What does the "key not in vehicle" warning light mean?

The Keyless Car Warning Light tells you when your key is not found in your car, so you won't leave without it. It may be red or orange.

Keyrings have come a long way since they were first introduced. Initially, they were designed to open doors with the push of a button. Today, many security systems are capable of much more. Some vehicles are able to detect when the driver approaches the vehicle with the key and the doors will unlock automatically.

Another addition to this security system is keyless remote ignition, which allows you to start the car without inserting the key anywhere. The key sends out a coded radio signal to tell the machine that the correct key is being used.

What does the keyless warning light in a car mean?

The keyless entry system may differ from one manufacturer to another, so read the owner's manual for more information on how your particular keyless system works.

Cars equipped with keyless ignition will have a warning light on the dash to let you know if the correct key fob has not been detected. Some of these systems can also tell you when the correct key has been found and you can start the engine. Typically, the warning indicator will be orange or red if the key is not found and a green light to let you know if the key is within reach.

If the key fob runs out of battery, it will not be able to communicate with the car and you will not be able to start the car. Try changing the batteries in your key fob if this warning light comes on, even if you have the right key in your car. If a new battery does not solve the problem, the key may have lost its programming and is not sending the correct code to start the car. There is a procedure to re-learn the correct key code so that you can start the car again. This procedure will vary between models and some may require a diagnostic test.

Is it safe to drive with the key warning light on outside of the car?

While the car should be running normally, you won't be able to restart the engine if you turn it off. If the key fob battery is low, there should be a backup process to start the car so you can continue using it.

If the code has been lost, a forced reprogramming of the key may be required. In this case, you may need to contact a dealership that has the equipment to perform the procedure. If your fob is not registering properly, our certified technicians can help you identify the problem.