Q: Won't start with the key, but I can lock and unlock the doors.

asked by on December 17, 2016

My BMW is a push start and the dash says it still needs the key to be able to start the car even thought the key is in the ignition, I can still unlock and lock the car just fine.

My car has 170000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. The key fob could have a battery that is going dead. I recommend replacing the battery as the battery only lasts about 8 years. Then you will need to reprogram the key fob to the vehicle by putting it to the ignition switch and pressing the lock and unlock buttons for about 5 seconds. Then lock and unlock the doors manually and operate the key fob to unlock the doors at the same time. Do this 3 times for lock and unlock and then your key fob should be reprogrammed with the vehicle. If the vehicle still does not start and the message of needing the key is still present, then the ignition switch needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your vehicle not registering the key, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Keyless ignition not working.
Hello. This is a common problem on your car. It is so common that Volkswagen has a technical bulletin for this. The fix is replacing the Start Module. This is best left done to the dealer as it will need...
Rattling, loss of power, smells of rotten eggs, dash lights on
The first thing to check is the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-check-engine-warning-light-mean) to see why it is on. The smell of rotten eggs is an indication that the catalyst is bad and the rattle may be that the catalyst is broken...
Rear passenger tire has slight inward tilt
Any time there is abnormal wear on the tire, you know something is wrong. The fact that you can see the inward tilt of the wheel is not good. It could be a wheel bearing, but this would accompany a...
Fast idle - 1983 Mercedes Benz 380SL
Hello. There could be a problem with the throttle cable sticking, causing the high idle. There also could be a problem with the throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement) malfunctioning, causing a high idle. Sometimes a dirty throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clean-throttle-body) can cause...
Why does my car start to display a Maintenance Required Light?
Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. The "MAINT REQD" on the dash means that it is time to do an oil change. The light is on a timer of 4500 miles. This light will start to flash and then...
My car has entertainment system, current DVD player is not accepting USB devices. Can I change DVD player which takes USB device?
Hello - there are no apparent replacement DVD or infotainment packages available for this model yet - at least through normal audio aftermarket channels like Crutchfield, et al. Keep after Acura Customer Service. The auto makers have much longer development...
Makes a loud clunk noise when I try to start it
Hi there. Sounds like the engine may have water in the cylinder, fuel in the cylinder, or the timing chain may have broken. Try turning the engine over by hand with a breaker bar. If the engine will not move,...
Car rpm goes up and down...stutters...Idk what's wrong
An incomplete combustion in the engine will cause a sputter as can the ignition system. The fuel system, such as a blocked fuel injector may also cause the vehicle to sputter. While a sputtering engine may not seem like a...
As soon as I start up the car and I press the brake I hear a beep sound and my right low beam headlight goes out.
The chime that you are hearing is for a brake light or a headlight that is burned out or shutting off. The brake system could have a problem and shorting out with the headlight circuit and the right headlight could...

Related articles

How Do Automatic Car Door Locks Work?
Whether Whether they are single purpose or multi-purpose, electronic car door locks have standard features: A latch/door lock An actuator Actuator rods Activated by radio Electric car door locks operate by receiving a radio signal transmitted by the car key...
How to Disable a Car Alarm
Car alarms can be shut off by starting the car, unlocking the car door, or disconnecting the battery. Maintain your key fob to cancel future alarms.
How to Troubleshoot a Car That is Hard to Start
"Car not starting" is a common complaint among car owners and is caused by faulty car batteries, spark plugs, car starter, or fuel pump.