"Key is Missing" message after changing batteries

HerkHealer · 11-04-2021, 03:10 PM

Has anyone else had the "Key is Missing" error message, even after changing the Fob's with brand new batteries ?

I have both my Key Fobs with brand new batteries giving me the same message. This is with the Fob sitting on the passenger seat or the center armrest. If I pick up the key fob and hold it close to the stereo, I can start the car. After the car is started, I can put the Fob back on the passenger seat and no more error messages.

Both Fobs work fine from several yards away to unlock / lock the car, etc. So I know the battery in both Fob's is working fine.

-Mark

LogicalApex · 11-04-2021, 03:46 PM

People have reported similar issues with they are using low quality batteries. The fob is really picky about the quality of the batteries used.

HerkHealer · 11-04-2021, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

People have reported similar issues with they are using low quality batteries. The fob is really picky about the quality of the batteries used.

I used Energizer 3 Volt Lithium CR2032. I wonder what others are using ?
It's weird how both Fob's will lock/unlock the car from 40 yards away, but inside the car its not recognized.

LogicalApex · 11-04-2021, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

I used Energizer 3 Volt Lithium CR2032. I wonder what others are using ?
It's weird how both Fob's will lock/unlock the car from 40 yards away, but inside the car its not recognized.

I am using Energizer Lithium in one of my keys without issue and a Duracell DL2032 in my primary key without issue. Both Energizer and Duracell are high quality so I don’t think that is your issue.

I believe all CR2032 are lithium.

I don’t immediately think your issue is a battery one, but doesn’t hurt to swap again just to be safe. In case they were stale.

CnSky · 11-04-2021, 09:37 PM

Am I dreaming or was there a method of putting the key near the key sign on the steering column surround cover and hitting the start button and it retrains them to the car after a battery change.

I could actually be dreaming but worth a shot.

CnSky · 11-04-2021, 09:39 PM

Knew I wasn't dreaming

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/h...emotes.929772/

Joe-BMW33 · 11-05-2021, 12:14 PM

I recently changed the battery in my FOB, but I was getting a Battery Drained Message. I went with Duracell. No issues, I did not have to pair it to the car after by holding it against the column.

LogicalApex · 11-05-2021, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnSky

Am I dreaming or was there a method of putting the key near the key sign on the steering column surround cover and hitting the start button and it retrains them to the car after a battery change.

I could actually be dreaming but worth a shot.

This shouldn’t be needed. I have replaced batteries in both my fobs after the car gave me a low battery warning. I never had to touch the steering column with it after replacement.

CnSky · 11-05-2021, 01:27 PM

Agree but if the OP is having an issue maybe this will solve it.

HerkHealer · 11-05-2021, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I recently changed the battery in my FOB, but I was getting a Battery Drained Message. I went with Duracell. No issues, I did not have to pair it to the car after by holding it against the column.

Thanks Joe! I just ordered the Duracell from the Amazons. Will be here tomorrow. Hoping I just got a bad set from Energizer.

CHSBoater · 11-08-2021, 11:00 AM

Do all of your door handle lock and unlock functions work? If not, it causes strange remote and battery messages such as these. Just went through this on my car.

HerkHealer · 11-09-2021, 08:45 PM

Solved !!

Put 2 brand new Duracell 2032s in and no more messages. Maybe i got a bad batcb from energizer.

Joe-BMW33 · 11-10-2021, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Solved !!

Put 2 brand new Duracell 2032s in and no more messages. Maybe i got a bad batcb from energizer.

Nice, that's crazy though that you got a bad batch.

claykin · 11-10-2021, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Solved !!

Put 2 brand new Duracell 2032s in and no more messages. Maybe i got a bad batcb from energizer.

Nice, that's crazy though that you got a bad batch.

Lots of crap being sold online. Could have been old, fake, etc.

My dealer offers free fob battery replacements. I just stop by their parts counter and they swap it in 30 seconds. Check your service dept.

Joe-BMW33 · 11-10-2021, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claykin

Lots of crap being sold online. Could have been old, fake, etc.

My dealer offers free fob battery replacements. I just stop by their parts counter and they swap it in 30 seconds. Check your service dept.

Yeah, for me it is more of a hassle to go to the dealer for a battery. I picked up my CR2025's at Walgreens and popped it in. I wish I lived closer to Tulley, they are so much better than the dealers I have to choose from.

