How to Tell If Your Car Key Is About to Stop Working
How to Tell If Your Car Key Is About to Stop Working
Car keys rarely fail without warning. Most of the time, your key fob or traditional metal key will show small signs of trouble before it completely gives out. Catching these early symptoms can save you money, prevent lockouts, and help you avoid being stranded somewhere inconvenient. At A Lenny Locksmith West Palm Beach, we see these issues every day, and knowing what to watch for can make a big difference.
1. Weak or Delayed Response From Your Key Fob
One of the earliest signs your remote may be failing is when it starts responding slowly. Maybe you press the unlock button and nothing happens for a second or two.
Sometimes you must press the button multiple times or move closer to the vehicle.
This usually means:
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The battery is weak
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The internal solder joints are cracking
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The fob’s circuit board is starting to fail
A quick battery replacement can help, but if the problem continues, it’s time to get it checked.
2. The Car Doesn’t Detect the Key (Push-to-Start Vehicles)
If you have a push-button start, you may see messages like:
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“Key Not Detected”
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“No Key”
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“Invalid Key”
These warnings often appear before the fob dies completely. This can be caused by a weak transponder chip, low battery power, or interference from other electronics. If the message starts appearing often, your key is waving a red flag.
3. Buttons Not Clicking or Feeling Mushy
Over time, the rubber pads inside the remote wear out. When that happens, the buttons feel soft, stick, or stop clicking.
This is a sign the internal contacts are worn, and eventually, the button will stop sending a signal altogether.
4. Your Key Only Works From Certain Angles
If you find yourself lifting your arm, changing positions, or pointing the remote in a very specific direction, that’s a sign the fob antenna is weakening. Consistent angle-sensitive operation means you should replace or repair the key before it fails entirely.
5. Intermittent Starting or Security Light Flashing
When a transponder key or fob chip is beginning to fail, the immobilizer system may not recognize it every time. You might experience:
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Car starts sometimes but not always
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Security or key warning light flashing
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Needing to reinsert or wiggle the key
This issue worsens fast and can leave you stuck.
6. Physical Damage or Wear on the Key
If your key has cracks, missing plastic, worn metal grooves, or the blade wiggles inside the shell, it’s close to failing.
Even tiny cracks can allow moisture to enter and damage the electronics.
7. Your Spare Key Works Better Than the One You Use Everyday
If one key works perfectly and the other struggles, that’s a clear sign the daily-use key is wearing out. Most people don’t check their spare until the main key fails — but using your spare as a comparison can reveal problems early.
Need a New Key or Diagnosis?
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait until your key completely stops working. At A Lenny Locksmith West Palm Beach, we offer:
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Key fob programming
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Transponder key replacements
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Push-to-start smart keys
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Ignition and immobilizer diagnostics
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Emergency mobile service anywhere in Palm Beach County
We come to you fast and save you money compared to the dealership.
