There is a sinking feeling every Range Rover owner knows: patted your pockets, checked the bag, retraced your steps… and the key is gone.
If you drive a Range Rover, specifically models from 2015 onwards (Evoque, Sport, Velar, or Vogue), losing a key isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be a massive financial headache. Your first instinct might be to call the main dealer. Here is why you might want to reconsider.
The Dealer Delay Range Rover dealerships rarely keep replacement keys in stock. They typically have to order them from the factory, which can take anywhere from 5 to 10 working days. If this is your only car, that is a week off the road.
The “Module” Myth Often, a dealership will tell you that because you have lost all keys, the vehicle’s KVM (Key Vehicle Module) is now “locked” and needs to be replaced entirely along with the new keys. This can push the bill from hundreds into the thousands.
The Auto Locksmith Advantage At GDM Auto Keys, we use specialist diagnostic software that rivals (and often exceeds) dealer capabilities.
- No Wait Times: We carry Range Rover stock. We can cut and program a new key on the roadside the same day.
- Module Saving: In 90% of cases, we can interface with your existing KVM unit to program a new key without replacing the expensive hardware.
- Mobile Service: We come to you. You don’t need to pay for a recovery truck to drag your locked 4×4 to a garage.
Don’t let a lost key keep your Land Rover off the road. Call us for a quote before you commit to dealer prices.
Range Rover Theft: What is a “Relay Attack” and How Do You Stop It?
You have seen the news headlines. Range Rovers are currently some of the most targeted vehicles in the UK. But thieves aren’t smashing windows or hot-wiring ignitions anymore. They are using technology against you.
What is a Relay Attack? Modern Range Rovers use “Keyless Entry” (Passive Entry). Your key is constantly broadcasting a low-frequency signal looking for the car.
- The Scanner: One thief stands near your house with a signal amplifier. It picks up the signal from your key (even if it’s inside your hallway).
- The Transmitter: This signal is boosted and sent to a second thief standing next to your car.
- The Trick: The car thinks the key is right next to the door. It unlocks, and the start button works instantly.
The whole process takes less than 60 seconds.
How to Protect Your Vehicle You don’t need to sell your car; you just need to be smart about key management.
- Faraday Pouches: These cheap, signal-blocking bags are essential. When you walk in the door, drop your key in the pouch. It stops the signal dead.
- Disable Keyless Entry: Did you know we can reprogram your vehicle configuration? We can disable the “passive entry” feature so the car only opens when you physically press the button on the fob. It’s slightly less convenient, but infinitely safer.
- Ghost Immobilisers: For the ultimate security, ask us about aftermarket immobilisers that require a pin code sequence on your steering wheel before the engine will start.
Range Rovers are incredible machines—keep yours on your driveway where it belongs.
Range Rover Key Not Recognized? It Might Not Be the Battery
You press the unlock button. Nothing. You try the emergency blade to get in, hold the key against the steering column, and press Start. The dashboard displays the dreaded message: “Smart Key Not Found.”
Before you run to the shop for a new CR2032 battery, you need to know about a common fault specific to Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles.
The KVM Failure The Key Vehicle Module (KVM) is the computer responsible for talking to your keys. In models ranging from the Discovery Sport to the Vogue, these units are prone to software corruption or hardware failure.
If you have changed your key battery and the car still won’t start, or if your central locking works but the ignition won’t turn on, your KVM may have failed or gone “out of sync.”
Can It Be Fixed? A general mechanic will often tell you to buy a new key. If the KVM is the issue, a new key won’t work. At GDM Auto Keys, we can plug directly into the vehicle’s CAN-bus network to diagnose the issue.
- Resync: Sometimes the module just needs a “handshake” reset with the keys.
- Reprogram: We can wipe corrupt data and re-code the module.
- Replace: If the unit is fried, we can source and code a replacement unit cheaper than the main dealer.
If your Range Rover is ignoring you, don’t force it. Call the experts to diagnose the real problem.
5 Catchy Bonus Headlines (For future posts)
- 2018+ Range Rover Keys: Why The “Ultra Wide Band” Tech Makes Them Harder to Copy (But We Can Do It).
- Locked Keys in Boot? Why Range Rover Deadlocks Make This Tricky (And How We Open Them).
- Buying a Used Range Rover? Why You Must Delete The Old Keys From Memory Immediately.
- Ford vs. Land Rover Keys: Why Your Transit Key Might Look Just Like a Range Rover Fob.
- Emergency Start: How to Start Your Evoque When the Key Fob Battery is Dead.
