The Range Rover L405 ran from 2013 to 2022 and remains one of the most common JLR models we work on. Over a nine-year production run, owners have encountered a range of key fob issues. These are the most common ones we see and what resolves each.
1. Passive Entry Stops Working, Buttons Still Work
This is usually the first symptom of a fob battery beginning to fail. The passive entry system requires a stronger, continuous signal from the key than a button press does. As the battery voltage drops, passive entry range shortens before button presses stop working. Replace the CR2032 battery. If passive entry resumes normally, nothing else is needed.
2. Key Not Detected After the Car Has Been Standing
The L405 12V battery drains faster than most owners expect when the vehicle is left unused. After two to three weeks without being driven, the 12V may drop to a level where the KVM cannot power the proximity antennas reliably. The key appears not to work but the fob is fine. Charging or jump-starting the 12V resolves this.
3. Key Deactivated Message
On the L405, a key deactivated message typically points to either too many failed authentication attempts or a software conflict. It requires a Pathfinder session to read the KVM status and reactivate the key profile. Replacing the fob battery first is still worth doing — a low-battery fob can generate repeated failed authentication attempts that trigger deactivation.
4. One Key Works, the Other Does Not
With two keys programmed to an L405, if one stops working while the other functions normally, the faulty key is the issue rather than the vehicle. Check the battery in the non-working key first. If a fresh battery does not resolve it, the key fob itself may have internal damage or the profile in the KVM may need refreshing via a Pathfinder reprogramming session.
5. Key Works But Start Button Does Not Respond
If the vehicle unlocks normally via passive entry or button press but the start button does not start the engine, the authentication challenge-response is failing at the start stage. This can indicate a KVM fault, a corrupted key profile, or on rare occasions an antenna fault near the start button. Pathfinder diagnostic assessment determines which.
| Service | AJ Auto Price | Main Dealer Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Range Rover spare key | From £180 | £400 to £900+ |
| Range Rover all keys lost | From £250 | £700 to £1,500+ |
For L405 key services see the Range Rover L405 key replacement page and the Range Rover key replacement page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common key fob problems on a Range Rover L405?
The most frequent issues are the fob stopping remote locking, the car not detecting the fob outside, the push-button start failing intermittently, and the fob case cracking around the button housing. Electronic faults are usually related to the 12V battery or the KVM module.
Does the L405 fob battery affect how the car starts as well as locks?
A very flat fob battery affects remote locking first. If it continues to discharge, the proximity sensing becomes unreliable and eventually the push-button start stops working. Replacing the CR2032 battery as soon as remote locking becomes inconsistent is the first step.
Can an L405 key fob be repaired or does it need replacing?
Physical damage to the case can often be repaired using replacement shells. Electronic faults require diagnostic assessment. In many cases a reset or reprogramming resolves the issue without needing a replacement fob.
How many keys can a Range Rover L405 hold in its memory?
The L405 security system supports multiple keys. The exact number depends on the software version, but most vehicles can hold at least four programmed fobs simultaneously.
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When to go to a dealer instead
If your vehicle is still under JLR factory warranty and the fault is covered, take it to a dealer. Warranty repairs are free and no specialist can match that. If you need a recall fix, the dealer is the right call. Outside of those two situations, a mobile JLR specialist will be faster, cheaper, and will attend at your location.