Skyrider01 · 11-10-2021, 08:53 AM

I get the message quite frequently. The FOB is always in my pocket when it happens, but the car always starts without any issue.

HerkHealer · 11-10-2021, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

I get the message quite frequently. The FOB is always in my pocket when it happens, but the car always starts without any issue.

My issue was the car would NOT start. It would send the message and then go "BONG BONG" when I pushed the start button. If i held the FOB in front of the start button, then it would start.

All is good now with the fresh Duracell's

Qsilver7 · 11-10-2021, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Has anyone else had the "Key is Missing" error message, even after changing the Fob's with brand new batteries ?

-Mark

Here's some info from the BMW TIS in regards to similar check control messages about the remote fobs:

11-04-2021, 03:10 PM	#1
HerkHealer Lieutenant Colonel 1718 Rep 1,639 Posts Drives: G30/M550 Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Nashua NH iTrader: (0)	"Key is Missing" message after changing batteries Has anyone else had the "Key is Missing" error message, even after changing the Fob's with brand new batteries ? I have both my Key Fobs with brand new batteries giving me the same message. This is with the Fob sitting on the passenger seat or the center armrest. If I pick up the key fob and hold it close to the stereo, I can start the car. After the car is started, I can put the Fob back on the passenger seat and no more error messages. Both Fobs work fine from several yards away to unlock / lock the car, etc. So I know the battery in both Fob's is working fine. -Mark
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11-04-2021, 03:46 PM	#2
LogicalApex Colonel 2026 Rep 2,946 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW 530xe Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Farmington, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW 530xe [0.00]	People have reported similar issues with they are using low quality batteries. The fob is really picky about the quality of the batteries used.
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11-04-2021, 09:37 PM	#5
CnSky Major 330 Rep 1,028 Posts Drives: BMW 530E 2017 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Am I dreaming or was there a method of putting the key near the key sign on the steering column surround cover and hitting the start button and it retrains them to the car after a battery change. I could actually be dreaming but worth a shot.
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11-04-2021, 09:39 PM	#6
CnSky Major 330 Rep 1,028 Posts Drives: BMW 530E 2017 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Knew I wasn't dreaming https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/h...emotes.929772/
	Appreciate 1 Joe-BMW337337.50 Quote

11-05-2021, 12:14 PM	#7
Joe-BMW33 Major General 7338 Rep 6,749 Posts Drives: '18 M550i\|'21 X5\|'03 540i Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 VW Tiguan [0.00] 2015 Infiniti QX60 [0.00] 2021 BMW X5 [0.00] 2003 BMW 540i [0.00] 2018 BMW M550 [10.00]	I recently changed the battery in my FOB, but I was getting a Battery Drained Message. I went with Duracell. No issues, I did not have to pair it to the car after by holding it against the column. __________________ 2018 M550ix\|Carbon Black\|Dinan Modifications\|2003 540i\|Jet Black\|M-Sport\|2021 X5 Mineral White Prior BMW's: 1987 325e\|1993 740i\|1998 740il\|2001 530i\|2002 745li\|2007 750li\|2006 750li\|2001 530i\|2012 535xi\|
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11-05-2021, 01:27 PM	#9
CnSky Major 330 Rep 1,028 Posts Drives: BMW 530E 2017 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Agree but if the OP is having an issue maybe this will solve it.
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11-08-2021, 11:00 AM	#11
CHSBoater Enlisted Member 60 Rep 47 Posts Drives: BMW 535 BMW X1 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Highlands, NC iTrader: (0)	Do all of your door handle lock and unlock functions work? If not, it causes strange remote and battery messages such as these. Just went through this on my car.
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11-09-2021, 08:45 PM	#12
HerkHealer Lieutenant Colonel 1718 Rep 1,639 Posts Drives: G30/M550 Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Nashua NH iTrader: (0)	Solved !! Put 2 brand new Duracell 2032s in and no more messages. Maybe i got a bad batcb from energizer.
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11-10-2021, 08:53 AM	#16
Skyrider01 Second Lieutenant 159 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2019 M550ix, 2020 330i Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (0)	I get the message quite frequently. The FOB is always in my pocket when it happens, but the car always starts without any issue.
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