A flat or disconnected battery is a very common reason why your Kia Picanto no longer recognises the key. As a result, reprogramming at the dealer is often necessary. This problem regularly occurs after a battery change or work on the car. Find out why this happens and how to fix it.
If you walk to your car in the morning and the Kia Picanto shows the message ‘key not present’ on the dashboard, you immediately recognise the problem many owners struggle with. The keyless entry system – a system that allows you to unlock and start the car without a physical key in the ignition – regularly loses its connection with the key, especially on models with a start/stop button. The start/stop button is the button you use to start and stop the engine instead of a traditional key barrel. This shows up as key warning lights on, a car that will not start or doors that do not respond to the remote control.
On the Picanto this problem occurs on both older and newer generations. Modern keys contain a transponder chip, a chip in the key that sends a signal to the car for recognition. This chip must be recognised by the car before it will start. When this communication is disrupted by a flat battery, software update or internal damage, a new key battery does not always help.
Why does the Kia Picanto not recognise the key after a flat battery?
The battery in your car runs flat or is disconnected. Many Picanto models then lose the stored link with the keyless entry system. This is because the car temporarily loses all electrical connections. The programmed key recognition can then also be erased.
You replace the battery or recharge it. After that the key needs to be read into the system again.
This problem also occurs after work on the car. The battery will then have been disconnected. Think of repairs to the electrical system or having a new key made. In that case the car does register that there is a key nearby. However, it can no longer be linked to the starting system. The result is that the engine will not crank, even if the key still works to lock and unlock the doors.
‘ If the spare key does not work either, the problem lies with the car and reprogramming is necessary. ’
Quick fixes you can try yourself
Before you go to a specialist, there are a few practical steps you can try yourself. These solutions work in a large number of cases and do not cost any money.
Check and replace the key battery
Open the key by carefully unclipping the plastic cover. Check whether the battery still has enough voltage. Replace it with a new battery of the same type. In 70 to 80 per cent of cases this solves the problem, especially when the remote control no longer responds when locking or unlocking the doors.
Use the special spot for keyless keys
Many Picanto models with keyless entry have a specific spot where you can hold the key to strengthen the signal. This spot is often near the ignition barrel or the start button. Check the owner’s manual for the exact location on your model.
Place the key on this spot. Then try to start the car. This method helps when the key battery is almost flat but still has just enough power.
Test the spare key
Check whether the spare key is recognised. This helps determine whether the problem lies with the main key or with the system in the car itself. If the spare key does work, the battery or transponder chip in the main key is probably faulty. If the spare key does not work either, the problem lies with the car and reprogramming is necessary.
Reset key recognition
On some Picanto models you can try a reset. Place the key in the ignition. Hold it in the ‘on’ position for 10 to 30 seconds. Do not start the engine. This can restore communication between the key and the car.
If necessary, follow model-specific reset procedures from the manual.
Key not recognised Kia Picanto – solution
The simple solutions do not help. In that case, reprogramming at a Kia dealer or specialised auto key specialist is often the only option. This process involves the dealer linking the key again to the car’s immobiliser system. The immobiliser system is the security system that prevents the car from starting without a valid key. Reprogramming may be needed on all generations of the Picanto, especially models with the KESSY system. The KESSY system is a specific keyless entry and start system from Kia.
The dealer uses special diagnostic software to register the key in the system. Diagnostic software is software used to read the car and programme keys. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Take all the keys you own with you. The system reads in all keys again at the same time.
Keys that are not present during programming will no longer work afterwards.
Common situations that require reprogramming
- After replacing the battery due to a flat or weak battery
- After disconnecting the battery for repairs or maintenance
- After having a new key made
- On keyless entry models after software updates
- When both keys are no longer recognised
Owners report certain findings on forums. This problem occurs more often on keyless models than on older Picantos with a traditional key system. The technology is more sensitive to interference and loses the connection more quickly after a power interruption.
Cost of programming a key for a Kia Picanto
Programming a key at a Kia dealer usually costs between €50 and €100, depending on the region and the dealer network. This amount covers labour time and the use of diagnostic software. Having a completely new key made is more expensive, usually between €150 and €300, because this also includes the cost of the key itself and the transponder chip.
Specialist auto key companies sometimes offer lower rates than official dealers. Do make sure they have access to the correct software for your Picanto model. Not all specialists can programme every keyless entry system. This is especially true for newer models.
Avoid unnecessary costs
Before you go to the dealer, first try the simple solutions that do not cost any money. Replace the battery in the key. Test the spare key. This can save you a trip to the dealer if the problem turns out to be nothing more than a flat key battery.
Practical tips to prevent it happening again
Keep metal objects such as coins and mobile phones away from the key. These can interfere with the signal. Store the spare key in a different place to the main key. That way you will always have a working key to hand.
Check the key battery regularly. If the remote control responds more slowly than normal, it is time to check the battery.
You replace the car battery or have it replaced. In that case, ask in advance whether the key needs to be programmed again. Some garages do this automatically after a battery replacement. They know about this problem on certain models. This prevents you ending up with a car that will not start later on.
Signs that reprogramming may be needed
- The key still works for opening the doors but not for starting
- The key warning light on the dashboard stays on
- The car regularly shows the message ‘key not present’
- The start button does not respond, even with the key held close by
In the case of recurring problems, owners’ experiences point to possible aerial (antenna) issues in the car itself. The aerial receives the key signal. It can fail, or it may have a bad connection. A Kia specialist can diagnose this with the right equipment.
When professional help is necessary
Never force a bent or damaged key into the lock. This can cause irreparable damage to the lock. If the key is bent or the lock is stuck, have a specialist inspect it.
For mechanical problems, the lock can sometimes be loosened slightly. It can also be lubricated with a special lock spray.
Replacing the battery does not help. The spare key does not help either. In that case, reprogramming is necessary. Do not try to tinker with the electrical system yourself. This can cause damage to the immobiliser.
Replacement keys are available for Picantos of all generations. This also applies to models with KESSY systems. So there is a solution even if you lose both keys.
On the Carnews website you will find much more information about common problems with different car brands and practical maintenance tips. Discover useful articles on electrical systems, key problems and maintenance advice to help you fix minor faults yourself.