Whys doesn't my key turn on the engine?

[Deleted User]

Heya

I drive a 2011 Ford Fiesta. I was turning the key as normal and the key flip just came apart. I managed to put it back together but the engine won't start. Work perfectly fine with the other key.

The case broke again so I tried it with just the metal piece. Same thing, turns on the electrics but engine doesn't start. Any ideas? 

Also, I can see some blank keys for £50 or so. Can I get it cut at any locksmith shop? 

Alanp

The transponder in the key has probably broken so it won’t detect you trying to start it, I think you will be able to get a new key programmed by someone like timpsons, 

400ixl

Is the transponder chip still in the fob which came apart. Many cars use transponders to switch off the immobiliser which could be why the electrics come on but it won't start as the immobiliser has not been de-activated.

Rodders53

The immobiliser transponder chip in the key flip part has probably been damaged or may even have fallen out when it fell to pieces? 
It communicates with the car electronics via a sensor near where the key goes in.

Auto locksmith or Dealer for a new one and its programming, I believe.   Unless you can find all the bits of the damaged fob and repair it?

Grumpy_chap

Is the battery good in the key that won't work?  Can you swap the battery from the working key to check?

400ixl

Grumpy_chap said:

Is the battery good in the key that won't work?  Can you swap the battery from the working key to check?

Good point, made the assumption it has unlocked the doors, but may not be the case. Usually the transponder doesn't need a battery as the powered coil is in the car.

Grumpy_chap

400ixl said:

Grumpy_chap said:

Is the battery good in the key that won't work?  Can you swap the battery from the working key to check?

Good point, made the assumption it has unlocked the doors, but may not be the case. Usually the transponder doesn't need a battery as the powered coil is in the car.

On both my 2007 Focus and my wife's 2016 Fiesta we have had experiences where the key will open the door (after a few tries) but not start the car.  The issue has been resolved by a new battery.

Grey_Critic

The lock can be operned mechanically with the key - Get a flat battery and that is the only way to get into the car - unless you have a brick handy

angrycrow

The flip key consists of three separate system.

Part 1 in the body of the key is the fob for the central locking and alarm if fitted. It does nothing to start the engine.

Part 2 the physical key blade, it opens the physical lock on the car and turns the ignition barrel.

Part 3 is the immobiliser transponder chip. When placed next to the ignition barrel it tells the car to turn the immobiliser off. Some look like a glass tube about the size of a grain of rice, others are sealed in plastic about the size of a little finger nail. The glass ones are very fragile.

I suspect either you are trying to use just the key blade on its own or the immobiliser transponder has fallen out. If you find all the parts and put the key back together it may work. 

Worst case is that you have broken the transponder chip in which case getting a new key programmed is the only answer. 

diystarter7

Have you tried rubbing the key under the steering column? About 20 years ago we rented a tail-lift van and to get it started we had to do the rubbing for about 10 seconds.

Bigwheels1111

My friends key broke, he is very tight.
He removed the steering cowling and put the transponder in the cowling and put it back together.
Just used the key blade to start the car.
Sold the car 5 years later never fixing it.