Smart key not detected

[Peacsy]

I'm currently in Sainsbury's car park with the "smart key not detected" issue.

The key locks and unlocks fine, I've tried putting it in the cup holder on the sensor but still get the not detected message, any ideas?

It's 2020 mg zs

 

[Spinynorman]

First I’d replace the battery in your keyfob
Next if that still doesn’t work, I’d disconnect your 12v battery for ten minutes then reconnect and try again.
Lastly, check your 12v battery voltage - I needed to replace mine when it went low after a week without using the car - AA said it was 3V!! Not recoverable by booster charge either…
Failing that, try the second fob and see what happens. If the receiver is banjaxed, you’re going to have to have it towed to your dealership for a replacement….

 

[Peacsy]

Tried batteries, it's been doing it intermittently with both keys for a week or so.

Waiting on AA as spare key is at home and I'm out of town...

 

[Peacsy]

Not the battery, AA have had center console out and still nothing....

 

[Peacsy]

Awaiting a HIAB pick up AA couldn't get it going

 

[fred12345]

Awaiting a HIAB pick up AA couldn't get it going

sorry to hear that. maybe best to take it to MG garage?

 

[Peacsy]

sorry to hear that. maybe best to take it to MG garage?

Yep have called ahead to arrange drop off. Couldn't confirm if it would be covered under warranty as service is overdue 10 months

At least it's a nice sunny day......

 

[Alb]

Did you make a conscious decision not to service it?

 

[Peacsy]

Just one of those things I kept putting off....

Update: they sent a flatbed......

 

[Spinynorman]

Sorry couldn’t be of help - let us know how it goes will you?

 

[hmadsen]

FYI...

If you put the key in the correct cup holder and it did not work, it's not the keyfob battery, the reason they have this very option of putting the keys in the cup holder is for you to be able to operate the car, with the keyfob battery depleted. (And the reason for the physical keyblade in the key to be able to unlock the car with that.)

In the old days where you had a physical key you inserted into an ignition, the immobilizer consisted of a chip inside the key and a coil around the ignition keyhole, when the key was inserted, it energized the chip via induction between the coil mentioned and a similar coil in the car.

This function is what happens when you put the key into the cup holder, there is a coil beneath, that energizes the chip in the key and validates that a valid key is present and to release the immobilizer and allowing the car to start.