I'm trying to get a 2011 L322 back on the road. It's been stood for a around 2 years and won;t recognise the smart key. I've replaced the battery in the key (with an energiser battery) and tried holding it under the steering column to allow a start but I still get the 'smart key not recognised' message. I don't have a diagnostic tool at the mo so is there anything I can do to fire it up without?

Is it likely to be an issue with the vehicle or with the key and if so what are the best ways to resolve? I'm guessing I'm going to have to get a diagnostic tool but is there was a way around it it would be advantageous to allow me to get the vehicle off the lift in the meantime.

Thanks in advance

If you have key cover with your insurance get them the come out. They should give you a new key and code it to the car. If you only have one key the car would have come with 2 originally, so you. Like end up with 2 new keys.

Appreciate it sounds obvious but check you have the new battery in the key the correct way up, as it can go in both ways - ask me how I know!  Jonathan

2007 Defender 90 XS Hardtop

It sounds like you have bigger issues, but the firm recommendation has always been to use Duracell batteries in the fobs as other batteries, including Energiser, don't always work properly for L322s


. 2012 L322 4.4 TDV8 AB low mileage - a peach
1986 V8 Defender 90 County ex-Swiss Army - Red everything....

My preferred Independent: Roy Hardy. R & B AUTOS LTD, 20 Brook Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2BH 07500 866775‬ (Ex LR Chief Technician)

Thanks for the replies guys. Unfortunately the vehicle is no longer insured as it has been off the road for 18 months or so.
I'm reasonably confident that the battery is in the right way up as I made sure the new one went in the same way the old one came out but I will double check.
I had assumed that an energiser battery being a main branded battery would be OK but I'll try and track down some duracells.
I am picking up the original second key on Monday so will have a play with that too but it's looking like I'm going to have to get a diagnostic tool organised at some point int he near future!

Also check there is no clear film on the battery it’s easily missed! 2012 tdv8 Westminster arrived Jan 19 gone Dec 23

200 TDi discovery bobtail gone
RR classic v8 bobtail gone
300 tdi Discovery 3 dr gone

I occasionally get this message if the 12v battery is running low. Is your 12v battery OK?

I didn't notice a film on the battery but I will check, thanks for the suggestion!

The main 12V battery is brand new and was fully charged before fitting, there was no error message associated with that so hopefully that isn't an issue.