Car won’t start, says “key not detected”

MN23 · Feb 1, 2021

My 2021 Atlas R-Line just failed on me this morning. Tried both keys but It wont start, only message i got on the dash is “key not detected...” Anyone experienced this problem? Is it the car battery or keys?

Tim K · Feb 2, 2021

I've only seen that if the key was buried in my left coat pocket under my gloves....or not in the front seat with me. I think my keyfob battery might be getting weak. I'd try the battery in the key fob first.

MN23 · Feb 2, 2021

Turns out its the car battery, I charged it for a few hours and everything works now. Seems a number of owners have reported about the defected battery

Mikecnz · Feb 4, 2021

VW replaced my 2018 Atlas (purchased Aug 17) battery in early '18. You'd think they'd have that problem figured out by now..?

KarstGeo · Feb 2, 2021

The manual walks you through this - you just need to put the fob against the steering column sensor (where a normal key would be used to start a car) - your fob is dead. $5 and 5 min. The manual shows you to change the battery. Good luck!

MN23 · Feb 2, 2021

I tried that too but didn’t work, car and remotes are only 1.5 month old.

DFWVW · Feb 3, 2021

I had this problem with the Passat GT after 4-6 times in the shop and a VW tech was flown in and nothing, I had to get a lawyer and do a Lemon Law buyback on it also I did try to work it out with VW of America and kept getting rejected so that’s when I did it . Hopefully this isn’t ur case though.

LizJ2021 · Feb 7, 2021

I've been having this problem often with my 2021 Atlas SEL Premium! However, I just placed the fob at the steering column where an actual ignition would be and it then detects it. After reading everyones experiences I'm going to change the fob battery and see if that helps.

vwtroulbeu · May 19, 2021

My battery was bad too and had to be replaced.
I also did find this article that goes over other potential issues, if your is not the battery.

https://www.youcanic.com/wiki/key-not-detected-car-wont-start-fix

Arema · Oct 2, 2021

vwtroulbeu said:
My battery was bad too and had to be replaced.
I also did find this article that goes over other potential issues, if your is not the battery.

https://www.youcanic.com/wiki/key-not-detected-car-wont-start-fix

First thing I did was try spare, no luck so replaced my main key battery still no luck. Called dealer they walked me thru start up by placing steering wheel detector, again no luck. Now waiting on vw roadside at home. This fiasco made me miss my daughter's swim class n put a halt on my morning, going into afternoon plans SMH And vw replaced my battery some time last year. Idk, this hadn't happened before.

erick.aguirre · Sep 30, 2022

My 2019 SEL RLINE said "battery drained" after sitting in the office parking lot all morning and afternoon yesterday. Jump started it and tested it at an auto parts store and it tested as good. This morning the battery is low again and can't detect the key fob. I put it against the steering column and it tried to start but can't. Something is draining the battery so I'm going to jump it again and take it to the dealer. 6 year 70k mile warranty! That's why we bought it.

erick.aguirre · Oct 11, 2022

Update: 10-10-2022: Dealer said it was the battery. With all the electronics connected to the battery the dealer had to change it and charged $436 for a replacement. Coupon for 15% off helped decrease it to $402 but sheesh! A few weeks later and no problems so far so I guess it was the battery.

Rvangeons · Oct 10, 2022

I hit unlock and then lock while sitting in the drivers seat. Started right up after that.

iamgiat · Mar 26, 2023

Rvangeons said:
I hit unlock and then lock while sitting in the drivers seat. Started right up after that.

I did the same thing.

chris.baker3918 · Jun 10, 2023

MN23 said:
My 2021 Atlas R-Line just failed on me this morning. Tried both keys but It wont start, only message i got on the dash is “key not detected...” Anyone experienced this problem? Is it the car battery or keys? View attachment 1708

Yes, has happened a few times now. Did you get yours fixed? What was the problem?

julevasquez78 · Jun 14, 2023

That happened to me quite a few times. Following for updates

amvaughn9107 · Sep 18, 2023

Sitting at the dealership because of this. Hubby replaced the keyfob battery yesterday and now have to hit buttons on remote until it starts. Tech says steering column board. I hope is just the battery! Just paid the f÷×$er off, too! And, yes you guessed it... OUT OF WARRANTY!!

EMR · Dec 10, 2023

Anything new on this issue? We have had it happen 3-4x. Replaced battery in the fob and then the fob died a month ago. Got new fob and now had the same problem again. Dealer seems to be a bit lost with the issue.

Car won’t start, says “key not detected”

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