Key fob won't open or start car

[cpallenjr]

Do you have a second fob, maybe in the glove box/owners manual package?

 

[RCZWhite]

I'm embarrassed to admit this but when I replaced the keyfob battery I forgot to peel off the protective film from the battery... was wondering why the new battery won't work

OMG THANKYOU!!! Thought it was a serious problem. I did the same

 

[Mr. Bad Mechanic]

Just in case how to replace battery

 

[dibdo]

I had this problem after parking my i3 without locking it for a month.

It won’t respond remotely with the buttons on the key fob.

I need to Hold the fob to the steering column to start and drive.

Uses phone apps to lock and unlock.

Also noticed the tyre pressure monitor is not displaying any numbers.

Everything else works fine.

Final fix: disconnect 12 VB for 5 minutes and reconnect.

Thank you soo much, had exact the same symptoms.. this helped

 

[cpallenjr]

Thank you soo much, had exact the same symptoms.. this helped

That's an indicator of a dead battery in the key fob.

 

[dibdo]

That's an indicator of a dead battery in the key fob.

My battery wasn't dead at all.

 

[robthebold]

My battery wasn't dead at all.

You're kind of leaving everyone in suspense . . . what was it, then?

 

[dibdo]

You're kind of leaving everyone in suspense . . . what was it, then?

I was replying to a post which solved my problem. And saying thanks. A had the same symptoms as in post, and the 12v battery reset for 5mins was also my cure.

 

[Ninaw3]

Hi all, i am having a similar issue with my 2014 bmw i3. I bought it with one fob that seemed broken but it still started the vehicle only when touching the steering column at a specific right place. I only get the "hold remote to steeeing column" prompt when pressing start. No functions on the fob work. When i went to have a new fob programed, the tech told me there was an issue with a car and so the second fob had the same use as the original, only barely starting the car. Just wondering if this is a receiver/module issue , 12b battery issue, or some kind of antenna issue. Both fobs have been tried again and again with new batteries, they both transmit a signal but nothing is being teceived by the vehicle. I also checked the relevant fuses and they all seemed fine. Hoping this isnt a super expensive fix and if there is anything i can do because i already spent a lot for the new fob and diagnostic mechanic fees. Anyone with any knowledge on these issues please reply or contact me i would greatly appreciate it!!!

Hey did you find a fix for this as I am having the same issues

 

[Ninaw3]

Hi all, i am having a similar issue with my 2014 bmw i3. I bought it with one fob that seemed broken but it still started the vehicle only when touching the steering column at a specific right place. I only get the "hold remote to steeeing column" prompt when pressing start. No functions on the fob work. When i went to have a new fob programed, the tech told me there was an issue with a car and so the second fob had the same use as the original, only barely starting the car. Just wondering if this is a receiver/module issue , 12b battery issue, or some kind of antenna issue. Both fobs have been tried again and again with new batteries, they both transmit a signal but nothing is being teceived by the vehicle. I also checked the relevant fuses and they all seemed fine. Hoping this isnt a super expensive fix and if there is anything i can do because i already spent a lot for the new fob and diagnostic mechanic fees. Anyone with any knowledge on these issues please reply or contact me i would greatly appreciate it!!!

Hey did you get your issue sorted as I am having the same issues now with both keys not working changed batteries even went to bmw and got one of their batteries.

 

[dibdo]

Hey did you get your issue sorted as I am having the same issues now with both keys not working changed batteries even went to bmw and got one of their batteries.

Hi, for me.. when I had exactly this issue with fob, I disconnected the negative terminal of the 12v battery.. wait 5mins.. after reconnecting everything worked perfectly. (Its also recommended prior to this, to switch off the HV switch located also in the front boot, there are videos on youtube for this.)