Range Rover Evoque “Smart Key Not Detected” — Causes & Fixes (UK Guide 2025)

December 17, 2025

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Range Rover Evoque showing "Smart Key Not Detected"? This common issue affects L538 and L551 models across the UK. Learn the most likely causes — from dead fob batteries to faulty KVM modules — plus DIY fixes you can try before calling a professional. AutoKeyz explains what's really going on and how to get back on the road.

Published: December 2025 | Reading time: 8 minutes | By AutoKeyz — JLR Key Specialists, Kent

You’re standing in a supermarket car park, pressing your Range Rover Evoque key fob repeatedly — nothing happens. The doors won’t unlock. Or worse, you’ve managed to get inside but now the dashboard shows “Smart Key Not Detected” and the engine won’t start.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues affecting Range Rover Evoque owners in the UK, particularly on the L538 (2011–2019) and early L551 (2019+) models. The good news? In many cases, it’s fixable — sometimes even without a trip to the dealer.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly why your Evoque isn’t detecting your smart key, what you can try yourself, and when you need professional help. At AutoKeyz, we fix this issue regularly across Kent, London, Essex, and the South East — often same-day and at a fraction of dealer prices.

What Does “Smart Key Not Detected” Actually Mean?

Your Range Rover Evoque uses a sophisticated Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) system. Unlike traditional keys, your smart key constantly communicates with the vehicle using Low Frequency (LF) and Radio Frequency (RF) signals.

Here’s how the system works in simple terms:

LF antennas inside the vehicle broadcast a signal asking “Is there a valid key nearby?”
Your smart key receives this signal and responds with its unique encrypted code via RF.
The Keyless Vehicle Module (KVM) validates the code and tells the Central Junction Box (CJB) to allow entry/starting.

When you see “Smart Key Not Detected”, it means this communication chain has broken down somewhere. The vehicle literally cannot “hear” or “recognise” your key — even if it’s right there in your hand.

Common Causes of Smart Key Detection Failure

Based on our experience fixing hundreds of Evoque key issues across the South East, here are the most common causes — ranked from most to least likely:

1. Dead or Weak Key Fob Battery

Likelihood: Very High | Fix Difficulty: Easy | Cost: £2–5

This is the number one cause. The Evoque smart key uses a CR2032 coin cell battery that typically lasts 12–24 months. When it weakens, the key may unlock the doors (which requires less power) but fail to start the car.

Symptoms:

Reduced range — you need to stand closer to the car
Intermittent detection — works sometimes, not others
“Smart Key Battery Low” warning on the dashboard (but not always)

Important: When replacing the battery, avoid touching the new battery with bare fingers — oils from your skin can reduce its lifespan. Use a quality brand like Duracell or Energizer from a reputable retailer (Boots, Tesco) — cheap batteries from eBay are often counterfeit.

2. RF Interference / Signal Blocking

Likelihood: High | Fix Difficulty: Very Easy | Cost: Free

Modern environments are flooded with electromagnetic interference that can disrupt your key’s signal:

Supermarket car parks — trolley return systems, security gates, and nearby Wi-Fi all create interference
Airport and train station car parks — radar and communication equipment can block signals
Keeping your key next to your smartphone — multiple Land Rover technicians have confirmed this can corrupt the key’s signal temporarily
Metal objects or Faraday pouches — if your key is inside a metal tin or signal-blocking pouch, it can’t communicate with the vehicle

Quick test: Move to a different location (even 50 metres away) and try again. If it works, interference was the culprit.

3. Key Lost Synchronisation (Software Glitch)

Likelihood: Moderate | Fix Difficulty: Easy–Moderate | Cost: Free (DIY) or £50–150 (professional)

Sometimes the communication between your key and the vehicle’s KVM gets out of sync. This is particularly common after:

The 12V car battery being disconnected or going flat
Jump-starting the vehicle
Software updates or dealer visits
Electrical faults elsewhere in the vehicle

In many cases, a simple reset (covered in the DIY section below) can restore normal operation.

4. Faulty Keyless Vehicle Module (KVM)

Likelihood: Moderate | Fix Difficulty: Professional Only | Cost: £400–1,200

The KVM is the brain of the keyless entry system. It’s located behind the glovebox area and handles all key detection, validation, and communication with other modules.

KVM failures became more common after Land Rover introduced “locked” KVMs from 2015 onwards as an anti-theft measure. When a KVM fails, dealers often want to replace the entire module plus two new keys — which can cost £1,500+ at main dealers.

Symptoms of KVM failure:

Both keys stop working simultaneously
Intermittent starting issues that get progressively worse
Diagnostic fault codes starting with B1335 or similar

The good news: Specialists like AutoKeyz can often program keys directly to locked KVMs without replacing the entire module — saving you hundreds of pounds.

5. LF Antenna Fault

Likelihood: Lower | Fix Difficulty: Professional Only | Cost: £150–400

The Evoque has multiple Low Frequency antennas strategically positioned throughout the cabin — under the steering column, in the centre console, in the doors, and near the boot. These antennas broadcast the “wake up” signal to your key.

