Key Fob not detected message

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I leased a 2026 Equinox LT in March. Two weeks in I was driving and a message popped up, as I was driving, that warned me that no key fob was detected and I had one more start and that the car would turn off in 1 minute. The car did not stop and the message reappeared in a number of days. Took to dealership- nothing found. Each time it came on I took a picture , and took it in to be checked. After the 4th time, they took it and had it for 3 weeks . GM asked if I ever carried both fobs at the same time when it happened. Did I have a fob cover on? Did I ever carry electronics in the car ( only my phone) and did it happen at the same spot ( no) . They then said it couldn't be replicated and I picked it up. 3 starts, and within 90 minutes, the message came back. Took it right back. I know it does not stop the car- yet-but not confident it won't. Has anyone else had this issue or any ideas? So far it's lived longer at the dealers than at my house.

 

[Chevy Ecotec]

This might sound like a stupid question, but are you able to replicate the problem with either FOB? I don't mean having them both in the vehicle.

 

[2025 Red Equinox]

I leased a 2026 Equinox LT in March. Two weeks in I was driving and a message popped up, as I was driving, that warned me that no key fob was detected and I had one more start and that the car would turn off in 1 minute. The car did not stop and the message reappeared in a number of days. Took to dealership- nothing found. Each time it came on I took a picture , and took it in to be checked. After the 4th time, they took it and had it for 3 weeks . GM asked if I ever carried both fobs at the same time when it happened. Did I have a fob cover on? Did I ever carry electronics in the car ( only my phone) and did it happen at the same spot ( no) . They then said it couldn't be replicated and I picked it up. 3 starts, and within 90 minutes, the message came back. Took it right back. I know it does not stop the car- yet-but not confident it won't. Has anyone else had this issue or any ideas? So far it's lived longer at the dealers than at my house. View attachment 3666

You should research the vehicle lemon law in your state and if your vehicle qualifies, contact an attorney and proceed with a replacement vehicle.

https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/protect-yourself/consumer-alerts/auto/lemon-law

 

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I am looking into it. I believe more people are having the issue because when I got my new purchase survey form and chose the category about warning lights it ( no key fob detected) was listed as an option to choose.

 

[CocoaJeff]

This might be a stupid question as well, but have you replaced the battery in the fob?

 

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Yes in both fobs and it happens with both fobs. Asking them to try replacing or reprogramming to see if the fobs are defective. Seems to me that would be the first thing to rule out.

 

[Chevy Ecotec]

Yes in both fobs and it happens with both fobs. Asking them to try replacing or reprogramming to see if the fobs are defective. Seems to me that would be the first thing to rule out.

Sounds more like a sensor issue if both FOBS are having detection issues while driving

Do the lights come on when you approach the vehicle with your FOB?

 

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Sounds more like a sensor issue if both FOBS are having detection issues while driving

Do the lights come on when you approach the vehicle with your FOB?

I'm not sure- I have only driven it 1,000 miles and it has been at the dealer for almost a month. When I picked it up "fixed" last week, I did notice that when my son was waiting in the car and I came out of the house the car beeped and locked the doors. This was after the message appeared and I took it back the same day I took it home.

 

[LewL]

We had a different problem with our 2025 RS. But so deeply ingrained in the vehicles electronics the the dealer could not fix it after many weeks in thier shop. Looked well into the lemon laws of our state also. The GM factory finally sent 2 electrical specialists ( other 2025 cars also) and they finally fixed our car.
Good luck with your '26. Your dealer may need assistance above his pay grade. Demand It!!

 

[tem3]

I have owned many vehicles in the past with key fobs. I have had to change the key fob batteries after several years. My 2025 Equinox Activ has had the low key fob battery message pop up twice in far less than a year of ownership. So the key fob is on it's third battery. Why? Is this normal?