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2024 Hyundai Palisade Key Fob Not Working: Quick Fixes, Causes, and Next Steps

If your 2024 Hyundai Palisade key fob suddenly won’t lock/unlock or the vehicle won’t recognize it, the cause is often a weak battery, interference, or a fob/vehicle communication issue. The good news: you can usually get back in and start the SUV using built-in backup methods, then decide on the best repair path.

Understanding Your Situation

The Palisade’s smart key (keyless entry and push-button start) relies on a small battery and a short-range radio signal. When the battery is low, the signal is blocked by interference, or the fob/vehicle has a fault, the car may not respond to button presses or may display “Key not detected.”

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Try the simplest reset: stand next to the driver’s door, press LOCK then UNLOCK on the fob, and try again. If it’s intermittent, move away from other electronics (phones, laptops, chargers) and try a different location.
  2. Replace the key fob battery (commonly a CR2032 coin cell on many Hyundai smart keys). Install with correct polarity, avoid touching both sides of the new battery with bare fingers, then test lock/unlock and remote start (if equipped).
  3. Use the backup methods: use the mechanical key inside the fob to unlock the driver’s door, then start the vehicle by holding the fob against the push-button START (or the designated start recognition area) while pressing the brake and START.

Your Options

Replace the key fob battery (DIY)

Cost: $3-$15 Time: Same day

Open the fob case, swap in a new coin-cell battery (often CR2032), reassemble, and test all functions. This fixes most sudden failures and intermittent range issues.

âś“ Pros:
  • Fast and inexpensive
  • Often resolves weak signal, short range, and “Key not detected” issues
âś— Cons:
  • Wrong battery type/polarity can cause no change
  • A damaged fob or vehicle-side issue won’t be fixed by a battery

Use the mechanical key + emergency start procedure

Cost: $0 Time: Same day

Use the hidden mechanical key to unlock the door, then start by placing/holding the fob at the START button recognition point so the vehicle can read it even if the fob battery is weak.

âś“ Pros:
  • Gets you back in and driving even with a weak fob battery
  • No tools or parts required
âś— Cons:
  • Not a permanent fix if the battery/fob is failing
  • Alarm may sound briefly when unlocking mechanically (normal on some vehicles)

Test your spare key fob and isolate the problem

Cost: $0 Time: Same day

Try the second fob (if you have one). If the spare works, your primary fob likely needs a battery or replacement. If neither works, the issue may be the vehicle receiver, a blown fuse, or interference.

âś“ Pros:
  • Quickly narrows down whether the issue is the fob or the vehicle
  • Helps avoid unnecessary parts purchases
âś— Cons:
  • Not possible if you only have one fob
  • Doesn’t fix the underlying problem by itself

Have a locksmith diagnose/replace and program a smart key

Cost: $200-$450 Time: Same day / 1-3 days

An automotive locksmith can test the fob output, confirm the correct key type, cut an emergency key blade (if needed), and program a replacement smart key to your Palisade.

âś“ Pros:
  • Often faster than a dealer appointment
  • Mobile service may come to you
âś— Cons:
  • Not all locksmiths can program late-model Hyundai smart keys
  • Aftermarket fobs vary in quality

Dealer diagnosis and OEM key replacement/programming

Cost: $250-$600 Time: 1-3 days / 3-7 days

A Hyundai dealer can check for receiver/module issues, verify recalls/service campaigns, and supply/program an OEM smart key. Best choice if you suspect a vehicle-side fault or want OEM parts.

âś“ Pros:
  • OEM parts and factory programming
  • Best for vehicle communication/module faults and warranty coverage
âś— Cons:
  • Usually the most expensive route
  • May require towing if the vehicle can’t be started and you can’t use the backup procedure

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t repeatedly force the fob case open with a knife or screwdriver in a way that cracks the housing or damages the internal circuit board—use the correct pry point and gentle pressure.

✕ Don’t use a battery with the wrong size/chemistry or install it upside down; also avoid “no-name” batteries that may be weak out of the package.

✕ Don’t leave the key fob inside the vehicle while troubleshooting (or in the cargo area) and then lock the doors—keep a door open or keep the mechanical key in hand to prevent lockouts.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming key is broken
  • Not checking battery first
  • Calling tow truck immediately
  • Replacing when reprogramming needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start my 2024 Palisade if it says “Key not detected”?

Use the mechanical key to get in if needed, then hold the fob against/near the push-button START (the vehicle can read the transponder at very close range) while pressing the brake and START. This is designed to work even with a weak fob battery.

If the fob buttons don’t work, does that mean the car battery is dead?

Not always. A dead or weak fob battery is more common. If the interior lights are dim, the vehicle won’t power on, or you hear rapid clicking, the 12V battery may be low. If the car powers up normally but won’t respond to the fob at distance, suspect the fob battery or interference first.

Why does my key fob work sometimes and not others?

Intermittent operation is typically caused by a weakening coin-cell battery, radio interference (parking garages, airports, dense electronics), or a failing fob button/contact. Replacing the battery is the first step; if the issue persists, have the fob tested.

Do I need to reprogram the key fob after changing the battery?

Usually no. A battery change should not erase programming on Hyundai smart keys. If the fob still doesn’t work after a fresh battery, the fob may be damaged or the vehicle may have a receiver/communication issue.

Can a 2024 Palisade smart key be replaced by a locksmith, or do I need the dealer?

Many automotive locksmiths can replace and program smart keys, but capability varies by equipment and key type. If you want guaranteed OEM parts, suspect a vehicle-side problem, or need warranty-related documentation, the dealer is often the better choice.

⏱️ Urgency Note: If you’re stranded, can’t unlock the vehicle, or the Palisade won’t start even using the close-range/backup start method, treat it as urgent—use roadside assistance or a qualified locksmith/dealer. If the fob works intermittently, replace the battery soon to reduce the risk of a no-start situation.

Related Information

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Last updated: 2026-01-04