Smart key not detected -solution

[Peterj2019]

Just a PSA

Had to call AA a couple of weeks back when my mg5 wouldn't start. Kept saying smart key not detected, AA disconnect the 12V battery and it didn't help. Apparently it was a known issue, all I had to do was to lock and unlock the car via the app and all was good again.

Couldn't find any info on the forum so hope this may help someone someday.

 

[kevin ellard]

Thanks, useful piece of information. I hope I don't need to use it.

 

[migros8]

Just a PSA

Had to call AA a couple of weeks back when my mg5 wouldn't start. Kept saying smart key not detected, AA disconnect the 12V battery and it didn't help. Apparently it was a known issue, all I had to do was to lock and unlock the car via the app and all was good again.

Couldn't find any info on the forum so hope this may help someone someday.

You are my hero! Yesterday, I made a stupid mistake. I pre-cooled the car using the app and then went to sit in the car, waiting for someone else to arrive. After 10 minutes of cooling, I thought I’d give myself another 10 minutes. But instead of switching on the car, I decided to cool it down again using the app, which required me to lock the car. So, there I was, locked in the car, enjoying some cold air.

When my passenger finally arrived, I opened my door, and the alarm went off. Then, the “smart key not detected” and “place key in backup position” messages started flashing. The smart key was perfectly fine, and the backup position between the cupholders, which I had found in the manual, didn’t seem to resolve the issue.

I tried walking away from the car, coming back, locking and unlocking the door with the key, and even manually unlocking with the backup key. I even disconnected the 12V battery for a few seconds.

I rang two dealerships, but both refused to help me over the phone. They wouldn’t even tell me where the backup key position is.

The only thing that worked was locking and unlocking the car using the app.

Thank you so much for your help!