. There is a slot on the bottom end it fits into and twist or pry - carefully. Some are different like our Jeep, it has a battery door on the back.  

I just change my keyfob batteries once a year and then there is never an issue.  

The battery in the key fob is a Panasonic CR2032. I went to Walgreen's and purchased a set of two Energizer batteries for $6.99. The replacement steps are very easy (don't go to the dealer): 1. Remove the valet key by pushing on the slide and pulling it straight out. 2. Using a thin-bladed screwdriver or a knife edge, unsnap the key fob by gently prying around all of the edges. 3. One the key fob splits apart, simply pull out the old battery and insert the new one. (Don't worry, unlike some watches, there are no loose parts inside). 4. Handle the new battery around the edges and push it into place using your thumb and index finger (Tip- Use a small piece of paper towel to avoid getting any hand oil on the new battery and angle the battery in towards the silver retaining clips). 5. Align the two halves of the key fob and snap them together. 6. Reinsert your valet key. 7. Test your locks to insure that they are working. You are done (less than 5 minutes)! Here is a photo of a disassembled key fob.  

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Cuda340 said: The battery in the key fob is a Panasonic CR2032. I went to Walgreen's and purchased a set of two Energizer batteries for $6.99. Click to expand...

it would be cool to see 3 challengers in a row like that,ive been seeing a lot more of them on the road lately too  

really cool write up, thank you. I figured you had to pry, but did not want to destroy my key on a 50/50. Too many times have I strong armed somthing, broke it and then figure out there was a hidden switch or a backwards screw.  

I just got a warning today on the EVIC that the battery in the FOB was low and needed to be replaced. A short time thereafter I got a system warning as I was driving (again on the EVIC) that the battery was low in the FOB. It looks like the last Flash I got had this extra info in it. :thumbsup:  

GlennW said: I just got a warning today on the EVIC that the battery in the FOB was low and needed to be replaced. A short time thereafter I got a system warning as I was driving (again on the EVIC) that the battery was low in the FOB. It looks like the last Flash I got had this extra info in it. :thumbsup: Click to expand...

My 2010 went thru the fob batteries in less than 18 months. One died 3 or 4 months before the other, so went to dodge and got new batteries, and they have worked fine ever since, did get the message again a couple days ago, but I just cycled the door locks and it worked just fine afterwards. I used to eat lunch daily in the car while at work, listening to the radio for 45 minutes, and think that ate thru the batteries quicker.  

Lord Warlock said: My 2010 went thru the fob batteries in less than 18 months. One died 3 or 4 months before the other, so went to dodge and got new batteries, and they have worked fine ever since, did get the message again a couple days ago, but I just cycled the door locks and it worked just fine afterwards. I used to eat lunch daily in the car while at work, listening to the radio for 45 minutes, and think that ate thru the batteries quicker. Click to expand...

lol, I eat drink and smoke in mine, breaking all the rules evidently. Then again i don't care about resale value as it will probably be with me till it hits 120k miles.  

I eat, drink and used to smoke in mine as well (I quit 4 months ago). My car, my rules :icon_cool:  

This still plagues a ton of Dodge\Chrysler\Jeep vehicles, my 08 even had the win module swapped out and it STILL does it, one of my new fobs won't work with it now but the old one works fine, at times I'll have to hit "unlock" and then it will know it is there when I hit push to start.  

Where I am, I may see 3 black Challengers in a year.  

trouble with 1 keyfob Knowing we have 2 fobs to work with,I have had alot of trouble with just 1.The same one.They say you are suppose to switch off,so the car can learn them,I can only use one that works.The other always says''keyfob not detected''.Frankly,this makes me mad.It has seemed to always be like this for the most part.I think,I will have to take it to Dodge and get it reprogrammed.The price they want,is crazy though.I guess I have no choice.I have to have a back-up.What ya all think on this?  

if it says key fob not detected, first thing to do is change the batteries, chances are that the battery has died in that one, instead of replacing it. I had to change the battery in mine within a year after I bought it. As for programming it the dealer shouldn't charge much to get your fob to relearn the programming, only if you buy a new one should they charge you for that.  

Good thread. Had this happen to me this morning!  

Texaswildman said: Good thread. Had this happen to me this morning! Click to expand...

Buy the batteries in bulk from eBay; buy quality such as Sony or Panasonic or Maxell. Be sure they are dated at least 7 or more years ahead of the date you buy them (they will say in the ad or on the packs) and change them out about every 6 months. Very cheap insurance against dead fobs. I find the biggest issue with fobs is them being in your pocket and pressing on something else when you sit. That can have a button depressed for a long time and wear out the battery in short order, leaving you wondering why it went bad so fast. I am all too aware of that as when in the garage, I often see the lights/horn flash as I either trigger the alarm on or off unintentionally with the fob and other stuff in a pocket. Carrying it around the car will also activate the readiness feature so the vehicle is "awake" and receptive to keyless entry, etc. In any event, we have numerous cars and changing the batteries reduces the number of times the "key fob not detected" appears. As a side note, you can still get that in your EVIC with a fresh battery. Just move the fob in your pocket away from your other keys and it should work. Happens with the Dodge, BMW and others as well. Fickle beasts.  

I tended to sit in the car at lunch while at work and listen to the radio for 45 minutes each day, I think if the cars in accessory mode its in constant communication to the fob which may prematurely wear the battery out some. Still, some last longer than others. The batteries weren't very expensive at the dealership.  

I'm not going to act like I know how the key works, but some of the logic here just doesn't make much common sense. If a keyfob is always talking, sending out pings (running down the battery) then that makes sense that the car would know its in proximity. However, for those that are saying that once it gets a certain distance away it stops sending pings to conserve battery that does not make sense. If it did that how would it ever know it got back within proximity without sending ping. Sending the ping is how it calculates distance. What likely happens is it sends a low powered ping every few seconds regardless of where the keyfob is. In fact, the one place it might conserve power is when its actually in the car. It very well may ping less often if the last ping was successful.  

Would there be anything detrimental to removing the battery from the FOBs or a FOB if you're planning on storing the car for the winter anyways? I'm guessing that the memory in the FOB doesn't need to keep power supplied to retain data since the fob continues to work after changing batteries. Take it easy Jay  

I changed the batteries still nutin anyone have an idea  

The win module is bad. This is a known problem to dodge and the dealers. This is the module that detects the fob. Replacing. the batt is not what made it work again. This problem is intermittent and I had it happen a few times to me. Put the key in and drive it and the next time you get in it works just fine. It will go out on you eventually. If its under warranty you get it replaced free. If not and you cant do it yourself it will cost you. I was told by the dealer not to start the car with the key but call them and get it towed to the dealer. The reason is they need to pull the code to fix it under the warranty.  

My lock unlock panic trunk does not work tried new batteries still nutin  

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