What to Do If Both Your Car Keys Stop Working

If you find yourself in a situation where both of your car keys have stopped working simultaneously, it’s important to understand the potential causes and solutions. This article is dedicated to helping you identify the problem and determine the best course of action.

First, consider the following possible reasons:

• Key fob batteries. While it’s highly unusual for the batteries in both key fobs to fail at the same time, it can happen occasionally. This is the simplest issue to check.
• Are you in an area with strong radio interference? For example, near airports, mobile phone towers, or radar stations.
• Car alarm system. Does your vehicle have an aftermarket alarm or anti-theft system? If so, it’s worth checking if something has gone wrong with it.
• The condition of your car. Does the vehicle’s electronics work at all? For instance, do the headlights turn on, or does the ignition engage when you insert the key (if it’s a traditional key)?
• Key programming and car pairing. Have there been any recent repairs involving key reprogramming, electronics, or battery replacement? Sometimes keys can become unpaired from the car.

All Remote Keys Stopped Working

In our experience, if you eliminate the highly unlikely scenarios—such as both key fob batteries failing simultaneously—and focus on the most common causes, around 99% of the time, the issue lies with a car system fault rather than the keys themselves.

What Does Car System Fault Mean?

A car system fault could encompass several underlying issues. For example:

1. A failure in the central locking control unit, which might prevent the car from recognising remote signals.
2. A drained or defective car battery, which can cause intermittent or total failure of the electronic systems.
3. Wiring damage or corrosion, particularly in older vehicles or those exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Identifying the exact cause requires a detailed diagnostic, which is best performed by a qualified mechanic.

A Real-Life Example

One of our customers faced a similar issue with both of their keys not working during winter. After ruling out the batteries, we discovered a fault in the car’s immobiliser system caused by a blown fuse. Once replaced, the system began recognising the keys again, and the issue was fully resolved in under an hour. This highlights how the problem is often rooted in the car’s system rather than the keys themselves.

The best course of action, if both remote keys have stopped working, is to contact your car dealer or a local garage (be sure to check reviews beforehand!). A professional mechanic will perform a detailed diagnostic and repair or reconfigure the faulty component.

Car Key Reprogramming Near You

If the issue does appear to be with your car keys, feel free to give us a call at 03330065210. We will provide you with detailed advice, carry out diagnostics, and offer car key reprogramming if needed. Additionally, we can create a new car key—or even two—for you.

When you reach out to Phoenix Car Keys, you’re guaranteed to receive top-notch service from professional locksmiths, as well as 5-star customer care.

No matter where you are in the UK, we serve cities, towns, and villages across the entire country.