Hi All,


I went to start my 2012 4.4 TDV8 today and for the first time in my 2 years of ownership I kept getting a ‘smart key not present’ warning. I did a search online and followed the advice I found doing the following,

New Duracell battery 2032
Fully charged car battery (it was a little low but would have started the car)
Held the key button down in various places around the dashboard and drivers door

I disconnected the earth terminal on the battery once.

The car is in a really awkward place on the drive and I can’t start the car. I only have the 1 key so no spare key to try.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (I don’t have a owners manual)

Thanks 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Santorini black ivory leather

From the owners manual..

https://www.fullfatrr.com/gallery/albums/u...engine.pdf

I had this back in May this year going down to Strata Florida in Wales. Changed the battery in the key, still the same After numerous random smart key not present messages it was fine. Worked out it only did it when my tomtom sat nav was plugged in and switched on and/or phone was on charge. It’s never done it since. Could be something blocking the signal.

Not sure if relevant but the key does not operate the locks now so pushing the lock/unlock buttons does nothing. Will try the steps in the provided manual again today with fingers and toes crossed. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Santorini black ivory leather

Wrong battery side in the key? New battery not really new? Make sure there are no fingerprints on either side of the battery. Clean the battery before inserting and hold it with a napkin or tissue only.
I had this symptom once with my spare key and cleaning the battery solved it.

..and check the thin plastic protection cover is removed . ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Hi,

Just a thought but my central locking was becoming very hit and miss, worked maybe 50% of the time and often had to resort to the key to open.

Took the key apart and decided that I’d try cleaning the board with electrical contact cleaner and hey presto it’s working fine again. The board just looked very dry looking - hopefully it will stay this way.

Worth a try.

J

Is it a Duracell battery with child proof coating?

If it is, clean off the coating with a bit of water. I’ve found a bit of spit works better.

The battery I removed was also a Duracell and no more than 6 months old. The new battery has the plastic film removed and was cleaned before inserting. I have just received another pack of Duracell battery’s from Amazon so will try one of these.

Is there anything else I can try if this does not work?

Thanks 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Santorini black ivory leather

I took the key apart and put it back together again as well as leaving the car on charge. It now starts so not sure what I did or didn’t do.

Thanks everyone who replied to my cry for help, much appreciated. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Santorini black ivory leather

Good news.

The Duracells are a known issue and have always been a problem on all my key fobs.

I had some other brand battery’s but read on here advice to only use Duracells!!

My son has pestered me for 2 years to sell this car whilst everything works before it breaks down and ruins me financially. I always tell him how much I love the car and how it’s not yet really let me down so I was a little nervous when this problem reared its head.

The 4.4 TDV8 L322 is such an awesome car, it’s really got under my skin. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Santorini black ivory leather