If one antenna fails (due to wiring damage, water ingress, or component failure), the vehicle may struggle to detect your key in certain positions. For example, you might find the key works fine in the front but not the rear of the vehicle.

Antenna issues require diagnostic equipment to identify which specific antenna has failed.

6. Damaged or Water-Damaged Key Fob

Likelihood: Lower | Fix Difficulty: Professional Only | Cost: £200–400 for replacement

Smart keys are reasonably water-resistant but not waterproof. If your key has been through the washing machine, dropped in a puddle, or suffered physical damage, the internal electronics may have failed.

Test: If you have a spare key and it works perfectly, the problem is likely the key itself rather than the vehicle.

DIY Fixes You Can Try Before Calling a Professional

Before spending money on diagnostics, try these solutions that have worked for many Evoque owners:

Fix 1: Replace the Key Fob Battery

Even if you haven’t received a low battery warning, replace it anyway. Use a CR2032 battery from a reputable source. After fitting the new battery, test both the remote lock/unlock buttons AND starting the car.

Fix 2: The Fuse Reset Method (Highly Effective)

This method has fixed the issue for many Evoque owners and is recommended by Land Rover technicians:

Open the glovebox and remove the panel to access the fuse box
Locate fuse #17 (5A) — this is the KVM (Keyless Vehicle Module) fuse
Pull the fuse out completely
Wait 60 seconds
Reinsert the fuse
Test the key

Some owners also report success by pulling fuses #17 and #37 (both marked “keyless entry control module”) simultaneously. This effectively resets the KVM without needing to disconnect the main battery.

Fix 3: Battery Disconnect Reset

If the fuse reset doesn’t work, try disconnecting the vehicle’s 12V battery:

Locate the battery in the engine bay
Disconnect the negative (-) terminal
Wait 2–5 minutes
Reconnect the battery
Test the key

Note: After a battery reset, you’ll need to reset your clock and one-touch window function (hold the window button up for 3 seconds after closing).

Fix 4: Use the Keyless Start Backup

If your key is detected intermittently or has a flat battery, you can use the emergency backup method to start the car:

Get inside the car (use the emergency blade key in the driver’s door if needed)
Hold the key fob with buttons facing downwards against the underside of the dashboard, to the left of the steering column (this is where the Immobiliser Antenna Unit is located)
While holding the key in position, press the brake pedal and push the Start button

This uses inductive charging to read the key’s transponder even if the fob battery is completely flat. It’s a temporary solution — you should still get the underlying issue diagnosed.

When You Need Professional Help

If the DIY fixes above haven’t solved your problem, you’re dealing with a more serious issue that requires diagnostic equipment and specialist knowledge. You should seek professional help if:

Both keys have stopped working simultaneously
The fuse and battery reset methods didn’t help
You’re seeing other electrical warning lights on the dashboard
The problem occurs with a brand new battery in the key
You need a replacement key programmed

Main Dealer vs Independent Specialist: What’s the Difference?

Service	Main Dealer	AutoKeyz
Spare Key (with working key)	£300–500	£200–350
All Keys Lost	£700–1,500+	£400–800
KVM Replacement	£1,200–2,000	£600–1,000
Wait Time	1–4 weeks	Same day / next day
Mobile Service	No — vehicle must be brought in	Yes — we come to you

Prices are indicative and vary by vehicle age, model variant, and specific fault.

Why Choose AutoKeyz for Your Evoque Key Problems?

JLR specialists: We work exclusively on Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. Your Evoque isn’t just “another car” to us.
Dealer-level diagnostics: We use genuine JLR diagnostic equipment (SDD/Pathfinder) to properly diagnose and fix issues — not generic tools that miss problems.
Mobile service: We come to you anywhere in Kent, London, Essex, East Sussex, West Sussex, Berkshire, and surrounding areas. No towing required.
Same-day service: Most key issues are resolved the same day you call. No weeks of waiting.
12-month guarantee: All our work is backed by a 12-month guarantee for your peace of mind.
Transparent pricing: We’ll give you a clear quote before any work begins. No hidden fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program a new Evoque key myself?

No. Unlike some older vehicles, Range Rover Evoque keys require specialist diagnostic equipment to program. The KVM security means DIY programming is not possible. Additionally, from 2015 onwards, many KVMs are “locked” and require specific dealer-level tools to access.

My key was working fine yesterday. Why has it suddenly stopped?

Sudden key failures are usually caused by either a dying battery (which can fail without warning) or a software glitch. Try the fuse reset method first. If that doesn’t work, the KVM or an antenna may have developed a fault.

Is it safe to drive if my key is only detected intermittently?

You can drive, but you risk getting stranded. If the key isn’t detected while the engine is running, the car will continue to run — but once you switch off, you may not be able to restart. Get it checked as soon as possible.

Why does my key work fine at home but not in certain car parks?

RF interference. Supermarket car parks, airports, and areas with lots of wireless equipment can interfere with key signals. If this happens regularly, try keeping your key away from your smartphone and in a separate pocket.

Can I get a cheaper aftermarket key?

For Evoque, we strongly recommend genuine or OEM-quality keys. Cheap aftermarket keys often have shorter range, reduced battery life, and may not support the Emergency Start feature that lets you start the car even with a flat key battery.