After being stood unused for several weeks I went to use my 2006 4.2SC and neither of my remote key fobs would unlock the vehicle. The lights on the key fobs flashed when I pressed the buttons so their batteries are OK (one of them is only a few months old).

I was able to unlock the driver’s door manually using the key in the door lock and started the engine OK.

I was able to re-sync both keys without issue and put it down to just one of those weird things that sometimes happens on our beloved FFRRs.

However, the next day neither of the key fobs would unlock the car and I have been unable to get them to re-sync despite numerous attempts. I performed the same re-sync process that I’ve successfully used a number of times over the years but there is just no response at all.

Anyone had this problem or have any ideas on what to try next? 2006MY 4.2 SC
BMW R1250 GSA Rallye TE
Triumph Tiger 1050 (sold)
1979 Pontiac Trans Am (sold)

Sorry Mulcher, not an answer, but an additional question on the same thread, save starting a new one.
2006 Vogue Td6 - I have 2 BMW style keys. Both work OK, but -
Key 1 - synch OK, works. but then if I synch key 2, ( test-works OK ) then key 1 does not work ( de-synched) leave key 1 out of range, same problem if I synch key 2
Is this an operator error or a problem ? Both batteries changed twice recently, batteries tested and found to be spot on.

OP - is your car battery OK? Exactly the same thing happens to my car when the battery is completely dead.

Not much help to you, but when I tried to synch my second key I found it very tricky. So much that I didnt think it was working at all. I have previously managed to synch a key, but the last time I tried I gave up after many attempts.

Yes thanks mate, the car battery is tip-top thanks to being on a CTEK optimiser.

Some folks have trouble syncing the second key because they miss out the important final step of re-inserting the first key and turning the ignition on to lock in the sequence.

Here’s the full procedure if it’s of any interest to you and others but my car has stopped responding to it:

Quote:

Rover Ignition key initialisation (sync)

If a replacement or additional remote handset is to be used with the vehicle, the initialization procedure must be repeated. During the procedure, ALL remote handsets for use with the vehicle must be initialized.

Initialization Procedure
Ensure the vehicle is unlocked and the driver and front passenger doors are closed.

A) Install a key/remote handset in the ignition switch, then turn the ignition switch to position I and back to position 0 in less than 5 seconds to put the GEM into the initialization mode.

B) Continue the procedure within 30 seconds of turning the ignition switch to position 0.

C) Remove the key/remote handset from the ignition switch.

D) Press and hold the unlock button for a maximum of 15 seconds. During this time, momentarily press the lock button three times within 10 seconds.

E) Release both buttons simultaneously.

Successful initialization of each key is indicated by the GEM locking then unlocking the vehicle. If this does not occur, repeat steps D and E for that key.

Repeat steps D. and E. with all other remote handsets belonging to the vehicle (4 maximum).

Begin the initialization of each remote handset within 30 seconds of completing the previous initialization, or the GEM will drop out of the initialization mode and the complete procedure will have to be started again.

Insert last programmed key into ignition switch and turn to position II (ignition on) to lock-in and terminate the procedure.

Thank's for the info Mulcher, had a nasty suspicion it was my operator error Missed the final step of re-inserting the first key. Ah well not the first time and probably won't be the last error.

Thanks Mulcher.

On a previous non-LR car, driving the car would re-establish the connection between key and receiver. It might be worth talking to a technical specialist if the situation still persists.